Hi, we are one and half years into NZ and loving it! Looking at some land approx 4 acres without water to build a straw house. The agent and builder reckons we can catch water from a roof space - as anyone been so brave? We are going to see if we can drill a bore hole first but just in case we can't any advice greatly appreciated, that includes any advice about buying land/building a straw house at all really....... cheers, Kay
Using roof water isn't brave, it's pretty normal out here! We've been on roof water for 12 years without a problem. You'll need to buy a tank or tanks to store the water and think about what sort of filter or filters you might need, although you can do without - which is where the bravery comes in [}]
There is heaps to think about when buying land, are you planning to keep livestock? If so, what sort of livestock? I'm sure Timaru locals will be able to help with advice.
We exist entirely on rainwater collected off various roofs. However we probably get a bit more rain that you do where you are. You need to have a work out if the annual rainfall and the roof area you propose to collect off will provide sufficient water for your needs.
A mm of rain collects at the rate of 1 litre per square metre of roof. Your regional council should have rainfall figures for you to work out averages per month from so you can calculate how much you are likely to collect most years. I can't remember offhand where to get the info for your likely usage but someone will know.
There will be droughts of course and you may need to buy water in then.
Using roof water isn't brave, it's pretty normal out here! We've been on roof water for 12 years without a problem. You'll need to buy a tank or tanks to store the water and think about what sort of filter or filters you might need, although you can do without - which is where the bravery comes in [}]
There is heaps to think about when buying land, are you planning to keep livestock? If so, what sort of livestock? I'm sure Timaru locals will be able to help with advice.
Cheers
Kate
Hey Kate, thanx for the speedy reply. We won't be keeping livestock, probably just a few waifs and strays to keep the grass down, oh and some hens. We are worried about the water situation because it is very dry here. We know we can get a truck of water for about $500 which would last a month but wonder if anybody in a similar environment as ever run out?
I lived in Timaru during the 1982 drought. That year there was absolutely no way that you could have survived on rain alone, especially with animals. Even here in Nelson we have run out of water when our spring dried up, even with 70,000 litres of water storage. That year we had 620mm of rain, which is a bit above average in South Canterbury. We have 350 sq meters of roof rain catchment.
Well I must agree with LongRidge. Yes you would need to be brave to try to live on rain water alone, in South Canterbury. I strongly reccommend that you find a property with some sort of garanteed water rights.
When calculating your roof catchment for rainwater, usually 20% of the calculated amount is regarded as lost in the system for one of many reasons eg: it being too small a fall, discarded in overflow, first flush diversion (getting rid of the first bit of each fall as a roof cleaning measure) etc etc
Thanx everyone, you've all been very informative. After doing abit more research inc. checking average rainfall for Timaru (573mm pa), doing a water usage survey etc and working out what size the house would need to be we have decided to scrap the idea unless we can find an underground water system. Even then we are tempted to play it safe and look for something else. We aren't in any rush after all.
You try moving up north here we have the best climate and plenty of water ha
Im a RE agent and have lots of lovely life-style blocks on my books, but this season has been the driest in years the old bore has been working overtime
A lot of those replying here are from the wetter (not at the moment tho) North, they are forgetting the average rainfall for you (from memory about 600mm) and the drying Nor' Westers and long periods without substantial rain, I think you would be very brave to rely on roof water alone.[:0]
The Regional Council should be able to tell you what aqafers there are in the area and whether others are on bore water. Also - are they going to agree to your bore and how much you can take - IF - you strike water. Never guaranteed.
Just know I am a Northlander and have no clue about your neck of the woods. Grin.
Sure would like to know what you have for sale. Looking for min of 30acres.
Whatorganics;310257 wrote: You try moving up north here we have the best climate and plenty of water ha
Im a RE agent and have lots of lovely life-style blocks on my books, but this season has been the driest in years the old bore has been working overtime
I'd never in my wildest dreams consider relying on rain water in a place like Pleasant Point. We frequently get periods of no rain whatsoever for 6 weeks or longer. The bores in your area have to be quite deep I think which makes them very expensive to drill. You can also be guaranteed that the water tables will receede further with all the irrigation going on in the area.
If you want to grow a few veggies and keep a few chooks a trucked in tank of water won't last you long at all. Real estate agents tell you whatever is necessary to make a sale.
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