This type of rainwater collection system is inexpensive and relatively easy to make.

You need a plastic collection receptacle, some PVC piping, glue and a hose.

Required Materials for this Project

Avoid last-minute shopping trips by having all your materials ready ahead of time.

Here's a list.

• 55-gal. barrel with lid
• 4×4 treated lumber and construction screws or stainless steel lags, if you build a stand to elevate the rain barrel(s)
• 2-in. male threaded electrical conduit adapter
• 2-in. female threaded electrical conduit adapter
• Silicone caulk
• Threaded electrical PVC coupler
• Sections of 2-in. PVC pipe
• Glue
• Unions reducers and valves
• Screen

Use a 2-in. male threaded electrical (gray PVC) conduit adapter and a 2-in. female threaded conduit adapter to make a watertight hole.

Place the drum near a downspout, drill a hole in the side near the bottom and screw in a drain valve. That's an OK installation if you plan to run a soaker hose to your garden. But if you want to use a wand or a spray nozzle, you'll need to elevate the barrel on a stand for more water pressure.

Cut holes in the bottoms of the barrels with a 2-1/4-in. hole saw. Then screw in a 2-in. male threaded electrical conduit adapter. Squirt a thin bead of silicone caulk around the opening and screw on a threaded electrical PVC coupler to cinch the barrel between the two fittings. Next, glue together sections of 2-in. PVC pipe, unions, reducers and valves.

Finally, cut a hole in one of the covers and mount a screen to filter out leaves and debris.

Making your own rainwater collection system allows you to utilize falling rainwater that would ordinarily go to waste.

This is a particularly good thing if you live in an area where water is scarce during the summer months.

Even if you do not, it is still good to conserve as much as possible and to utilize resources that are given to us whenever we can!

To see other projects like this one, check out Family Handyman.