water harvesting

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montysturn

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Does anyone have any experience using a 'water harvesting' system to supply stables?
We are having stables built and don't have mains water currently.
We have looked at using this system for collecting rainwater, but it is quite expensive - so may be cheaper to connect up to the mains - but don't know how suitable these systems are for horses.
Anyone used them?
 
We have a block of 4 stables and a large agricultural style shed. Both have large water butts which collect the rain water from the roof. We got them from the local farmer's co-op I think, they were orange juice concentrate containers in a past life (so are food-grade and safe). Unless it is very dry this is more than enough for our needs. Shop around, with a little improvisation and thought you can do it fairly cheaply.

You will never get perfectly crystal clear water, but it's free and hasn't killed any of our horses yet :-P

I can find out details of exactly where the tanks came from and how much they cost if you want, PM me.
 
I have several water butts connected up to my mobile field stable and that does me through most of the year. Depending on how many horses you have, you may need bigger containers though as mine serve just one horse.
 
These systems are used alot in Australia, because even if you have mains it still doesn't garantee water (in some parts) =)

These systems are fine for horses, the storage tank if you do not want to have to scrub it out regularly, needs to completly enclosed so no light can get in and cause algae growth.
Collected rain water should be fine to drink, buy a filter and you should be able to drink it! Unless you live next to a power station, then I would get it tested...
 
We use water buts too.

A good tip I was given which works really well is to put a stocking, or pop sock (Normal socks don't work they are too thick) over the end of the drain pipe, this stops all the crap from the roof from getting into the water butt. Means the water stays cleaner and you have to clean it out less often. Don't forget to change or clean the stocking regularly though.

I use stockings with elasticated top, it collects all the leaves and muck really well.
 
I've got a full blown water harvesting system. it was a planning requirement, as neighbours tried to use the flooding card to stop building of stables.

our system is reliant on a top up from the mains when the harvested water level gets too low in the tank.

yes it is expensive. i use the water for washing horses/buckets/washing machine.

BUT my fussy/sensitive warmblood will not touch the water. I have to lug buckets of mains water from the house for him.

I do have mains supply to the tack room sink, so when we have any plumbing done out there, I will have another tap installed where i do the buckets, so sir can have his chlorinated water.

my other query is regarding the washing of wounds. i don't know if this water is clean enough for this purpose.

tbh I would connect to the mains. our architect was very dubious, that the harvesting system alone would supply adequate water for the horses needs.

the system is a god send though, if you have drainage issues.
 
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