This is the view of the space under my deck when it was under construction where I connected three water totes to the gutter system to collect rain water. (Photo by Charlotte Ekker Wiggins) — This is the view of the space under my deck when it was under construction where I connected three water totes to the gutter system to collect rain water. (Charlotte Ekker Wiggins photo)

Water Options

We just headed into the severe drought category where I live. This is the third year of record hot temperatures, killing off even native Eastern Redbuds and Flowering Dogwood native trees growing on my hillside for decades.

small waterfall recycles rain water and keeps it hydrated for pollinator and bird access. (charlotte ekker wiggins photo)

Besides storm water ponds, I use plastic bottles in pots to water roots and include small waterfalls to keep rain water hydrated.

Of all of the watering options, the water totes collecting rain water through the house gutter system is the most practical and efficient.

House Gutter Watering Totes

Several decades ago, I connected my house gutters to pipes that collect rain water into my back pond. These gutters run the rain water first into smaller totes, then the overflow collects in my ponds.

The water totes sit under my deck, all three connected so they evenly collect rain water and evenly empty the totes as the collected water is used. My handyman laughed when I said how could I possibly use this much saved rain water and he was right, the water comes in handy during Missouri’s now extended summer dearth.

The totes themselves are connected so water collection is spread across all three totes. (Photo by Charlotte Ekker Wiggins)

The genius of this system is that I have a pump connected to the water totes that allows me to easily move water from the totes to the upstairs deck garden.

When I need water for my garden deck one story up, I activate the pump with a remote control. The pump is a bit noisy once it’s on but it then pumps the water from the totes one story up without my having to carry water.

Here’s the pump model information.

The pump has a remote control so that I can access stored rain water when I need it on the floor above where the water storage totes are located. (Photo by Charlotte Ekker Wiggins)

Here’s the pump remote. I press the “on” button then can control the water through the hose nozzle which has a lever for on and off as well. (Photo by Charlotte Ekker Wiggins)

You do have to disconnect the pump before winter moves in but, short of that, there is no maintenance required.

The water totes hold 275 gallons each and are sold where I live repurposed from other uses. When buying them, make sure they are food grade. You don’t want to kill your plans with any residual chemicals.

Each tote ran around $70 each about 8 years ago.