America is running out of water.
Climate change and population growth are two major factors that - combined - have potentially increased water shortages.
Add to that the requirement of clean water for farming and other homestead activities, and you can see why water shortages might leave America dry.
According to National Geographic, an average American uses 80 to 100 gallons of water every day, and the nation's daily total usage is estimated to be 345 billion gallons.
This greatly strains the available freshwater and groundwater resources.
But there is one largely untapped source - completely natural and safe - that goes amiss: rainwater.
Although an ancient technique, rainwater harvesting remains a fantastic way to capture clean water from roofs and surfaces for storage and later use.
Used across the globe, this simple way of storing and using water for various purposes - including farming, livestock, and domestic needs - presents one of the best ways to create water security, especially in dry climates.
And when it comes to homesteading, there is no better way to answer all your water needs than harvesting the rain.
But before you begin, you need to avoid these major mistakes that can cost you time, efficiency, and quality.
In this homesteader's guide to harvesting rainwater, you will discover:Rainwater harvesting 101 - the perfect primer for everyone to get started with harvesting rainwaterA handy compilation of laws related to rainwater harvesting within the United StatesHow to utilize earthworks on your homestead property for efficient, passive rainwater conservation and harvestingA complete beginner-friendly guide to designing, constructing, and installing your very own rainwater harvesting system using rain barrels and cisterns7 mistakes you need to avoid to save costs and improve rainwater qualityGuidelines and safety considerations for operation, maintenance, and treatment of your RWH systemA host of applications for collected rainwater to enhance your homesteading experience, indoors or outdoors
And much more.
Harvesting rainwater doesn't have to be a complicated process, and by following the right principles, you can not only create your own RWH system that works for your requirements... but also scale it when you need to expand - all without wasting time or money.