Tiny House Water Systems: Off-Grid Collection & Filtration

Tiny House Water Systems: Off-Grid Collection & Filtration shows how to secure clean water supply without municipal connections. Water independence requires three integrated components: collection or sourcing from rainfall, wells, or springs; storage in tanks providing buffer supply for dry periods; and filtration removing contaminants to ensure safety for drinking, cooking, and bathing.

Little Houses for Sale Team•
Rainwater collection system with storage tanks and filtration setup for off-grid tiny house
TLDR: Off-Grid Water Systems for Tiny Homes

Key Points:

  • Tiny house couples need 40-100 gallons daily (1,200-3,000 gal/month) depending on lifestyle and conservation
  • Rainwater harvesting costs $2,000-$8,000: tanks ($600-$3,000), gutters/filtration ($400-$1,500), installation ($1,000-$3,500)
  • Well drilling costs $15-$150/foot ($3,000-$15,000 typical) plus pump ($800-$3,000) and pressure system ($400-$1,200)
  • Storage targets 2-4 weeks supply: 500-1,000 gallons for two people, larger in dry climates or unreliable sources
  • Multi-stage filtration: sediment pre-filter ($50-$150), carbon filter ($100-$400), UV sterilization ($400-$900) for drinking water
  • Rainwater laws vary by state — some western states restrict collection; always verify local water rights
  • Well permits required almost everywhere; health departments regulate minimum well specifications and testing
  • Backup water source or extra storage essential for system failures or seasonal dry periods

Note: Water quality, availability, and legal rights vary dramatically by location. Always test water quality before consuming, even from wells or springs appearing clean. Verify water rights, rainwater collection laws, well drilling permits, and health department requirements before developing any off-grid water system. Some jurisdictions mandate connection to municipal water if available nearby.

Tiny House Water Systems: Off-Grid Collection & Filtration shows how to secure clean water supply without municipal connections. Water independence requires three integrated components: collection or sourcing from rainfall, wells, or springs; storage in tanks providing buffer supply for dry periods; and filtration removing contaminants to ensure safety for drinking, cooking, and bathing.

Tiny homes use 20-50 gallons daily per person — significantly less than the 80-100 gallon U.S. average — making off-grid water systems practical and affordable. A couple in a 300-square-foot tiny house needs approximately 1,000-1,500 gallons monthly, requiring modest collection area (400-800 square feet of roof in moderate rainfall regions) and reasonable storage capacity (500-1,000 gallons). Complete systems cost $2,000-$15,000 depending on water source, storage size, and filtration sophistication.

This guide covers water source selection based on your location and property, collection system design for rainwater harvesting or well/spring development, storage tank sizing and placement, multi-stage filtration for safe drinking water, and legal considerations including water rights and health department regulations. You'll learn which approach suits your climate, rainfall patterns, and budget, plus how to design redundancy ensuring water security year-round.

Understanding Water Needs & Sources

Water planning begins with calculating daily consumption and matching it to reliable sources. Tiny house living dramatically reduces water usage through conscious conservation, efficient fixtures, and simplified lifestyles. Average consumption in 300-square-foot tiny homes ranges from 40-100 gallons daily for two people — roughly half the 80-100 gallons per capita typical in standard homes.

Breaking down usage categories helps identify conservation opportunities: drinking and cooking (2-4 gallons), dishwashing (4-8 gallons), showering (10-25 gallons per person), toilet flushing if not composting (15-30 gallons), hand washing and hygiene (3-6 gallons), laundry if on-site (20-40 gallons per load), and outdoor use for gardens (varies seasonally). Most tiny house owners install low-flow fixtures reducing usage 40-60% — 1.5 GPM shower heads instead of 2.5 GPM, 0.5 GPM faucet aerators, and 1.28 gallons-per-flush toilets if using flush toilets.

Four primary water sources serve off-grid tiny homes, each with distinct advantages and limitations:

Rainwater Harvesting

Rainwater collection captures roof runoff through gutters into storage tanks. Advantages include zero pumping costs, usually excellent quality requiring minimal treatment, legal simplicity in most eastern states, and low environmental impact. Challenges involve rainfall variability requiring large storage, seasonal droughts depleting supplies in dry climates, roof contamination from bird droppings or debris, and legal restrictions in some western states.

  • •Viability depends on local rainfall patterns.
  • •Calculate potential collection: roof area (sq ft) × annual rainfall (inches) × 0.623 (conversion factor) × 0.90 (collection efficiency) = annual gallons.
  • •A 400-square-foot roof in Portland, Oregon (43 inches annual rainfall) yields: 400 × 43 × 0.623 × 0.90 = 9,693 gallons annually — adequate for a couple using 50 gallons daily (18,250 gallons annually) if supplemented with conservation and backup.
  • •The same roof in Phoenix (8 inches annual rainfall) yields only 1,796 gallons — inadequate as primary source without massive storage or severe conservation.

Wells (Groundwater)

Drilled or dug wells access underground aquifers providing reliable year-round water in most regions. Advantages include consistent supply independent of rainfall, generally good quality with natural filtration through soil, once-installed infrastructure lasting decades, and property value increase. Challenges include expensive drilling ($15-$150/foot, $3,000-$15,000 typical), permitting requirements everywhere, uncertain water quality requiring testing, electricity needed for pumping (300-800 watts), and aquifer depletion risks in drought-prone areas.

Well depth depends on local water table — 25-50 feet in wetlands, 100-300 feet in most regions, 400+ feet in arid areas. Shallow wells (under 100 feet) cost $3,000-$8,000 but face contamination risks and seasonal variations. Deep wells ($8,000-$20,000) provide better quality and reliability but require more powerful pumps.

Springs (Surface Water)

Natural springs provide gravity-fed water from hillside aquifer discharge. Advantages include free water after initial development, zero pumping costs if source is uphill from home, often excellent quality from underground filtering, and minimal environmental impact. Challenges include limited availability (specific geology required), inconsistent flow varying seasonally, legal complexities around water rights and permits, development costs for collection boxes and piping ($2,000-$6,000), and contamination risks from surface runoff.

Spring development requires careful site assessment: consistent year-round flow (minimum 1-5 gallons per minute), water quality testing for bacteria and contaminants, legal water rights secured before development, and proper collection infrastructure preventing contamination.

Surface Water (Streams/Lakes)

Rivers, streams, and lakes provide water through pumping and extensive filtration. Advantages include abundant supply in water-rich regions and established permitting processes for water rights. Challenges include heavy filtration requirements for sediment, bacteria, viruses, and chemicals; pumping costs (electricity or manual); complex water rights often prioritizing senior rights holders; seasonal variations affecting availability; and environmental regulations protecting aquatic ecosystems.

Surface water serves best as backup or non-potable source (irrigation, washing) rather than primary drinking supply due to treatment complexity.

Rainwater Harvesting Systems

Rainwater collection systems capture roof runoff, store it in tanks, and filter it for use. Properly designed systems provide safe, reliable water with minimal maintenance.

Collection & Conveyance Components

Roof surfaces should be metal, asphalt shingle, or tile — avoid treated wood or lead flashing contaminating water. Metal roofs work best, shedding debris easily and lasting 40-50 years. Calculate collection area from roof footprint (not surface area) — a 20×30 foot tiny house offers 600 square feet collection regardless of roof pitch.

  • •Gutters channel water from roof to storage.
  • •Use 5-inch gutters with 3-inch downspouts for adequate flow during heavy rain.
  • •Install leaf guards or gutter screens preventing debris entry.
  • •Size gutters for maximum rainfall intensity: 0.05 square feet gutter cross-section per 100 square feet roof area.

First-flush diverters discard initial roof runoff carrying concentrated pollutants — bird droppings, dust, and debris accumulate between rains. Diverters automatically discharge the first 10-20 gallons per 1,000 square feet roof area, then direct clean water to storage. Systems cost $50-$200 and dramatically improve water quality.

Conveyance piping connects downspouts to tanks using 1.5-2 inch PVC or HDPE pipe. Include cleanout access points every 20 feet for maintenance. Bury pipes below frost line in cold climates or insulate exposed sections preventing winter freezing.

Storage Tanks & Sizing

Storage capacity balances cost against water security during dry periods. General guidelines: 2 weeks supply minimum, 4-6 weeks ideal in dry climates or unreliable rainfall patterns. A couple using 50 gallons daily needs 700 gallons for 2 weeks, 1,400-2,100 gallons for 4-6 weeks.

Tank materials each suit different applications:

Polyethylene (plastic) tanks ($0.60-$1.20/gallon) offer lightweight, affordable, UV-resistant storage in sizes from 100-2,500 gallons. Choose food-grade polyethylene specifically rated for potable water. Dark colors prevent algae growth. Lifespan 15-20 years with proper maintenance.

Fiberglass tanks ($1.50-$2.50/gallon) provide superior durability, don't leach chemicals, resist UV damage, and last 25-30+ years. Higher costs limit use to permanent installations where longevity justifies investment.

Steel tanks ($0.80-$1.80/gallon) offer large capacities (1,000-10,000+ gallons) for farm/ranch installations. Require interior lining preventing rust contamination. Heavy weight demands permanent placement on engineered foundations.

Concrete cisterns ($2.00-$4.00/gallon) provide maximum durability (50+ years) and large capacity. Expensive installation requires excavation, forming, and curing. Best for permanent off-grid homesteads prioritizing long-term infrastructure.

  • •Tank placement affects system functionality.
  • •Aboveground tanks provide easy access for cleaning and inspection, simplify installation, and allow gravity-fed distribution if elevated.
  • •Disadvantages include space consumption, aesthetic impact, freezing risks in cold climates (require insulation or heated sheds), and faster temperature fluctuations affecting water quality.
  • •Underground tanks eliminate freezing concerns, preserve yard space, and maintain stable temperatures but complicate access for maintenance, require excavation costs ($1,000-$3,000), and need proper drainage preventing tank flotation in wet soil.

Pre-Filtration & Screening

  • •Multi-stage filtration begins before storage to maximize quality.
  • •Leaf screens in gutters block large debris.
  • •First-flush diverters discharge contaminated initial runoff.
  • •Tank inlet screens (100-200 mesh) catch fine particles.
  • •Many systems include tank inlet filters with replaceable cartridges removing sediment before storage.

Tank overflow drains safely discharge excess water during heavy rains, preventing erosion around foundations. Position overflow away from buildings and gardens. Include backflow prevention valves ensuring water doesn't siphon back into tanks.

System Maintenance

Quarterly tasks include inspecting gutters and downspouts for clogs, checking first-flush operation, examining tank exteriors for leaks or damage, and testing overflow drains. Annual deep cleaning: flush gutters thoroughly, inspect and clean roof surfaces, drain and scrub tank interiors removing sediment accumulation (typically every 2-3 years for well-maintained systems), replace filters as needed, and test water quality. Budget $100-$300 annually for filter replacements and minor repairs.

Well & Spring Systems

Groundwater sources provide reliable year-round water independent of rainfall patterns. Development requires more upfront investment than rainwater systems but delivers consistent supply.

Well Drilling & Construction

Well development begins with hydrogeological assessment: research local water table depth through neighbor wells or county well logs, test drill if uncertain about water availability, and plan for adequate depth reaching reliable aquifer layers. Drilling costs $15-$150/foot depending on geology, region, and well diameter, with totals typically $3,000-$15,000.

Shallow wells (25-100 feet) suit areas with high water tables. Drilling costs $2,000-$6,000, but these wells face contamination risks from surface pollutants, experience seasonal flow variations, and may run dry during droughts. Use only in proven water-rich areas with excellent surface water quality.

Deep wells (100-400 feet) provide better protection from contamination, consistent flows year-round, and superior water quality. Costs range $6,000-$20,000 for drilling plus casing. Most off-grid tiny house owners targeting wells should budget for deep wells ensuring reliability.

  • •Well casing (4-6 inch diameter steel or PVC) prevents collapse and contamination.
  • •Grouting seals the annular space between casing and borehole, preventing surface water infiltration.
  • •Well caps seal the top preventing debris and pest entry.
  • •Total casing and sealing adds $800-$2,500 to drilling costs.

Pumping Systems

Well pumps lift water to the surface and pressurize systems for household use. Two types dominate:

  • •Submersible pumps sit underwater below pump level, pushing water upward.
  • •Advantages include quiet operation, no priming required, protection from freezing, and efficiency for deep wells.
  • •Models cost $400-$2,000 depending on horsepower (0.5-1.5 HP typical for tiny houses) and lift requirements.
  • •Lifespan 15-25 years.

Jet pumps sit aboveground, pulling water upward through suction. Suitable only for shallow wells (under 25 feet) or surface water sources. Lower costs ($300-$800) but noisy operation, require priming, and face freezing risks. Use only when appropriate for well depth.

  • •Solar-powered pumps eliminate electrical dependence, ideal for off-grid wells.
  • •Direct-drive systems pump only during sunlight, requiring large storage tanks buffering nighttime usage.
  • •Battery-coupled systems pump any time using stored solar energy.
  • •Solar pumps cost $800-$3,000 depending on lift requirements and flow rates.

Pressure systems maintain consistent household water pressure. Pressure tanks ($150-$500 for 20-40 gallon capacity) buffer pump cycles, reducing wear. Pressure switches automatically start/stop pumps maintaining 40-60 PSI. Complete pressure systems cost $400-$1,200 installed.

Spring Development

Spring systems capture natural groundwater discharge for gravity-fed distribution. Development begins with flow testing: measure gallons per minute during different seasons, verify year-round consistency, and ensure adequate flow (minimum 1-5 GPM for tiny house). Low or seasonal flows may require storage tanks buffering supply.

Collection boxes capture spring water while excluding contamination. Concrete or fiberglass boxes (3×3 feet typical) install at spring source with screened inlet pipes drawing water, overflow drains preventing flooding, and sealed lids excluding debris and pests. Construction costs $500-$2,000 depending on site accessibility and soil conditions.

  • •Conveyance piping delivers water by gravity from spring to home and storage.
  • •Use 1-2 inch HDPE pipe buried below frost line.
  • •Calculate hydraulic gradient: elevation drop divided by distance.
  • •A spring 50 feet uphill from a house 200 feet away has 50/200 = 0.25 (25%) gradient — excellent for gravity flow.
  • •Pipe installation costs $3-$10/foot including trenching.

Springs require water rights confirmation before development. Most states regulate spring appropriation even on private property. Contact your state water resources department confirming rights and permit requirements.

Filtration & Purification Systems

Water filtration removes contaminants ensuring safe drinking water from any source. Multi-stage systems address different contaminant categories: sediment, chemicals, and biological pathogens.

Sediment Filtration

Sediment pre-filters remove particles larger than 5-50 microns: sand, silt, rust, and debris that clog downstream filters and damage pumps. Whole-house sediment filters install at system entry point before pumps and treatment. Expect 3-6 month filter life depending on water turbidity.

Spin-down filters ($50-$150) use centrifugal force separating heavy particles into collection chambers requiring periodic cleaning. No filter replacement needed but require regular maintenance cleaning accumulated sediment.

Cartridge filters ($30-$100 for housing, $10-$30 per replacement cartridge) capture particles in pleated or wound filter media. Replace cartridges when flow rate decreases significantly. Typical lifespan: 3-6 months for rainwater, 1-3 months for well water with heavy sediment.

Chemical & Heavy Metal Removal

Activated carbon filters remove chlorine, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), pesticides, herbicides, and many chemicals improving taste and odor. Carbon adsorbs contaminants as water passes through granular or block carbon media. Cartridge filters cost $100-$400 for housing plus $20-$60 per replacement cartridge lasting 6-12 months.

  • •Reverse osmosis (RO) systems remove dissolved minerals, heavy metals, fluoride, arsenic, and many chemicals through semi-permeable membrane filtration.
  • •Point-of-use systems install under sinks producing 50-75 gallons daily of ultra-pure drinking and cooking water.
  • •Systems cost $300-$900 plus filter replacements every 6-24 months ($100-$200 annually).
  • •RO wastes 3-5 gallons per gallon produced — acceptable for drinking water only, not whole-house use.

Biological Pathogen Removal

  • •Ultraviolet (UV) sterilization kills 99.99% of bacteria, viruses, and protozoa using UV-C light at 254 nanometers wavelength.
  • •Water flows through clear chambers exposing it to UV lamps that damage pathogen DNA preventing reproduction.
  • •UV systems cost $400-$900 for 6-12 GPM flow rates suitable for tiny houses.
  • •Lamps require annual replacement ($80-$150).
  • •UV works only on clear water — sediment shields pathogens from UV rays, requiring pre-filtration.
  • •Chemical disinfection using bleach (sodium hypochlorite) or pool shock (calcium hypochlorite) kills pathogens through oxidation.
  • •Add 1/8 teaspoon (8 drops) regular bleach per gallon water, stir, and wait 30 minutes before consuming.
  • •Effective for emergency treatment but leaves chlorine taste.
  • •Not recommended for regular use given UV and filtration alternatives.

Ceramic filters physically block bacteria and protozoa through 0.2-0.5 micron pores. Gravity-fed systems like Berkey ($300-$400) and ProPur ($200-$350) require no electricity, producing 2-4 gallons per hour. Ideal for off-grid applications. Filters last 3,000-6,000 gallons (1-3 years typical).

Multi-Stage System Design

Comprehensive filtration combines multiple technologies addressing all contaminant categories:

Stage 1: Sediment pre-filter (5-10 micron) removes particles protecting downstream filters. Stage 2: Carbon block filter removes chemicals, improves taste. Stage 3: UV sterilization kills biological pathogens. Stage 4 (optional): RO system for drinking water ultra-filtration.

This configuration costs $800-$1,800 installed and delivers safe water from rainwater, wells, or springs. Annual filter replacement costs $150-$300.

Water Quality Testing

  • •Test water quality before consuming from any new source and annually thereafter.
  • •Basic testing ($50-$100) checks bacteria, nitrates, pH, and hardness.
  • •Comprehensive testing ($200-$400) adds heavy metals, pesticides, and volatile organics.
  • •State health departments or certified labs provide testing services.
  • •Some contaminants (arsenic, fluoride, bacteria) lack taste or odor — testing is essential, not optional.

Distribution & Pressure Systems

Water distribution delivers stored water to fixtures at adequate pressure and flow. Two approaches suit off-grid applications: gravity-fed systems using elevation, and pumped systems using electricity.

Gravity-Fed Systems

  • •Gravity systems rely on elevation difference between storage and fixtures creating natural pressure.
  • •Each foot of elevation provides 0.433 PSI pressure.
  • •A tank 40 feet above fixtures delivers 17.3 PSI — adequate for basic use but low for showers.
  • •A tank 60 feet above fixtures provides 26 PSI — comfortable for most uses.
  • •Tanks 80+ feet above deliver 35+ PSI — comparable to municipal pressure.

Gravity systems offer zero pumping costs, silent operation, no electricity dependence, and extreme reliability. Challenges include requiring elevated tank placement (tower, hillside, or upper floor), potentially inadequate pressure for modern fixtures expecting 40-60 PSI, and inability to increase pressure without raising tanks higher.

Gravity systems work well for spring-fed water on hillside properties or elevated rainwater storage tanks. Calculate required elevation: target PSI ÷ 0.433 = feet elevation. For 40 PSI, need 92 feet elevation difference.

Pumped Systems

Pumped systems use electric pumps delivering water at controlled pressure. Typical configurations include a submersible or jet pump drawing from storage, a pressure tank buffering pump cycles, a pressure switch controlling automatic operation, and distribution plumbing to fixtures.

Shallow well jet pumps work for tanks and shallow wells under 25 feet deep. Cost $300-$800, deliver 5-12 GPM at 40-60 PSI, and consume 300-800 watts. Require priming and face freezing risks if not protected.

Submersible pumps suit deep tanks or wells. Models cost $400-$2,000 depending on horsepower (0.5-1.5 HP typical). More expensive than jet pumps but more reliable, quieter, and efficient for deep water sources.

Pressure tanks ($150-$500 for 20-40 gallon capacity) store pressurized water reducing pump cycling. Diaphragm tanks separate air cushion from water preventing waterlogging. Size tanks for 1-2 minute pump runtime between cycles: tiny house needs 20-40 gallon tank depending on flow rates.

Pressure switches ($25-$75) automatically start pumps when pressure drops below cut-in point (typically 30-40 PSI) and stop when reaching cut-out point (50-60 PSI). Adjustable switches allow customizing pressure range.

Powering Off-Grid Water Systems

  • •Electrical demand for water pumps averages 300-800 watts during operation.
  • •A pump running 30-60 minutes daily consumes 150-800 watt-hours (0.15-0.8 kWh) — easily supplied by modest solar systems.
  • •Solar direct-drive pumps eliminate battery storage requirements, operating during daylight and requiring large storage tanks buffering nighttime usage.
  • •Battery-backed systems pump any time using stored solar energy, offering more flexibility but requiring larger solar arrays and battery capacity.

Legal Considerations & Best Practices

Water rights, health regulations, and local codes significantly impact off-grid water system development. Understanding legal landscape prevents expensive mistakes and ensures compliant installations.

Rainwater Harvesting Laws

Rainwater collection laws vary dramatically by state. Eastern states generally allow unlimited residential rainwater harvesting with few restrictions. Western states following prior appropriation water law often restrict or prohibit rainwater collection claiming it infringes on downstream water rights.

States explicitly encouraging rainwater harvesting: Texas (tax incentives for systems), Ohio (legal guidance for collection), Virginia (supports residential collection), Florida (promotes harvesting for conservation).

States with restrictions: Colorado (recently liberalized but still restricts collection in some areas), Utah (requires registration for large systems), Nevada (prohibits collection in some jurisdictions), Washington (varies by county).

Always verify current state and local laws before installing rainwater systems. Contact your state water resources department and county planning office confirming collection legality, any permitting requirements, system size limits, and approved uses (potable vs non-potable).

Well Permits & Regulations

Well drilling requires permits in virtually all jurisdictions. Health departments and water resource agencies regulate well construction protecting groundwater quality and preventing over-appropriation. Typical requirements include permit applications before drilling ($50-$500 fee), licensed driller performing work, minimum well specifications (depth, casing, grouting), setback distances from septic systems and property lines (typically 50-100 feet), and water quality testing before use.

Some states restrict well drilling in designated groundwater management areas, prioritize agricultural or municipal water rights over residential wells, or require proof of water right before permitting wells. Western states with prior appropriation systems often impose stricter controls than eastern riparian rights states.

Health Department Regulations

Health departments regulate water systems ensuring public safety. Typical regulations include potable water source approval (restricting surface water use), water quality testing requirements (bacteria, nitrates, minerals), treatment system standards (UV sterilization, filtration specifications), and backflow prevention (protecting public water systems if property has dual connections).

Some jurisdictions mandate connection to municipal water if available within certain distances (typically 200-400 feet), prohibit off-grid water systems in certain zones, or require professional installation and inspection of treatment systems.

Best Practices & Redundancy

Successful off-grid water systems incorporate redundancy and backup plans: maintain backup water source (supplemental well, rainwater system, or stored municipal water), install extra storage capacity beyond minimum calculations (aim for 4-6 weeks, not 2 weeks), keep spare filters and pumps preventing system downtime during failures, and establish water delivery relationship for emergency resupply during equipment failures or drought.

  • •Monitor water levels weekly noting consumption patterns and identifying problems early.
  • •Test water quality annually confirming treatment system effectiveness.
  • •Clean storage tanks every 2-3 years removing accumulated sediment.
  • •Budget $200-$500 annually for filter replacements, testing, and maintenance supplies.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much water does a tiny house use per day?

Tiny house occupants typically use 40-100 gallons daily depending on lifestyle and conservation efforts. Water-conscious couples average 40-60 gallons daily (20-30 per person): 4 gallons drinking and cooking, 6 gallons dishwashing, 20 gallons showering with low-flow heads (10 minutes × 2 people × 1.0 GPM), 8 gallons hand washing and hygiene, and 5-10 gallons misc. Moderate users consume 60-80 gallons adding laundry (20-30 gallons per load), flush toilets (1.28 gallons × 5-6 flushes daily), and less-efficient fixtures. High users reach 80-100 gallons with longer showers, frequent laundry, and minimal conservation. Compare this to conventional home averages of 80-100 gallons per person (160-200 for couples) and tiny house living clearly reduces water needs 50-70% through smaller fixtures, conscious usage, and simplified lifestyles.

Is rainwater safe to drink after filtering?

Yes, properly filtered rainwater is safe for drinking and meets or exceeds municipal water quality standards. Rainwater starts very pure — cleaner than most surface water sources — but roof collection introduces contaminants from bird droppings, dust, and debris. Multi-stage filtration addresses all concerns: first-flush diverters discharge contaminated initial runoff (first 10-20 gallons per storm), sediment pre-filters remove particles, carbon filters remove chemicals and improve taste, UV sterilization kills 99.99% of bacteria and viruses. This combination costs $800-$1,500 installed and produces water safer than many municipal supplies. Test water annually ($50-$100) confirming bacteria-free status. Millions of people worldwide drink filtered rainwater daily with excellent safety records. The key is proper system design, regular filter maintenance, and annual water quality testing confirming treatment effectiveness.

How much does it cost to drill a well for a tiny house?

Well drilling costs $15-$150 per foot depending on geology, region, and well diameter, with complete installations typically costing $3,000-$15,000. Shallow wells (25-100 feet) in areas with high water tables cost $2,000-$6,000 for drilling plus $800-$2,000 for casing, pump, and pressure system — totaling $3,000-$8,000. Deep wells (100-400 feet) providing better water quality and reliability cost $6,000-$20,000 for drilling plus $1,500-$3,500 for equipment — totaling $8,000-$24,000. Rocky terrain, remote locations, and large-diameter wells (6+ inches) increase costs toward the high end. Permitting adds $50-$500 depending on jurisdiction. Budget conservatively: $5,000-$10,000 for basic well, $10,000-$18,000 for typical deep well in moderate geology. Get multiple quotes from licensed well drillers specifying total installed cost including casing, pump, pressure tank, and basic filtration.

What size water storage tank does a tiny house need?

Target 2-4 weeks supply providing buffer against dry periods, equipment failures, or seasonal drought. Calculate based on daily usage: 50 gallons daily × 14 days = 700 gallons minimum, × 28 days = 1,400 gallons ideal. Most tiny house couples install 500-1,000 gallon tanks for rainwater systems or well water backup. Larger storage (1,500-3,000 gallons) suits dry climates with irregular rainfall or expensive well pumping benefiting from less-frequent pump cycles. Consider multiple smaller tanks (two 500-gallon vs one 1,000-gallon) for flexibility, redundancy if one tank fails, and easier installation in tight spaces. Tank material affects size choice: plastic tanks work well for 100-2,500 gallons at $0.60-$1.20/gallon, fiberglass suits 500-5,000 gallons at higher cost but longer life, concrete cisterns make sense for 2,000+ gallon permanent installations. Balance storage capacity against cost and available space — adequate beats optimal every time.

Can I collect rainwater in my state legally?

Rainwater harvesting legality varies dramatically by state. Most eastern and midwestern states allow unlimited residential rainwater collection without permits: Texas, Ohio, Virginia, Florida, Pennsylvania, New York, and most others east of 100th meridian generally support or actively encourage rainwater harvesting. Some western states restrict collection due to prior appropriation water law claiming rainwater belongs to downstream rights holders: Colorado recently liberalized laws but still limits collection, Utah requires registration for systems over 2,500 gallons, Nevada prohibits collection in some counties, Washington varies by jurisdiction. Several states encourage collection through tax incentives or regulatory support: Texas offers property tax exemptions for rainwater equipment, Virginia promotes collection for water conservation, and Rhode Island requires rainwater systems for some new construction. Always verify current state and local laws — contact your state water resources department and county planning office confirming collection legality, permitting requirements, and any restrictions on system size or water use. Our Off-Grid Legal States guide provides detailed state-by-state breakdowns with links to regulatory agencies.