5,700 Gallons of RAINWATER STORAGE at the Homestead! 💦💦💦

A huge thank you to Brook and her team from catchingh2o.com/ as well as the Sweetwater Authority for the grants to help fund this urban water capture project!
00:00 - Intro
00:12 - 5000 Gallon Cistern
00:28 - Tank Site Choices
01:07 - Dropping Tank
01:34 - Bringing Water to Tank
02:41 - Front Yard Update
03:56 - Backyard Shed and Chicken Coop
05:48 - Cistern Setup Overview
06:39 - Cistern Overflow System
07:49 - Checking Water Level
08:30 - Collection Capacity and Potential
09:38 - Cost Breakdown
12:26 - Outro
IN THIS VIDEO
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[@epichomesteading]

Any questions on rainwater capture? Let me know and I'll do a Q&A episode.

[@fab9db]

What material is the tank made from? Will exposure to the sun/heat make it leach into the water? Is harvested water safe to drink or only for garden use?

[@lady14bug]

Do you have to deal with any regulations on holding water on your property?

[@dianaanderson6448]

Why so large scale? I live in Lake Elsinore CA and we've only gotten 4 inches this year. We cap at 7 to 8 inches a year total.

[@SavvyLikeThat]

There must be a pump to shift it to the biggest boi, right? I may have missed it (Toddler was climbing on me), but all I picked up was there was a graded decline to the big cistern.

[@sosha20]

why not keep the old cistern for the chicken coop? they can drink rain water right? maybe you have to filter it a few times idk but that takes care of their h2o intake

[@ellenkuang8853]

The cost breakdown explanation at the end. Kevin's prepping for a zombie apocalypse pandemic here. LOL. I'm here for it.

[@SuperHank777]

Exactly !!

[@annalynn9325]

After zombie apocalypse, neighbors come over, “We haven’t been looking at that dam thing outside our windows for nothing” 🧟‍♂️💧

[@xXelitegpXx]

Yeah what kind of cost break down was thst ? He didn’t mention how much anything cost really...

[@CyberMachine]

@@xXelitegpXx He was out 2000 and the city paid for 10,000. So it was 12,000...

[@beskamir5977]

Considering the aquifers in the US are getting drained faster than they're replenishing and desalination plants are being built, I'd say he's got the right idea of prepping for a water shortage.

[@BensMusicDojo]

Kevin is so polite when he discusses finances which is quite classy. That being said, as a consumer of lots of gardening and homesteading content, the thing I like most about his channels is that they demonstrate what can be accomplished with a significant amount of money. Sometimes, I will read a comment that hates on the fact that he is spending money on his gardening endeavors, which I find to be completely insane. The guy could have bought a Porsche with his money, maybe even a Ferrari, but instead he has done something completely awesome. That said, a Ferrari would be pretty awesome though, too.

[@epichomesteading]

Yeah I mean I don't think people understand how little I spend money on ANYTHING else, like even my clothes are random things I've had for years or gotten from a brand

[@azgardener79]

Ferrari would be awesome until you need to change the oil :)

[@summerd60]

I think the giant rain barrel needs some artwork! Like a mural with the logo or something!

[@annesimms7356]

Yes! Fabulous idea!

[@jenedge5579]

Exactly what I was thinking. Get a local mural artist out there before you plant and creat barriers around it. Or build a structure that looks like a dwelling and attach a potting shed set up.

[@maggiemanzke7926]

@@jenedge5579 jungle mural!

[@jotaroslegs2345]

I bet he plants lots of plants around it instead.

[@HalfNoodley]

Holy moly $10,000 in grants. How are more people not making the most of that?

[@mrsmoe100]

Part of my job is helping companies apply for grants. Most utilities around the country have grants that go unused. If doing any type of upgrades to your home/land, it can't hurt to reach out to your local utilities to see what grants they have. Could be $50 towards a new toilet/low-flow shower head or thousands as mentioned in this video. I just helped a food processing plant attain a $250, 000 grant for a new compressed air system. The money that is out there going unused is crazy!

[@EricCollyer]

@@mrsmoe100 are you dealing with grants in San Diego? I'd be interested in learning more about these grants but have no idea where to start.

[@EricaD61]

That is crazy! I'd be all over those grants myself🤣

[@rayah_v_dc]

Do you have to be a homeowner to apply for these grants? I am in an organic community garden and know that so many of us would love to be able to have a rainwater reclamation system to share among our plots...

[@Greenskies321]

Most people rent and aren’t wealth land owners *** check your privilege

[@LilDeb]

I just found out my city in Kansas is paying $75 a rain barrel up to 2 rain barrels. Completing my form now.

[@atell5962]

Hey I’m in Kansas care to elaborate? I’m new to all of this.

[@melissam6320]

The transparency is much appreciated. I hope more people take advantage of the grants like you do. Looking forward to your first rain collection! 😁

[@annesimms7356]

I totally agree. I was so appreciative of that info.

[@tyronspaulding7848]

To check the water level you can also just knock on the side of the tank. It's a thud where there is water, and sounds hollow where it's empty

[@kriskisilu]

Kenyan here, (East Africa) just from doing this to check on the house water storage 🤣🤣

[@amandapazherrera8197]

I’m still so impressed by how you’ve improved your property in such a quick timeline. You’re an inspiration Kevin! Thanks for doing what you do and explaining the ins and outs of your journey to an epic homestead!

[@jessicamiller7539]

It's great to see people retrofitting these. We built new in Australia and by law we had to have 20,000 Litres (similar amount to Kevin's 5,700 gallons). I'm also busy planting out as many drought/bushfire resistant species in the landscape as I can. We have to be prepared for dry summers that cycle through every few years when we are not allowed to use water outside, as well as bushfire risks. The only plants I irrigate are potted succulents that are undercover and edibles in the landscape. I can scale down the annual edibles and switch to a small hydroponic set up in dry summers for my leafy greens. The fruit trees need less and less water support as they get established. It's good to see people in other climates also managing their water responsibly.

[@tnlurbanhomestead3109]

We installed three 55 gallon tanks this year and with 1 thunder storm all were filled(was not expecting that). Two of my rain barrels were free, so I 100% agree being honest about the cost to the viewers is very important. Thank you for seeing that point of view as people are starting their gardens and have a very tight budget.

[@tondacooper9205]

And here I was just wanting to get lil barrels for rainwater to water my plants. #goals

[@patiopermaculture3529]

Definitely puts my buckets and totes to shame.

[@peggyhelblingsgardenwhatyo7920]

I bought (2) 40-gallon rain faux rocks in 2008 from ECCO at $99 each. They look like a big rocks with a faucet and blend into my Garden. Today's price has almost doubled along with shipping. 13 years ago people thought I must be crazy. I'm in Windermere, Florida zone 9b and it rains all the time, right? We had rain once so far in May!!!! I ran out of rain water last week and I only use it to cool down my Can-O-Worms (red wigglers) and to water my porch veggies and flowers. I wish that I had purchased 4 rocks back then. Being ahead of the problem is better than chasing after it👩‍🌾👍

[@obiwannabe12]

If you want to connect a splitter to the spigot you can actually permanently affix the tube to the side of the tank to be able to view the water level anytime. We used a similar tool with a floating plastic bead in the tube to measure water level at a glance. Obv in your situation it's not as important to know the exact amount of water at all times but it's an option.

[@tjinnes]

Good tip--but those clear tubes will get algae growth.

[@jbonkerz]

I live up in Ontario, we just had a week of rain, and then a few more days of rain, and we have more rain coming next week. I think we have all the rain.

[@epichomesteading]

Gimme some please!

[@jbonkerz]

@@epichomesteading I will point some fans at the clouds. Hopefully that does the trick.

[@SavvyLikeThat]

I am over in Hastings Ont - can you send some? I am desperate O_o

[@mercury_rising]

I live in the Pacific Northwest on the “wet coast”. We barely ever need to water our garden. Days on days of ☔️ 🙂🇨🇦

[@annesimms7356]

I'm in NJ and we just went 17 days without rain. I know that's nothing for California...

[@bradmaas6875]

Keep in mind as water supplies dwindle the price will go up. Also having water separate from the normal supply is always a good backup

[@stevetuttle5472]

Good job! Granted it is expensive but since you live in a somewhat dryer area it’s certainly worthwhile to invest the money if you are able. Big plus is the quality of the water you can collect.

[@TheBourneHomestead]

We've been waiting for this video!!! Such an awesome project. Having a backup water source is always excellent planning. Is cistern envy a thing? Because we have that. 💦

[@epichomesteading]

Glad you like it!

[@LindsayHaven]

Yes. Thank you for updating us on this and the honesty about the cost. This is so interesting.

[@whitemageFFXI]

I appreciate you being up front and honest about the cost of a system like this :)

[@rockyusa2012]

Great setup. I'll trust rain water over city water any time. Here's to a lot of rain 🌧

[@Jellooze]

a trick is to have a wire or rebar (something metallic) that you lay down by the underground rainwater pipes. That way you can use a pretty cheap metall detector to survey your ground of pipes and stuff before you dig. This is obvisouly only useful if you ever feel that you will start to lose control of where you have all your pipes :)

[@epichomesteading]

Good tip!

[@marshanotbrady3193]

Thank you for the breakdown! Definitely happy you did that and the fun tip on the grant. Can't wait until it does rain again, blessing us with a rainy fall/winter. 👏🏼❤

[@nerdaccount]

Thank you for breaking down the costs! I love the system. I think it also builds in tolerance as community. Droughts are also a thing and I remember in North Carolina when towns ran out of water. If more people were capturing water like this, getting through droughts might be more livable. Even in cities where water use is tremendous.

[@arnoldreiter435]

so glad you included cost. you are right, to many u tubers just blow off the cost of what they do and never consider the viewers. thanks for the details and willingness to share

[@herbivoretothecore2457]

awesomeeee! thank you for the price transparency & letting us know to look out for local grants!!!❤️👍🏻👍🏻

[@bryonyhellis]

I’ve been excited for this one! So interesting and LOVE how it sits right under the new fence level

[@joshuamc96]

You could use that tote for aquaponics if you're interested in trying that. Cut it into 2 uneven halves, the bigger one for holding water and fish, the smaller one you fill with clay balls or shale rock or lava rock (no carbonate compounds in the rocks) to grow plants in. The water gets pumped up to the plants, which the bed will act as a filter, and clean water drains into the basin below. That's the basic minimum way, there's a lot more involved set ups that are even more efficient.

[@littleblackdogsb706]

Great video! Exciting project. I am glad you discovered the grants. I just asked about how much water are able to harvest in San Diego, so I was interested to hear more about your water capturing journey. So relevant in San Diego!

[@roosterillusion1985]

Rain water harvesting is a must where I live in South Africa because the summers are so dry. I've done quite a bit of research on rainwater harvesting and I was wondering why the installers didn't prepare a base for the tank using concrete, sand or crusher dust? My understanding is that this is essential to ensure the tank is level and to prevent stones from penetrating through the tank wall from all the weight.

[@PlantGuild]

Rainwater Harvesting and Composting are two passions of mine. The rainwater harvesting I’m learning more and more. Here in Colorado there is a Water Rights limit of only 110 gallons for a residential home. This video is definitely a pipe dream, but I love it!

[@nonalolagirl]

I don't have a garden or house at all but I absorb every video and will know how to do everything once I have both. I will admit I prefer the homesteading videos since I love home improvement. Thanks for all of the in depth and honest content!

[@deanwinchester6654]

Awesome video, love your money break downs helps figure out if things are doable. Got to hook up my other rain barrel to collect some more water. Using it to water my indoor plants and going to start using the water for the garden.

[@matthysloedolff]

Thanks for the transparency with your channels. Greatly appreciate it. Great and interesting video as always 👍

[@pn7284]

Love everything you're doing here on the new property! So inspiring, hope to do the same some day.

[@ryanissa3353]

Nice Kevin, I can tell you are stoked about that. I LOVE how it is is just hidden behind the fence from the front view for some better curb appeal, its so satisfying for some reason lol. I definitely won't need that bc i live in texas where we get 50 in of rain a year, and the wet season is actually in summer. But I feel your pain since I used to live in Saudi Arabia were some years we didn't even get any rain at all lmao.

[@maggiemanzke7926]

I'm totally with you - collecting the water - rain and gray - will be our small contribution to the planet. It sure doesn't hurt with the water bill savings when you can water from the collection tanks! My little 55-gallon rain barrel will be joined soon by a 100 gallon water bladder (no idea how long that'll last, but it's a cool thing). I get way more rain in coastal Delaware, and I'm trying to convince my family to look into gray water for the sinks and showers. #fingerscrossed. Thanks for sharing the cost - very informative!

[@garden_geek]

I really appreciate your honesty about the cost of a system like this. I live in a super dry part of Cali too... the water struggle is real!

[@sherilynalexnder897]

I live in south FL where we get tons of rain six months a year, and then scanty rains Nov-May. The metro area I live in has outrageously high water/sewer fees. They charge 2x water usage for sewer, and my avg monthly bill is $120. If the systems you installed are able to furnish potable water (via filter system) to the house it would quickly pay for itself in this area.

[@tjinnes]

We just added more tanks to our system. Waiting for it to rain now! Great video, thanks.

[@fry9000]

Good stuff Kevin. A clean water reserve is a great resource!

[@rayannemarlow7227]

That is amazing all the paper work effort that you did to get this system. Thanks much for explaining how you made this happen.

[@anthonyshea5946]

Finally- looks awesome!!! Now I understand a lot more on this.

[@thescottishwildman3245]

In Scotland we'd call that amount of water a swimming pool 😂😂😂😂

[@JonShep93]

I thought you’d call that an average days rain 😂

[@thescottishwildman3245]

@@JonShep93 hahaha, 😂😂 we collect that amount in minutes here. ☔☔☔☔

[@gregorybstewart]

Great presentation of the work! Looks fantastic.

[@dzank9354]

If you were ever interested in nerding out and having constant access to how much water in your storage you could branch that spigot and add a pressure transducer at the bottom. Water height = measured pressure / (density of water*gravity) Then from height you know your volume. Or just permanently add that clear tubing and attach it to the outer wall. That could also potentially give you an idea visually of how clean that water is that’s sitting in there.

[@epichomesteading]

Smart!

[@jerellwatkins230]

Got to love it, you always come on here with good news thanks bro ❤💚🍃

[@DesolatorMagic]

My system - $5 55 gal barrel, $30 spigot conversion kit with diverter, $5 hose (2nd hand). That's it :P

[@rogaineablar5608]

Trench looks a bit shallow, hopefully it won't crack. I'd also fill in the pavers underneath the smaller tank with gravel or something; rats and other critters love those types of places. Looks great though!

[@radiclelife]

The gravel is a good idea, nice point

[@telecasterbear]

Nice. I am in the southwest desert. I put gutters with down spouts, and 4x50 gallon barrels for my first step. I use the catch to water a few citrus trees and a raised bed for veggies.

[@relacionsustentable2319]

dude great video, half of the battle is being prepared and with this addition you are ready to grow

[@mikedonaldson1820]

Can't wait to see you get some rain! You are going to need it seeing the heat ramping up in the west.

[@jabroni860]

Thanks for the cost breakdown at the end Kevin!

[@matthewsherriff-growingfoo3110]

Good work mate, its good to see. Ive been taking your advice with the potato planting i uploaded a short video for my sister to see how easy the no dig method is

[@pascalxus]

I think he should get some kind of water rain capture guiness record, geez.

[@sheba19]

I've been watching for about a year and a half and amazed by the progression. Yeah I follow your on IG too

[@baddriversofcolga]

This is freakin' awesome. I'm interested to see what you do for moving the water around, and I'm looking forward to seeing how much water you can get in the tanks. One thing most people don't consider about water is how much energy it takes to pump it and treat it from the original source to your house. This is a great way to reduce your environmental impact.

[@anthonyca]

Great video. Nice info about the grants.

[@raefaulkner5497]

Excellent, thanks Kevin. I'm going to check out my local council, see if they offer grants for water collection.

[@jennifferhurlburt642]

Rain water is much better for your garden! 💜 I have cistern envy!!!

[@Yamat3]

Appreciate the honesty Kev - keeping it real

[@renestewart604]

I love your videos. You are amazing. Keep them coming.

[@jimmywang1079]

bro... you must be SOOO happy you installed this with all the rain this year. SUUUCH a huge fan of your channel. Would love for you to come visit our 1 acre home food forest

[@FunAtDisney]

Great information and much thanks about being transparent about the costs (although I am getting tired of that word “Transparent”). But it does show that often times there is some sort of rebate or grant that is available if you just look for it.

[@thcherbangardener]

Super jealous of the new homestead hoping I can do the same when I retire

[@wyattderp9719]

I can't wait until the fence video!

[@cindycash1772]

Wow this is quite a system... a fantastic example... just a small system is wonderful n way less $... I will be researching this for my area... thank you for the details n $ info...

[@nonnoziccardy4353]

Outstanding, you are really doing it right👊 Inspiring me my friend!

[@jenniferjsaracino]

Definitely epic, my folks did the grey 25 yrs ago in north county and It could only be the laundry. It did a great job keeping that part of the property looking green year round. Now I live in Vegas and nobody even has gutters.. it’s a weird thing!

[@jeanniemiller4040]

Thankfully your area allows for rainwater collection. This is something anyone needs to consider when looking for property or moving.

[@matthewfarrell317]

Sadly, here in my state in Australia, the grant levels suck, which is surprising considering we are the land of drought and flooding rains lol. I want to set up an IBC system, more so because our area uses chloramines in the drinking water, and I want a better water source for the garden.

[@AlonzoWhite]

I love what you are creating and that you take us along for the ride. Question: Are you aware of any problems storing water in this manner for long stretches of time? i.e. infestation, etc., I was just wondering.

[@epichomesteading]

Unsure!

[@Nancysantamaria92ify]

The clear tape rope method is genius!

[@kmw4359]

Right? The first time I saw someone do that, I felt like Gru in Despicable Me: “ Light...bulb...”

[@rimzalia1362]

Since there is no water yet; consider installing floating filter/strainer to reduce debris coming out from the water outlet

[@George-hl3qj]

YOU CAN ADD THE CHIKEN COOP WATER BY ADDING A SMALL 30 GAL DRUM TO 'RECEIVE' THE RAIN-W / USING A TRASFER PUMP WITH A FLOAT VALVE, ONCE ITS FULL FLOAT CLOSE THE CIRC. AND WATER IS PUMPED OVER THE LOCATION YOU NEED. MOST PUMPS ARE 20 FT VERTICAL LIFT

[@rogerfeenstra9496]

Thanks for sharing the math on gallons per inch of rain. I was wondering about that.

[@cafarmgirl3279]

Lol!! We have one of these to complement our 800 foot deep well here in Oceanside. It’s a strangely comforting feeling having that giant tank.

[@artbravo]

The cost of tap water in San Diego recently increased and will continue to go up over time. Probably not 10x though. Nice setup you got there

[@th3hurtlock3r56]

Outstanding! Sustainability goals!

[@jewl495]

Are you going to utilize the rain barrel system to provide the chickens water? I know it might be a pain but you can use another barrel for their coop. I love their water system it keeps the water cool and circulating all the time.

[@knites09]

Well Done. You used the Grant well. 👍👍👍💪

[@seedaholicgardens9085]

That is Awesome, Kev! Best thing ever for your garden so, $$ wise worth it , IMO! "Blessings of Bounty and May Your Gardens and your Life always Bring You Joy, Inspiration and Abundance!" - Hope( & Mark)!

[@heavymetalbassist5]

Once we get to Eaddyacres farm 2 I definetly want to get a water collection system in place. We're looking minimum 8 acres and up, and want to be as self sufficient as possible but still have the land pay for itself.

[@universalradio6944]

I'd hook up the IBC to the coop, you can use it for chicken water. I have auto drink stations for my hens run from my IBC. You can never have too much water.

[@CoderToHomesteader]

Damn! Those grants came to save the day 🤑💰

[@zacharylewis417]

I think the key for some folks is self reliance. I'd sleep good every night knowing I have a system that can provide for my family in case of extreme emergencies.

[@msdramamusic]

I'm going to look into grants in my area for what you pay for that tank I can get a well set-up on my property much cheaper so look around I do have rain barrels on my land but right now we're in a trial so they're not even working. Luckily my uncle knows how to pump water out of the lake and fill up my tank so I get that done for free until the rainy season start but I do think I want to well as backup on my property. I can't afford it so I'm going to check around to see if I can get a grant.

[@Joelwilly57]

Great info thanks..

[@Flanuora]

Great video 👍I recently inherited a blue homemade rainwater collection barrel from a neighbor but I haven’t figured out how to hook it up yet. Time to research 🧐

[@jeremywendelin]

Amazing system

[@158269squeak]

my water authority just had a sale on rain barrels. 2 50gal barrels coming in ~2 weeks, unfortunately not yesterday while we have 3 days of rain for the long weekend.

[@binta3760]

Thanks for the ideas and info. Just checked and found out my city in Ohio is giving a $50 rebate on the purchase of a rain barrel. It’s a start.

[@bizzyandbart]

I love how honest you are about the financial feasibility of things like this. But here is my (possibly dumb) question. How does the water get up from the trench into the big tank?

[@bizzyandbart]

Nevermind. My husband has now explained how it works :)

[@alexlancaster7681]

It's also worth saying that in some places like here in Australia and my own country England that water prices are actually really expensive. But it's definitely worth weighing everything up. Wish more people would collect water in the UK we get so much of it.

[@xvgonzales]

anyone who has a pool and works on their own equipment will understand what you're saying because water flow works the same way. This was a great video. It is really nice to see your journey and how you are becoming self sustainable. on another topic, have you looked into the Tesla battery for your solar panels?

[@epichomesteading]

Once battery costs come down, I'll consider

[@heathcole3761]

you'll be so glad you made that investment as water in the west becomes more & more scarce...especially when they start to further restrict how much water they divert to California from lake mead/colorado river... that system is gonna be priceless soon!...great setup!!!

[@user-oz1pd5vr2d]

Hey Epic Gardening! I love your system. It's serving as inspiration for mine. Quick question, do you pressurize the water coming out of the giant cistern? I saw you had a hose you were watering with. Can you use that hose with the spray head and get decent pressure just from the weight of the water or did you add some kind of pump? Thanks!

[@chrisz.9974]

I’m going to set up an ibc at my house. I’m trying to figure out a way to connect multiple. I’m thinking about connecting the spigots together with a double spigot and a hose connecting them. Prevents making any extra holes.

[@ahnanda68]

You are so inspirational. Especially this water collection and a few other things. I sometimes do not have a very good concept when you put the numbers in with the space thing 😂... Such as my composter on the deck experiment once. I'm so excited for you I don't even remember what you said something about a laser level and a transmitter!!! Yay all the way 🤩👍😉💯🌟😍 @ :48s (you got it going on "spigot" what is that word? Lol my grandpa built his house he's the only one I ever knew that said that) I don't know what you used to do but it's looking really good 😉☺️