Living off the grid, or “homesteading,” is appealing to many homeowners because you’re self-sufficient and independent from modern utility and power grids. However, we all need fresh and safe water. As such, creating a reliable off-grid water system is the most important aspect of this lifestyle. This guide explores the components of off-grid water systems, from sources to filtration, so you can create a sustainable water supply for your home.
How To Build an Off-Grid Water System
Off-grid water systems typically mimic public water systems on a smaller scale. Here’s a look at the various factors you’ll need to account for when building an off-grid water system:
- Water source: Potable water comes from a water source. For off-grid systems, this is often a natural spring, well, or rainwater collection system.
- Storage: To keep a constant supply of water, you’ll need storage solutions, such as rain barrels, cisterns, or water tanks.
- Treatment: Raw water often contains contaminants. Homeowners need to treat it so it’s safe for use. The process can include filtration, sedimentation, and disinfection.
- Power: Off-grid water systems are often powered by electric, solar-powered, or wind-powered pumps, but other options are available.
- Disposal: Proper disposal keeps your home and water supply clean. Different strategies are needed depending on the type of wastewater.
- Legal requirements: Not all states have legalized off-grid systems. Always check your location’s laws, required permits, and building codes before starting your project.
What Are Off-Grid Water Sources?
Selecting a reliable water source is the first step in creating an off-grid water system.
Natural Spring
A natural spring forms when underground pressure forces groundwater to the surface. Springs can be excellent sources of drinking water for off-grid homes, provided they have a consistent flow rate throughout the year. Before developing a spring into a water system, monitor its flow rate, especially during late summer and fall when groundwater levels are typically lowest.
Well
Wells are human-made holes that access aquifer water below the ground. Shallow wells, typically less than 100 feet deep, are common water sources for off-grid systems. Once you dig a well, the pipe and pump bring water to the surface. You should install your well before building an off-grid home for optimal placement and aquifer access.
Rainwater Collection
Rainwater harvesting systems can be an excellent option for off-grid homes, especially in areas without easy access to fresh water springs or aquifers. These systems typically include a catchment area (often the roof), gutters, pipes, and a storage basin.
However, your area has to receive enough rainfall to meet water needs. As a general rule, every square foot of catchment area can collect about 0.62 gallons of water per inch of rainfall.
How Is Off-Grid Water Stored?
Once you establish a water source, you’ll need a storage solution to maintain a consistent supply.
Rain Barrels
Rain barrels are collection containers that typically hold 50 to 200 gallons of water. They’re ideal for small outdoor spaces and can be connected to create more storage capacity.
The number of rain barrels you need depends on the surface area of the catchment space. For example, a surface area of up to 750 square feet might require one or two 55-gallon rain barrels, while an area of 1,750 to 2,250 square feet could need four or five barrels.
This video from the Utah State University Extension explains how to build a DIY rain barrel:
The Bay Area Stormwater Management Agencies Association recommends the following rain barrel capacities based on the surface area of your catchment space:
| Surface Area (In Square Feet) | Minimum Number of 55-Gallon Rain Barrels |
| Up to 750 | 1-2 |
| 750-1,250 | 2-3 |
| 1,250-1,750 | 3-4 |
| 1,750-2,250 | 4-5 |
If rain barrels aren’t providing enough storage for the amount of water you’re collecting, you’ll want to invest in a cistern.
Cisterns
Cisterns are larger storage containers that can hold thousands of gallons of water, making them ideal for long-term off-grid water supplies. You can install them above or below-ground, depending on space availability and system design.
Water Tanks
Water storage tanks, often made of plastic, steel, or concrete, come in various sizes, from a few hundred to several thousand gallons. They’re particularly useful as homeowners can customize them to fit space requirements and water demand. We recommend purchasing a ultraviolet-resistant tank with a proper seal to extend their lifespan and maintain water quality.
Underground Storage
Underground storage options, such as below-ground cisterns or water tanks, allow for better temperature regulation, reducing the risk of algae growth and evaporation. They also free up surface space for other uses and keep contaminants, such as debris and pests, out of your water supply.
Before you install an underground storage system, you’ll need to consider soil stability, maintenance access, and water contamination risks from nearby sources.
Off-Grid Water Filtration and Purification
All water needs to be safe for consumption and household use. Filtration systems remove sediments and contaminants to clean water, while purification systems go a step further by removing pathogens and minerals. Here’s a look at the basic purification steps:
- Sedimentation: Allows large particles to settle at the bottom of a pipe or container.
- Filtration: Passes water through a strainer to remove smaller particles.
- Chlorination: Adds small amounts of chlorine to kill bacteria.
Some off-grid water filters, such as gravity-fed systems, can remove metals and toxins without requiring pumps or pressurization.
Advanced Filtration Methods
There are several advanced treatment options available for off-grid water systems. For example, reverse osmosis systems use a semi-permeable membrane to remove dissolved salts and impurities, delivering highly purified water. Ultraviolet (UV) purification uses UV light to deactivate microorganisms and pathogens, providing safe drinking water without adding chemicals.
Emergency Water Purification
We recommend always having a backup purification system in case your primary system fails or becomes compromised. Portable water filters, such as straw filters and pump filters, provide safe drinking water on short notice. The Center for Disease Control recommends boiling water for one to three minutes, depending on your elevation, to remove bacteria, viruses, and parasites.
How To Power Your Water System
While some off-grid homeowners opt for a hand pump to draw water from the source or a storage tank, there are more convenient options for accessing running water.
- Electric pumps often work with a pressurized tank to maintain good water pressure. While effective, they require a consistent energy source, which can be challenging in an off-grid setting.
- Solar panel water pumps are a popular option and easy to install. Using solar power, they have lower operational costs and cleaner energy production than electric options.
- Gravity-fed water systems rely on elevation differences rather than pumps. They require special planning to receive the desired water pressure and flow rates.
- Wind-powered water pumps are ideal for locations with consistent wind, such as coastal properties or in open plain areas.
To get hot water, homesteaders usually need to bring propane to their location or install solar and battery systems, woodburners, or specially-designed water heaters.
Options For Off-Grid Water Disposal
To keep your home, water, and land clean, you need to disposal of wastewater properly. There are a few systems available, depending on the type of wastewater.
Greywater Systems
Greywater is wastewater from showers, sinks, and washing machines. It’s less harmful than sewage water, and you can often reuse it for gardening or flushing toilets. Greywater recycling systems pump used water back into the ground, benefiting plants and trees. However, you’ll always want to use biodegradable cleaning products and toiletries to keep the wastewater safe for reuse.
Blackwater Systems
Blackwater is wastewater from toilets, which requires more careful treatment and disposal. Options for blackwater disposal include:
- Compost toilets combine human waste with organic materials and break it down with aerobic decomposition to create compost. This eliminates the need for plumbing and provides nutrient-rich compost for gardens.
- Septic tanks are underground tanks that collect and filter blackwater waste through a series of pipes. Septic systems use bacteria to treat waste before it’s released to a drainage field for safe disposal.
- Aerobic systems use oxygen to speed up wastewater decomposition. This process promotes bacteria growth to degrade waste quickly.
Reed Bed Systems
Reed bed systems offer a natural and low-maintenance method for treating greywater and blackwater. They use the filtration and absorption properties of plants, such as reeds and cattails, to break down organic matter and purify the water. The treated water is safe for release or irrigation-use. However, reed bed systems need ongoing maintenance, careful planning, and proper installation to function effectively.
Constructed Wetlands
Similar to reed bed systems, constructed wetlands use natural processes to treat wastewater. These engineered systems mimic the functions of natural wetlands, using soil, plants, and microbial activity to filter and purify water. Constructed wetlands can handle higher volumes of wastewater than reed bed systems and offer the added benefit of creating wildlife habitats.
Final Thoughts About Off-Grid Water Systems
Creating a reliable off-grid water system is a significant step towards sustainable, independent off-grid living. Before you start installing your system, consider water sources, storage options, filtration methods, power solutions, disposal options, and legal concerns to select the right solution for your home and water needs.
Frequently Asked Questions About Off-Grid Water Systems
How do I test water quality from a well?
What’s the total cost of setting up an off-grid water system?
The exact cost of an off-grid water system depends on the type of system you install, the source of water, location, tank size, and more.
What permits do I need for collecting rainwater?
Most states don’t require permits for collecting rain water. However, many locations have required permits for larger collecting systems. Always check your locations’ regulations before installing a new system.
Leave a Reply