Storing Water for Your Garden in Devon
Why we store water
We store water to make the most of what falls from the sky. Collecting rain reduces our reliance on treated mains water during dry spells and can lower bills. Stored water is kinder to plants because it is closer to the ambient temperature and often softer than mains supply. In Devon, where summer droughts can follow a wet winter, simple storage solutions mean gardens survive the dry weeks with less fuss.
How we collect rain
The most common approach is to link a water butt to a downpipe so roof runoff flows straight in. We use a diverter or a simple connector so the downpipe continues to work when the butt is full. For larger needs, we fit intermediate bulk containers or underground tanks, fed from several roof areas. For patios, shallow trays or temporary tubs placed under gutters can top up a butt after heavy downpours. Always screen the inlet to keep out debris.
Choosing storage that suits your garden
Water butts of 100–300 litres work well for most homes. If you grow lots of vegetables or have a greenhouse, larger above-ground tanks or buried cisterns give more capacity. Think about space, access and how you will move the water: a small pump or a gravity-fed tap makes life easier. We can build raised beds that work well with water butts – placing a butt near beds cuts the distance you carry water.
Keeping stored water safe
Always use a fitted lid and mesh screens on inlets to keep leaves and wildlife out. That reduces the chance of debris and mosquitoes collecting in the water. Position butts away from paths where children play and secure them so they can’t be tipped. For any tank with a tap, fit a child-resistant lock or place it out of reach. Regularly clean gutters and the inside of open containers to prevent algae build-up.
Winter care and maintenance
In colder months, empty small containers if you can’t protect them from frost to avoid cracking. Leave larger tanks connected but check fittings and overflow routes so freezing weather doesn’t cause damage. Once or twice a year we rinse and scrub out butts to remove organic sludge. Check seals and taps each spring so stored water is ready for the growing season.
Using stored water effectively
Use collected rain for pot plants, veg patches, hanging baskets and newly planted shrubs. Water in the early morning or late afternoon to reduce evaporation. For larger volumes, use a pump or gravity feed to fill a watering can or attach a hose with a trigger nozzle to control flow. Avoid using water that smells foul or is heavily contaminated on edible crops; in most domestic setups, rainwater is fine for vegetables if containers are well maintained.
Storing water is a small change that makes a big difference to garden resilience. If you'd like help deciding what will suit your plot, contact our team for advice.