Stepping into the rainwater harvesting world can seem daunting, but rest assured—it’s not rocket science. A few unfamiliar terms may make you feel confused at first, and the whole idea can seem a bit contrived or overly technical. At the beginning, you may not feel like you belong in the rainwater-collecting community but rest assured—it’s not rocket science. But after learning a few key concepts and recognizing a couple of essential components, suddenly puff—you’re part of the club and well on your way to being an expert.

Some people read a few articles, browse online content, or skim a book and quickly feel knowledgeable. And honestly, they’re not wrong—there isn’t much technical depth separating a complete beginner from an experienced rainwater harvester. The core principles are straightforward.

Understanding the Basic Components of a Rainwater Harvesting System

A standard rainwater harvesting system is made up of only a 4 basic parts:

1. The Rainwater Collection Surface

Typically this is a roof. Many jurisdictions require the roof to be the only collection surface, while other locations allow driveways or other outdoor surfaces. Overall the roof is usually the best and cleanest source of rainwater.

2. Gutter and Downspout System

Gutters and downspouts channel rainwater from the roof down to the storage tank, barrel or other collection places such as ponds.

3. The Rainwater Diverter

A diverter helps ensure cleaner water and protects the stored supply by diverting debris and polluted first-flush water. You will hear a lot about a fist-flush diverter.

This is where the Amanzi Rainwater Diverter stands out. Amanzi Products designed and manufactures the most durable, efficient, and user-friendly rainwater diverter on the market—truly in a class of its own. It is extremely easy to install and engineered for long-term performance with minimal maintenance.

4. The Storage System

This could be a rain barrel, a large water tank, a cistern, a pond, or a reservoir. The size and style depend on your needs and space.

Optional Enhancements and Accessories

While the basic components are sufficient for most systems, you can enhance your setup with add-ons such as:

  • First flush diverter
  • Water flow gauges
  • Water depth gauges
  • Temperature gauges
  • Filters
  • Faucets
  • Pumps
  • Monitoring devices

None of these are essential, but they can make the system easier to manage and fun to monitor to see how much water you are saving. Accessories may add up to 50% to the installation cost, but most can be added later without difficulty.

Rainwater harvesting is simple and accessible for homeowners, builders, and commercial property owners. With the right components—especially a quality commercial grade diverter like the Amanzi Rainwater Diverter—anyone can set up an efficient, low-maintenance system.