open-source rainwater catchment methods and kits

portland, oregon
323-445-0255
(andrew's digits)
Why
save
rain?

Pay Attention to Water !  Contain Rain is a local project helping our community of Portland, Oregon to do just that. We are focused on developing methods of catching, storing, and using rainwater. We aim to change the way people think about DIY water conservation. We are open source.


Portland is no stranger to rain, and that is why we have to learn to collect, manage, and protect our water. How do you use our precious drinking water? Why?


Contain Rain is now offering 330g galvanized steel-reinforced "totes"!
These repurposed beauties hold as much as 6 rainbarrels worth of water, with a proper foundation can be stacked two-high, and are only approx. 4' x 4' x 4'. The metal supports surrounding the cistern allows for easy customization with lattice, bamboo fencing and more.


Click here for our offerings on standard rain barrels.

CISTERNS

Do you want to work on a project yourself, but need some help? We offer consultation on design & installation.
Drop us a line to talk about your project. We've helped scores of our neighbors create, install, and maintain their catchment systems.
Rainfall in PDX will drop around 30-40 inches of water on your roof this year.1 For an average 2,000 square foot roof (40'x50'), that's over 30,000 gallons. Or nearly 600 gallons on an average week!2

1. Calculate your home's "rain footprint". 2. (@ 75% capture rate) Source:
"Oregon Smart Guide Rainwater Harvesting".
Find your house, measure your roof.
330 Gallon Tote System provides everything your home needs to start harvesting the rain.

These totes are simple and easy to integrate into any garden. The metal meshing surrounding each provides the ability to attach latticework for growing creeping vegetables, or to attach camouflage fencing around the cistern.

CAPACITY: The ability to connect 330g totes is limted only to the amount of appropriate space in a garden. Capacities are: 1 = 330G; 2 = 660G; 3 = 990G; etc. How much rain should I collect?

MEASURMENTS: 48" long by 40" wide by 54" high (4' x 3.3' x 4.5'). Surrounded by a 1" galvanized steel support "cage" (included in the measurements). The intake in the top (hole in the red cap) is a 2" female NPT (National Pipe Thread). The outlet is on the width plane and is a 2" NPT male industrial plastic, heavy-duty ball valve. The container has a thick plastic 'foot' which steps it off the ground 6".

INTAKE/OVERFLOW METHOD: The 2" intake version of the Contain Rain Water Arm will allow the maximum flow into the tote.

EXTRACTION METHOD: For this kit we offer a standard 3/4" garden hose adapter—connecting the hose directly to the tote (NOTE: The flow is controlled by a large 2" ball valve which comes standard on the tote).


330g TOTE • PRICING
The tote itself varies in price. We currently offer brand new totes and used totes.

Used 330g Mother Tote Kit: $300/ea
Each additional tote attached to system: $260

New 330g Mother Tote: $415/ea
Each additional tote attached to system: $375
Why such a large price spread on new and used?
[All prices include attachments installed]