[Greenbuilding] FW: Rainbarrels

[arthur landerholm]

I think most soaker hoses work best at about 10-15 psi (see
http://www.savingwater.org/docs/SuccesswithSoakerHoses.pdf), although that
probably assumes anywhere from 25-100 feet of soaker hose.  

If I remember correctly, it takes 32 feet of height between the top of the
water level and the spigot to develop 15 psi, so you wouldn't get that even
with a full barrel.  

However, might develop enough pressure to operate home-made drip irrigation
system if you only punch a hole or two toward the end of each solid hose
run.  You could run a hose from each barrel to multiply your outputs.  

-----Original Message-----
From: greenbuilding-bounces at listserv.repp.org
[mailto:greenbuilding-bounces at listserv.repp.org] On Behalf Of David Peabody
Sent: Saturday, May 05, 2007 1:35 PM
To: greenbuilding at listserv.repp.org
Subject: [Greenbuilding] Rainbarrels

We are trying to set up a rainbarrel system for a garden. We will have
about ten barrels in series, set about 7' above the level of the garden.
We have several concerns:

1.  Will we have enough pressure to work with soaker hoses? Assuming
not, has anyone found away around this problem? I'm thinking we may
simply have to fashion our own by punching small holes in old hoses.

2.  Should we worry about algae and crud growing within the barrels? We
will have a screen at the intake point to keep leaves and other debris
out, but I am concerned about the stuff that grows within then clogging
up our soaker hoses.

We will surely appreciate the benefit of others' experiences, both good
and bad. Or references to any good literature on the subject.

Thanks,

David



David Peabody, AIA
Peabody Architects
Alexandria, VA
703-684-1986
peabody_dp at earthlink.net
www.greenhaus.org
LEED Accredited



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