Rainwater Harvesting for the Mechanically Challenged

by Suzy Banks with Richard Heinichen, 2004. Tank Town Publishing, 512-894-0861, 512-858-2321 (fax), www.rainwatercollection.com. Paperback, 108 pages, $15 plus s/h

Rainwater Collection for the Mechanically Challenged benefits from the authors’ experience installing hundreds more systems in the intervening years. Accessibly written, with unrelenting humor and abundant photos and illustrations, the practical not-so-basics of residential rainwater collection—ranging from how to deal with “bird poop and squirrel pee” to reverse osmosis—are covered with unexpected thoroughness for a breezy 100-page book. No pretense is made of being the final authority—quite the opposite, which speaks well for what they’re presenting.

The authors share their opinions freely and account for how they arrived at those biases, as well as discuss other options. For example, they praise the usability of PVC pipe even while warning of perils related to its manufacture.

Chapter 6, which delves into the connecting-together of the components, is denser than the rest of the book. It’s sometimes difficult to follow as the authors grapple with multiple component options and locations; the possible incorporation of preexisting plumbing, electric, and water systems; and references to various types of fittings and connections. There probably isn’t any good way to avoid that complexity without omitting important details, however.

Care is taken throughout to explain the important underlying science of things. A chapter of troubleshooting tips and tricks and a brief appendix of sources for additional information are also valuable.

– MP