Rainwater Or Groundwater: Which Is The Best Off-Grid Water Source?

When it comes to sourcing water for off-grid living, there are two options: rainwater or groundwater. Both have their pros and cons, and choosing the right one depends on various factors including location, cost of installation, safety and how easily the water can be made drinkable. Let’s take a look at the two water sources to determine which one is likely to be better for your lifestyle.

Location

Rainwater Harvesting

Rainwater harvesting systems are a great option for homes in areas that get a lot of rainfall. If you live somewhere that is dry for long periods however, this may not be an efficient system.

Groundwater Well

Groundwater wells can allow you to access water from deep underground and can be a better option in areas that don’t get reliable rainfall throughout the year. Of course, feasibility can also depend on the type of ground that needs to be drilled into and how close you are to the water table. 

Cost Of Installation

Rainwater Harvesting

Setting up a rainwater harvesting system can be a more affordable option in many cases. A basic system that is not used for drinking water may be easy to install using a storage tank connected to a gutter via a downspout. Adding filtration and purification systems can increase the cost. This Eartheasy guide explains more as to how to install a rainwater collection system.

Groundwater Well

Drilling a well can often be quite expensive – especially if it has to be drilled very deep to reach a reliable aquifer. A pump will need to be installed too in order to get water up, and additional filtration and purification systems may be needed to make sure it’s drinkable. 

Safety

Rainwater Harvesting

Rainwater can be susceptible to contamination from pollutants in the air, on your roof and in your collection system. Proper filtration and treatment systems need to be fitted to make sure this water is safe to drink. It’s also important to regularly clean out the storage tank to prevent algae growth.

Groundwater Well

Groundwater is often safer to drink than rainwater, but may still need to be filtered and purified in case of pollutants in the ground (such as pesticides or septic tank waste). Well glass covers such as these coverUP Window Wells are also worth installing to prevent people or animals falling in and prevent the well being contaminated from runoff water. 

Ease Of Conversion To Drinking Water

Rainwater Harvesting

A treatment system must be installed to convert rainwater into drinking water. This includes a filtration system to get rid of debris and particulates, and a disinfection system to remove bacteria and viruses (which could be done via UV treatment, chlorination or reverse osmosis). Regular maintenance of your rainwater collection system is also essential for making sure water is safe to drink.

Groundwater Well

In some rural areas, groundwater may be safe to drink with minimal treatment – providing you regularly test it. Installing some kind of treatment system is still recommended. 

Conclusion

A rainwater system is likely to be the best option if you live somewhere with a lot of rainfall and are looking for a system with a low initial cost. Just be wary that this system requires more maintenance and more thorough processing to ensure the water is safe to drink.

A groundwater well is a good option if your home is located close to the water table. This water can often be cleaner, but still needs testing. Installing this system is likely to be more costly, but could be necessary if you don’t get enough rainfall.