Before we could connect a sink, take a shower, or even think about many of the systems planned for the farm, we needed somewhere to store water.
That meant installing a rainwater tank.
Simple in theory.
Less simple in practice.
Choosing a Rainwater Tank
Originally, I ordered a 2,500-litre (660-gallon) underground rainwater tank.
The tank already included a built-in leaf filter and a connection point for a future pump, making it a simple solution for storing water collected from the roofs.
While we were waiting for delivery, we asked our neighbour to excavate the hole according to the dimensions provided by the manufacturer.
That was the plan, at least.
The Hole Was Too Big
As first-time builders, we made a mistake.
The excavation was based on the dimensions provided by the tank manufacturer, and our neighbour dug the hole accordingly.
The problem was that we waited too long to tell him exactly which tank we had ordered.
Having spent most of his life operating excavators and digging foundations, he immediately realised the hole was larger than it really needed to be.
A smaller excavation would have required far less material around the tank.
Unfortunately, by that point the hole had already been dug.
As a bonus, we were now the proud owners of what appeared to be half a mountain of excavated soil.
Filling the extra space would require a significant amount of drainage material around the tank.
So that same day, I contacted the supplier and asked whether it would be possible to upgrade to a larger tank instead.
Fortunately, it was.
Instead of the original 2,500-litre model, we ended up with a 3,000-litre (790-gallon) tank.
In hindsight, that will probably prove useful in the long run.
The hole still needed some adjustment, and our neighbour returned to partially fill it back in before the tank arrived.
Waiting for the Weather
The tank arrived.
And then it rained.
For days.
The ground became too wet to work safely, and part of one side of the excavation collapsed into the hole.
Eventually, the weather improved, the damaged section was repaired, and we were finally able to lower the tank into place.
Around the outside, we backfilled with drainage sand to help protect the tank and provide proper support.
Collecting Water From Two Roofs
Eventually, the rainwater system will collect water from both the tiny house and the greenhouse.
At the moment, however, only the tiny house exists.
The greenhouse will come later.
Even so, we wanted to design the system with the future in mind rather than rebuild it later.
To help keep the water as clean as possible, both buildings will have their own inspection and cleaning chambers before the water enters the tank.
Originally, I planned to build one of these chambers myself using a plastic barrel.
Then I came across a new prefabricated unit at a surprisingly good price and decided that buying one made far more sense than spending time building my own.
Not every part of the farm needs to be a DIY project.
What Will the Water Be Used For?
Many people assume rainwater collection is primarily for irrigation.
For us, the first priority is actually the tiny house itself.
The composting toilet doesn't require water, but the sink, bathroom basin, and shower do.
The garden may benefit from the system during particularly dry periods, but that's not its main purpose.
The long-term goal is to create growing areas that retain moisture naturally through heavy mulching and healthy soil, reducing the need for frequent watering.
Collecting rainwater is less about using more water and more about wasting less of it.
Waiting for the First Rain
The tank is in the ground.
The filters are in place.
The gutters are connected.
And for the first time, the entire system is ready.
From the roof to the pipes, from the pipes to the tank, every piece is finally where it belongs.
Now all that's left is to wait.
The next rainfall won't simply be weather.
It will be the first real test of the system.
And hopefully, the first 3,000 litres of water for the tiny farm.
