Making Use of Rainwater From the Facade

Water your garden and lawn with recycled rainwater. Recycled water is clean and free of salts that can cause damage to plants and soil, according to the University of Arizona Cooperative Extension. Recycling rainwater also reduces runoff and soil erosion. If rainfall is common and abundant, consider installing a drip irrigation system that uses rainwater instead of potable water to decrease water costs.

Wash your car, deck and patio with recycled rainwater. You can also connect your stored rainwater to a separate plumbing system and supply water for flushing toilets. Check your local rules and regulations before changing the plumbing, since many areas require a special permit to use recycled rainwater for plumbing purposes.

Provide water for livestock and wildlife with recycled rainwater. This application is ideal if you have a large amount of land or small acreage with livestock. Space your watering holes about one mile apart for large animals or 320 acres apart for medium-sized animals. If you provide water for small animals, space the watering stations every 80 to 160 acres, as the Texas A&M University Extension recommends.

Use recycled rainwater for potable water but make sure you first get a permit. Using recycled rainwater for domestic purposes usually requires a permit; thus, research your area restrictions. To use rainwater for domestic applications and drinking water, you will need to filter it and treat it with either chemical injection, ozone generators or ultraviolet light. Ultraviolet light is the most common disinfecting treatment, since it leaves no chemical residue in the water, according to the Oregon Department of Business and Consumer Services.