Why store or harvest water?
Storage gives you a buffer between supply and demand. Rain that falls on roofs and land can be captured and used later for animals, gardens or fire preparedness, depending on local rules and the quality of the water.
It can also reduce runoff and erosion, and give you a backup if a pump or well fails.
Water storage is also worth considering for fire preparedness in some regions. Talk to your local fire department about what is appropriate and safe where you live.
What are the main options?
Roof catchment into tanks or barrels is the simplest. Ponds and small impoundments hold larger volumes but need space, careful siting and attention to rules and safety. Cisterns, buried tanks and storage in the soil itself, by building organic matter and slowing runoff, are other options.
Each has costs, upkeep and limits. The right choice depends on how much water you need, your climate, your terrain and your budget.
Compare the cost of storage with the cost of other options, such as drilling deeper, hauling water or reducing demand. The cheapest choice on paper is not always the safest or most reliable.
- Barrels and tanks fed from roofs
- Cisterns
- Ponds and small impoundments
- Slowing runoff to soak into soil
Is harvested water safe to use?
Water collected from roofs and land can carry dirt, bird droppings, chemicals from roofing materials and microbes. Whether it is acceptable depends on use. Water for animals, irrigation and drinking involve different levels of risk.
Do not use stored water for drinking or cooking unless it has been treated and tested according to guidance from your county health department or state agency. The EPA and your state can explain what is appropriate, and I will not give treatment steps from memory.
Tanks and barrels left uncovered can breed mosquitoes and be dangerous for small children and animals. Keep lids secure and mark storage areas clearly.
What legal rules might apply?
Rules on collecting and storing water differ widely by state and sometimes by county. Some places encourage rainwater harvesting, others regulate it, and building a pond or dam may require permits and safety reviews.
Check with your state water or natural resources agency, your county and your local conservation district before building. Do not assume that because something is common in another state, it is allowed in yours.
Ask the local office before you start, not after, since removing or changing a structure you built without approval can cost more than doing it correctly the first time.
How do I size and place storage?
Estimate how much water you actually use in a dry month, then think about how many days of backup you want. Place tanks on firm, level ground that can bear the weight, and away from areas that flood. Water is heavy, so foundations matter.
Keep storage away from septic systems, wells and chemical storage. Cover openings to keep out mosquitoes, animals and debris, and screen inlets.
Ask neighbors who already store water what they would do differently. Their experience with local weather and local rules is worth hearing.
How do I maintain what I build?
Clean gutters and screens, flush first-flow water if your design includes it, and inspect tanks for leaks, algae and cracks. Check overflow paths so that excess water drains safely away from foundations and livestock areas.
Keep a short log of inspections and repairs. For ponds, look at banks, spillways and water level regularly. If something looks wrong, ask a qualified professional before problems grow.
Keep records of what you installed, when and where the shutoffs are. A sketch with dates helps anyone repairing it later.
What does water storage cost in time and effort?
Beyond the purchase, plan for cleaning, repairs, screening, pumping and winter care. Freezing can crack tanks and pipes, so ask local experts how to protect them in your climate.
If you use pumps, think about power. A system that depends on electricity does not help in an outage unless you have a backup or gravity feed.
Start small. A single tank or a few barrels teaches you a lot about how much you really collect and use, and you can expand once you know what works.
- Cleaning and repairs
- Winter protection
- Power for pumps
- Start small and learn
Key takeaways
- Storage gives a buffer between rainy and dry periods.
- Water from roofs or land needs treatment and testing before household use.
- Check state and local rules before you build anything that stores water.
- Plan size, placement and upkeep before you start.
Sources and further reading
Last reviewed: November 12, 2026. Written by the Rural Farm Life Editorial Team. See our editorial policy.