Harvesting the rain is a simple, low-cost way to save money on water bills, provide fresh soft water for your plants, and allow you to be a steward of your local watershed.

Now that’s what we call a win-win-win solution!

Rainwater Harvesting is Rewarding and Easy!

Rainwater from roofs and paved patios and walkways at your home can be intercepted before it leaves your property and used to water plants or create beautiful gardens and landscapes.

Check out the resources below for guidance on simple DIY Rainwater Harvesting options, including swales, rain gardens, and rain barrels. 

Homeowner’s Guide to Rainwater Harvesting

This residential “how-to” guide, developed by the Beach Cities and Palos Verdes Peninsula Watershed Management Groups in coordination with local Building and Safety officials, provides helpful information if you are interested in constructing simple projects to capture rainwater on your property. 

 

Swales are Swell and So Are Rain Gardens

This video produced by the State Water Board talks about how to direct rainwater to areas on your property where it can soak into the ground or be used to water plants.  What could be more swell than that?

 

Install a Rain Barrel

Installing a rain barrel can be a great way to dip your toe into rainwater harvesting.  West Basin Municipal Water District has a Free Rain Barrel Program to help you get started. 

 

Design a Rain Garden

A rain garden filled with California-friendly drought tolerant plants will look beautiful and attract local bees, birds, and butterflies! 

 

Other Rainwater Harvesting Options

For the more ambitious homeowner, advanced rainwater harvesting technologies such as permeable paving, cisterns, and dry wells can be used.  Consider consulting a contractor or a landscape designer before implementing these advanced technologies.