Collect and store your own rainwater with simple homeowner systems designed for Metro Vancouver properties. From small rain barrels to full underground cistern systems.
Metro Vancouver water restrictions apply to treated drinking water. They do not apply to rainwater you collect yourself. A properly designed rainwater system gives you a legal way to keep food gardens, trees, and landscaping alive through dry summer conditions.
Why Homeowners Are Installing Rainwater Systems
Water Restrictions Are Changing How Homeowners Water Their Yards
Stay Within RestrictionsRainwater collection remains allowed during Stage 2 and Stage 3 restrictions because you are using water collected from your own roof. |
Protect Your Landscape InvestmentKeep edible gardens, young trees, shrubs, and high-value landscaping healthy during dry periods. |
Reduce Dependence on Municipal WaterCapture thousands of litres directly from your roof during normal rainfall events. Even a 200 m² roof can collect approximately 8,500 L during a typical summer month. |
How Rainwater Collection Works
A Simple 6-Step System From Roof To Garden
-
Capture Rainwater
Use a dedicated downspout connected to your collection system. -
Screen Leaves & Debris
Install a Leaf Eater rain head or downspout filter to prevent debris buildup. -
Divert Dirty First Runoff
A first-flush diverter removes the initial dirty roof runoff before clean water enters the tank. -
Store Water
Choose a barrel, aboveground cistern, or underground tank based on your lot size and watering goals. -
Manage Overflow
Overflow siphons and calming inlets protect water quality and route excess water safely. -
Deliver Water
Use gravity feed, hose bibs, or pressure pumps for irrigation and watering.
If homeowners plan to use their rainwater harvesting (RWH) system for potable or treated drinking water, all system components that come into contact with the water should be made from food-grade, potable-water-safe materials to help maintain water quality and safety.
Choose Your System By Property Size
Find The Right Rainwater System For Your Lot
Option 1: Small Lots & Townhomes
Starter Rain Barrel Systems
Best For
- Containers and herbs
- Small gardens
- Townhomes
- Easy weekend DIY installs
Recommended Products
- GRAF Classic Round Rain Barrel 310 L
- GRAF Classic Round Rain Barrel 510 L
- Speedy Water Diverter
- Leaf Eater Advanced Rain Head
Capacity Range
- 310 L to 1,020 L total storage
Approximate Budget
- $300 to $700
Key Benefits
- No excavation
- Minimal space required
- Simple downspout connection
- No pump required
Featured Products
- GRAF Classic Round Rain Barrel 510 L, SKU 500214
- Stand Base for 510 L Barrel, SKU 502003
- Speedy Water Diverter, SKU 503040
Option 2: Average Suburban Homes
Compact Cistern Systems
Best For
- Raised beds
- Small edible gardens
- Young trees
- Multi-day watering reserve
Recommended Products
- GRAF Top-Tank 1,300 L
- Narrow Profile Tanks
- Hercules Tank 1,600 L
- Flojet Quad Diaphragm Pump
- Rapido Quattro Rain Filter
- Leaf Eater
- First Flush Downpipe Diverter
- Valuable tree and large plant (Exotics and Tropicals) watering
Capacity Range
- 1,300 L to 2,000 L
Approximate Budget
- $1,500 to $3,000
Key Benefits
- Real summer carry-over
- Pressure hose watering available
- Fits through standard doorways
- DIY-friendly installation
Pump Option
Add the Flojet Quad Diaphragm Pump:
- 4.5 GPM
- 45 PSI
- Self-priming
- Ideal for hose irrigation and drip systems
Featured Products
- GRAF Top-Tank 1,300 L, SKU 323001
- Flojet Quad Pump 12 V, SKU 04300504A
- Rapido Quattro Filter Collector, SKU 503071
Option 3: Large Residential Lots
Best For
- Full edible gardens
- Ornamentals
- Larger irrigation zones
- Multi-day drought protection
- Valuable tree and large plant (Exotics and Tropicals) watering
Recommended Products
- GRAF Platin Flat Tank 5,000 L
- Carat S Underground Tanks
- Large Above and Below Ground Tanks
- Grundfos SBA3-45 AW Pump
- Minimax-Pro Internal Filter
- Scala auto, variable speed pump system for multiple outlets
- Consult the Irrigation Contractor to incorporate the most efficient use of rainwater with integrated controls and pumping systems.
Capacity Range
- 3,000 L to 7,500 L
Approximate Budget
- $5,000 to $12,000+
Key Benefits
- Hidden underground installation
- Full pressure irrigation
- Maximum water reserve
- Clean filtered storage
Pump Option
Grundfos SBA3-45 AW:
- 26 GPM
- 64 PSI
- Integrated controls
- Floating suction system
- Ideal for full irrigation pressure
Featured Products
- GRAF Platin Flat Tank 5,000 L, SKU 390002
- Grundfos SBA3-45 AW, SKU 97896335
- GRAF Minimax-Pro Filter, SKU 340093
Option 4: Estate & Acreage Properties
Full Property Water Reserve Systems
Best For
- Acreages
- Estate properties
- Large landscapes
- Long drought carry-over
Recommended Products
- Platin XL 10,000 L to 15,000 L
- Platin XXL 20,000 L+
- External vehicle-rated filters
- Professional irrigation integration
Capacity Range
- 10,000 L to 25,000+ L
Approximate Budget
- $15,000 to $30,000+
Key Benefits
- Maximum storage
- Vehicle-load capable options
- Full-property irrigation support
- Long-term drought resilience
Pump & Pressure Options
Need Water Pressure For Hoses Or Irrigation?
| System Type | Pump Recommendation | Best Use |
| Rain Barrels | Gravity or Flojet Quad Pump | Hose watering |
| Aboveground Tanks |
Flojet Quad Pump Scala Pump |
Drip irrigation |
| Underground Tanks | Grundfos SBA3-45 AW | Full irrigation pressure |
| Estate Systems | Grundfos + advanced controls | Large irrigation systems |
You can choose between:
- Gravity-fed watering systems
- Basic hose-pressure systems
- Full irrigation-pressure systems
Your pump recommendation depends on:
- Tank size
- Irrigation zones
- Hose & piping lengths, and valve & fitting restrictions
- Elevation changes
- Desired water pressure - Consult an Irrigation design and installation specialist
What Can You Water?
What Homeowners Commonly Use Rainwater For
Approved Uses Grid
- Vegetable gardens
- Raised beds
- Trees and shrubs
- Drip irrigation
- Ornamental landscaping
- Outdoor washing
Important Notice
Rainwater systems shown are “generally” designed for outdoor non-potable use only and must remain disconnected from municipal drinking water plumbing. Rainwater outlets should be labelled as “non-potable water”.
Installation Path
Start Simple. Expand Later.
Phase 1
Install:
- Rain barrel
- Diverter
- Leaf screen
Phase 2
Add:
- Larger storage tank
- First-flush diverter
- Overflow management
Phase 3
Upgrade:
- Pump system
- Underground storage
- Irrigation integration
Many homeowners start with a simple 300-500 L barrel system, then expand storage capacity over time as watering needs grow.
FAQ Section
Q: Are rain barrels allowed during watering restrictions?
A: Yes. Metro Vancouver restrictions apply to treated drinking water, not rainwater you collect yourself.
Q: Do I need a permit?
A: Small standalone barrel systems typically do not require permits. Underground tanks, pumps, or plumbing integrations may require municipal permits and backflow review.
Q: Can I connect rainwater to my house plumbing?
A: Not as a DIY project. Rainwater systems must remain disconnected from potable municipal plumbing unless professionally designed and permitted.
Q: How much water can I collect?
A: 1,000 ft² roof with 1 inch of rainfall can collect about:
- 623 US gallons
- 2,360 litres
Simple formula:
Roof area × rainfall × 0.623 = gallons
So:
1,000 × 1 × 0.623 = 623 gallons
Find The Right Rainwater System For Your Property