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Offgrid Living

Living off the land means you survive only by the resources that can be harvested from the land you own. So, think food, water & power.

Offgrid Living – The Nicholson House: We are living off the grid! This 1200 sq. foot house was built in 1997. Concrete floor with open floor plan 2 Bedrooms, 1 bath, carport, with 200 sq. foot workshop Propane for hotwater and stove. Appliances included Solar for electric Rain water harvesting with two 1500 gallon tanks. Case-study: http://rwh.in/offgrid.htm

Coming up the driveway
Coming up the drive way
Front porch-"D" doing what she does best.
Front porch-“D” doing what she does best.

Off-the-grid or off-grid is a characteristic of buildings and a lifestyle designed in an independent manner without reliance on one or more public utilities.

The porch goes all the way around the house as the next four pictures show. This one is the front of the house.
The porch goes all the way around the house as the next four pictures show.
This one is the front of the house.
Front Porch – Another View
Side Porch – 1
Side Porch – 2

Side Porch
Side view of yard and carport/workshop.

Off-the-grid living allows for buildings and people to be self-sufficient, which is advantageous in isolated locations where normal utilities cannot reach and is attractive to those who want to reduce environmental impact and cost of living.

The carport is constructed with 2 x 4 metal studs and insulated. Rainwater is also harvested from this roof.
The carport is constructed with 2 x 4 metal studs and insulated. Rainwater is also harvested from this roof.

The term “off-the-grid” traditionally refers to not being connected to the electrical grid, but can also include other utilities like water, gas, and sewer systems, and can scale from residential homes to small communities. The term off-the-grid (OTG) can refer to living in a self-sufficient manner without reliance on one or more public utilities. People who adopt this lifestyle are called off-gridders.

Side of house that faces the driveway. Pictured is "Henry" who was left behind and loves to hang there. He was too scared to be captured by the old owners, so they had to leave him behind. He can't be touched but does follow us around as we walk the property. He eats our food and by barking at the coyotes keeps them away. He gets along with our two dogs and instead of sleeping in the dog house that was left behind he sleeps on the hay in front of it.
Side of house that faces the driveway. Pictured is “Henry” who was left behind and loves to hang there. He was too scared to be captured by the old owners, so they had to leave him behind. He can’t be touched but does follow us around as we walk the property. He eats our food and by barking at the coyotes keeps them away. He gets along with our two dogs and instead of sleeping in the dog house that was left behind he sleeps on the hay in front of it.
Kitchen and dining area.
Kitchen and dining area. Generally, an off-grid building must be able to supply energy and potable water for itself, as well as manage food, waste and wastewater.
Living Room with wood stove. This little stove is all the heat that is needed for an Arizona winter. It takes the chill out of the air, and with the strawbale construction the heat is retained nicely.
Living Room with wood stove. This little stove is all the heat that is needed for an Arizona winter. It takes the chill out of the air, and with the strawbale construction the heat is retained nicely.
Front door on right, hallway toward bedrooms on left.
Front door on right, hallway toward bedrooms on left.
Bathroom
Bathroom
Hallway from bath. Portia on her favorite windowsill. The windowsills are two feet deep.
Hallway from bath. Portia on her favorite windowsill. The windowsills are two feet deep.
Main bedroom-the hang out for Sundance and Cheyanne. Approx. 13x13

Main bedroom-the hang out for Sundance and Cheyanne.
Approx. 13×13.
The second bedroom is our computer room. Approx. 11x13.
The second bedroom is our computer room. Approx. 11×13.
Two tanks that collect the water from the roof of the house and carport.
Two tanks that collect the water from the roof of the house and carport.
Solar panel that supplies the electricity for the house. Batteries store power for night time and cloudy days. The solar panel tracks (moves) with the sun.
Solar panel that supplies the electricity for the house. Batteries store power for night time and cloudy days. The solar panel tracks (moves) with the sun.

Further readings
(1) Case-study: http://rwh.in/offgrid.htm
(2) Documentary: https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-scotland-59174870
(3) Reference: https://gokcecapital.com/off-grid-living/
(4) Offgrid living by Masai family https://youtu.be/TEBelPUM8tA

Last updated on 29-November-2023.

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Posts

The Different Components of a Rainwater Harvesting System

A rainwater harvesting system consists of a catchment surface (like a roof) to collect rain, conveyance components (gutters, downspouts, and pipes) to transport it, leaf screens and first-flush diverters to remove debris, filters for further purification, storage tanks to hold water, and pumps with pressure tanks for distribution, culminating in treatment and disinfection for potable uses.

Basic components of rainwater system: Regardless of the complexity of the system, the domestic rainwater harvesting system comprises six basic components:

The Different Components of a Rainwater System.
Source: http://www.rwh.in/blueprint.htm
  1. Catchment surface: the collection surface from which rainfall runs off.
  2. Gutters and downspouts: channel water from the roof to the tank.
  3. Leaf screens, first-flush diverters, and roof washers: components which remove debris and dust from the captured rainwater before it goes to the tank.
  4. One or more storage tanks, also called cisterns.
  5. Delivery system: gravity-fed or pumped to the end use.
  6. Treatment/purification: for potable systems, filters and other methods to make the water safe to drink.

Download “The Texas Manual on Rainwater harvesting” from the link below:

rainwaterharvestingmanual_3rdeditionDownload

Chapter 2 – Rainwater Harvesting System Components…. 5
Topic 2.0 Basic Components …………………………………. 5
Topic 2.1 The Catchment Surface………………………………5
Topic 2.2 Gutters and Downspouts…………………………… 6
Topic 2.3 Leaf Screens………………………………………… 7
Topic 2.4 First-Flush Diverters …………………………………8
Topic 2.5 Roof Washers…………………………………………10
Topic 2.6 Storage Tanks…………………………………………10
Topic 2.7 Pressure Tanks and Pumps……………………………16
Topic 2.8 Treatment and Disinfection Equipment……………… 17

Read More:

  1. Rainwater Blog Sitemap: https://rainwater.blog/sitemap/
  2. Centre for Disease Control & Prevention: Rainwater Collection:
    Cisterns can provide safe water for many uses, but do not assume rainwater is safe to drink >> https://www.cdc.gov/healthywater/drinking/private/rainwater-collection.html
  3. Rainwater Harvesting and Purification System: http://www.rwh.in/
  4. Rainwater Collection – Basic Components of a Rainwater Storage System : https://wrrc.arizona.edu/sites/wrrc.arizona.edu/files/UA%20Cochise%20Cty%20Extension_Rainwater%20Collection-%20Basic%20Components%20of%20a%20RW%20Storage%20System.pdf

Where to buy the different components of Rainwater Harvesting System:

  1. UK Shopping: https://plasticcentre.co.uk/the-different-components-of-a-rainwater-system/
  2. US Shopping: https://gardenwatersaver.com/


Last updated on 08-November-2025.

Categories
Posts TapWater

Damning analysis discovers US tap water is a ‘cocktail of chemicals’

Tap water across the US is riddled with chemical contaminants and even radioactive material, a new study has shown, with the situation complicated by outdated safety standards.

The worrying state of American tap water was highlighted in recent analysis by the Environmental Working Group (EWG), a non-profit organization based in Washington, DC that has maintained a database of drinking-water contaminants across the country since 2014.

Hazardous chemicals, including pesticides and radioactive materials, are “often found in drinking water at potentially unsafe levels, particularly in low-income and underserved communities,” it said in a press release.

“When some Americans drink a glass of tap water, they’re also potentially getting a dose of industrial or agricultural contaminants linked to cancer, brain and nervous system damage, fertility problems, hormone disruption, and other health harms.”

For too many Americans, turning on their faucets for a glass of water is like pouring a cocktail of chemicals.

More than 50 new pollutants have been identified in water supplies, with the main culprits behind the increase being perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances. This class of substances, commonly referred to as ‘forever chemicals,’ due to their stability and slow breakdown process, are widely used across multiple industries.

For more information on “Damning analysis discovers US tap water is a ‘cocktail of chemicals’” visit site https://www.rt.com/usa/539303-tap-water-pollution-radioactive/

Categories
Posts

So Just How Much Rain Can I Collect?

The amount of rainfall that you can collect is governed by the following formula:

Easy to Remember Formula:

1″ of rain x 1 sq. ft. = 0.623 gallons.

1″ of rain x 100 sq. ft. = 62.3 gallons.

1″ of rain x 1000 sq. ft. = 623 gallons.

To calculate the amount of rainwater you can collect, you need to know your annual average precipitation for your area. You can use the precipitation map below to find an approximate amount for your area.

rainwaterharvestingmanual_3rdeditionDownload
rainwaterharvestingmanual_2ndeditionDownload

Sitemap & Additional Resources: http://www.rwh.in/sitemap.htm .

Rainfall Data of US/UK/Australia
US : https://www.usclimatedata.com/
UK : https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/research/climate/maps-and-data
Australia : http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/cdo/about/cdo-rainfall-feature.shtml

Blog: https://rainwater.blog/sitemap/

Last updated on 29-Sep-2025.

Categories
Posts TexasManual

Different Components of Rainwater Harvesting System

Source: Typical rainwater harvesting installation: Blueprint: http://www.rwh.in/rainwatr/rain414.gif
Different Components of Rainwater Harvesting System

Basic Components: Regardless of the complexity of the system, the domestic rainwater harvesting system comprises six basic components:

#1 Catchment surface: the collection surface from which rainfall runs off
#2 Gutters and downspouts: channel water from the roof to the tank
#3 Leaf screens, first-flush diverters, and roof washers: components which remove debris and dust from the captured rainwater before it goes to the tank
#4 One or more storage tanks, also called cisterns
#5 Delivery system: gravity-fed or pumped to the end use
#6 Treatment/purification: for potable systems, filters and other methods to make the water safe to drink.

Homepage: http://www.rwh.in/
Rainwater harvesting is the capture, diversion, and storage of rainwater for a number of different purposes including landscape irrigation, drinking and domestic use, aquifer recharge, and stormwater abatement.

In a residential or small-scale application, rainwater harvesting can be as simple as channeling rain running off an unguttered roof to a planted landscape area via contoured landscape. To prevent erosion on sloped surfaces, a bermed concave holding area down slope can store water for direct use by turf grass or plants. More complex systems include gutters, pipes, storage tanks or cisterns, filtering, pump(s), and water treatment for potable use.

This blog focuses on residential or small-scale commercial systems, for both irrigation and potable use. Further reading: http://www.rwh.in/RainwaterHarvestingManual_3rdedition.pdf
Chapter-2: Rainwater Harvesting System Components.

The local health department and city building code officer should be consulted concerning safe, sanitary operations and construction of these systems.

http://www.rwh.in/RainwaterHarvestingManual_3rdedition.pdf
rainwaterharvestingmanual_3rdedition-1Download

Sources:
1. The Texas Manual on Rainwater Harvesting: Chapter-2. http://www.rwh.in/RainwaterHarvestingManual_3rdedition.pdf
2. Blueprint of Components of Rainwater Harvesting System: http://www.rwh.in/rainwatr/rain414.gif
3. Rainwater Harvesting Purification System: http://www.rwh.in
4. Sitemap of Rainwater Harvesting System: http://www.rwh.in/sitemap.htm
5. Offgrid Living / Living Offgrid:
http://www.rwh.in/offgrid.htm
6. Rainwater & Offgrid Living Blogs:
https://rainwater.blog sitemap/

Last updated on 11-November-2023.