Drinking Water from Small Rain Water Catchment System
in Forested Northwest US

Subject: Small scale rainwater catchment for drinking water only in forested Northwest
Date: Fri, 01 Sep 2000
From: Art Ludwig <Oasis Design>
To: Mike <bugone©gte.net>

[Mike from Tacoma, WA, writes regarding rainwater catchment for drinking. The
environment is heavily wooded and rainfall is very high.]
> Probably way off base here for you guys, but have been searching forever on the web
> and am getting tired? Eventually I want to roof catch our rain for household use.
> But in the meantime, I am looking for a miniature"picnic table" collection device to
> use for drinking water only. The few attempts I have tried to make something were
> useless! Know any place that sells something of this sort, or has plans to build one?
> Thanks in advance! Mike Senn

Hi, Mike...
I know of no such plans or kit. I have seen functional do-it-yourself systems, however.
Your first hurdle is to get out from under those trees into a clearing, otherwise you'll
be collecting tree tea instead of rain. The simplest systems I've seen featured a
movable collection surface; it's kept clean by only putting it out when conditions are
optimal, filling the containers, then stowing it. I've seen plastic sheets and corrugated
roofing panels used this way.
Good luck!
Art