While having fresh foods, herbs and flowers can be beneficial, it can also become costly depending on which utilities you rely on to get the job done.

A way to help ease the pain in your wallet this growing season, the Alabama Cooperative Extension System Office suggests homeowners establish a rainwater collection system.

“The average yearly precipitation in Alabama is 56 inches,” the Extension Office said. “August to October tend to be the hottest and driest periods in the northern and central portions of Alabama. During these months and in times of encouraged water restrictions, having a rainwater harvesting system has additional benefits.”

Is a rainwater collection just as easy as a barrel left outside? Yes, and no.

All rainwater harvesting systems are comprised of the following: catchment area where rainfall is collected, conveyance system which helps to transport water and a storage system which holds the water for later use.

“Though rain barrels and cisterns differ in size and shape, both are rainwater harvesting systems, and the main components remain consistent,” the Extension Office said. “Rain barrels commonly are used to harvest rainwater since they typically are more readily available for purchase and relatively inexpensive.”

Once you have decided to create a rainwater harvesting system, it is important to pick the right site on your property to place your system.

The Extension Office offers these tips for selecting the right spot,

1. Select downspouts or corners/eaves where water will be captured. Make sure you install an appropriately sized container and have space to direct overflow.

2. Determine a plan for water use based on landscape needs. Ideally a rainwater harvesting system does not sit full and is emptied in between rain events. A rain barrel should be located in close proximity to where the water will be used for irrigation. Water needs vary with weather, plant requirements, soil type, and sun or shade conditions. In drought conditions, categorize your plants based on water requirements. Harvested rainwater may be used first on priority plants that define the landscape. These may include heirloom, fruit, and vegetable gardens.

3. Map it out. It may help to print out an aerial view of the building where rooftop square footage can be estimated, downspouts can be located, and the catchment area and surrounding landscape are easily viewed. Alternatively, you can walk the property to identify downspouts and estimate catchment areas with a tape measure.

4. Consider using first flush diverters. If installing a cistern or larger-scale rainwater harvesting system, a first flush diverter should be considered. Dust, bird droppings, and tree debris can accumulate on the roof and other catchment surfaces between rain events. A first flush diverter is a pipe that catches the first flush of water and has a plug or trickle drain on the bottom. Once this pipe fills up with the initial water, the remaining water bypasses the pipe and runs directly to the storage container. The plug at the end of the first flush diverter should be removed and the pipe drained after each rainfall event; if there is a trickle tube, the water will slowly clear from the tube. Rain barrels typically do not require a first flush diverter since the inside of a rain barrel can be cleaned.

Once a spot has been selected, preparations must be made to make the system stable. The placement area should be cleared of debris and leveled. If a platform is being used, make sure it is stable and tall enough to be of benefit — tall enough to fit a smaller bucket or watering can under the spigot.

After you have collected enough water to use, the Extension Office urges residents to check that the water is free of debris and not stagnated. Rainwater should not be directly consumed without proper testing.

For more information, visit www.aces.edu