A rainwater harvesting system can vary from the average garden water butt that can hold upto approximately 36 litres of rainwater to a tank that is buried beneath the ground – and can hold approximately 10,000 litres of rainwater and utilizes a pump to withdraw the water.

For the majority of garden householders a couple of simple plastic rainwater butts collecting rainwater from the shed, greenhouse or a hose attachment  cut into the main down pipe are quite adequate to water the garden flower beds and pots and perhaps wash the car.

Most garden water butts require a firm base for the butt to be seated upon so as to not tip over when it becomes full.  The butt needs to be elevated from the floor so that water can be extracted easily from underneath the nozzle.  A secure lid is also required to stop animals and children from falling in.  Maintenance is required to prevent the build-up of algae inside the butt.