FIRST flush rain water divert-er system

[davefrommd]

I installed a first flush rain water divert-er system, when it first rains contaminates are first diverted away, as a plastic ball inside the 4" pvc pipe raises to the top it seals causing the rain water to go directly into the 275 gallon storage tank which goes to the garden. this system resets after each rain fall. My garden has 5 separate zones. each zone waters the plants with natural rain water automatically. zone one has 11 vegetable plants, zone 2 has 9 vegetable plants, zone 3 has 9 vegetable plants, zone 4 has 9 vegetable plants, and zone 5 has 9 vegetable plants all watered automatically with natural rain water. There are a total of 47 vegetable plants in this automatic rain watering system. From my experience the plants growing in the 5 gallon buckets are growing faster and bigger then the vegetable plants i have in the ground.

 

[ChanellG]

Great system, @davefrommd! How'd you discover and come to obtain it? Also, which USDA zone are you in?

Isn't it interesting how some plants seem to do better contained? Of course much of their succes has to do with drainage and the fact that you control everything from the soil type to it's moisture and can cater more to a plant's specific needs.

 

[davefrommd]

hi, i live in maryland. i saw all this on youtube. i tried growing in the buckets for the first time last year using 1/2" hose going to each bucket, this year i am trying the 4" x 10' pvc pipe four of them which comes out to 36 more plants. i am trying to see which system is better and more trouble free, i noticed the rubber grommets where the water hose connects through where slightly dry rotted from last year but still usable probably for one more season.

 

[ChanellG]

I like the diverter system that filters the first rainwater. Dirt and debris on the roof are definitely an issue. We have a metal shed in the yard that I've been thinking of connecting a system to, since I could (somewhat) easily clean the roof off, and the house roof has asbestos shingles.

 

[superbobby]

Can you share the youtube link? I would love to learn more about this.

 

[Pat]

Great system, all the rain we got last night should have your system full of water.

 

[davefrommd]

Can you share the youtube link? I would love to learn more about this.

search first flush water diverter, you can save money and buy the parts from lowes home depot. if you need more help let me know.

 

[davefrommd]

Great system, all the rain we got last night should have your system full of water.

hi, yes my 275 gallon tank was half empty, now it should be full. i am going to make a empty full rain water gauge for the water tank. i will post pictures when finished.