REBEL WATER • Rainwater Harvesting • Rooted In Truth

INDIANA • FULLY LEGAL • NO PERMITS NEEDED

HARVEST THE SKY.
RECLAIM YOUR WATER.

Practical, low-cost rainwater systems for true autonomy.
Break dependence. Start with what falls for free.

55-gallon starter systems under $75 • 100% legal in Indiana

SCROLL TO BEGIN

WHY THIS IS REBELLION

Water is the first thing they can control.
Don’t let them.

Municipal water is convenient until the bill spikes, the infrastructure fails, or they decide who gets it during crisis. Rainwater belongs to no corporation and no government. It falls on your roof — your catchment area. Harvesting it is one of the most direct acts of self-reliance and quiet rebellion available to anyone with a roof and a few barrels.

Reduces stormwater runoff & flooding

Free garden & survival water

Drought & grid-down resilience

“The sky doesn’t send invoices. The rain doesn’t ask for permits. Reclaim what is already yours.”

— Rooted In Truth ethos

INDIANA

100% Legal. No State Restrictions.

Indiana has no state-level limits on rainwater collection for residential use. No permits required for typical barrel or small cistern systems. Some cities/counties may have rules for very large systems — always verify with your local building department (Fayette County in your case). The state even promotes rain barrels through Solid Waste Management Districts.

Official IDEM Rain Barrel Info

INTERACTIVE TOOL

How Much Water Can Your Roof Actually Catch?

Enter your roof size and expected rainfall. This is the math that makes independence real.

Roof Catchment Area (square feet)

sq ft

Measure length × width of roof footprint (ignore pitch — flat equivalent)

Rainfall Amount (inches)

inches

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POTENTIAL YIELD

930

gallons per storm

55-gal barrels needed

For a 2-person household (monthly est.)

~2,800 gal/month avg in your area

Formula: Gallons = sq ft × inches × 0.623 • Real-world efficiency ~80-90% after first-flush & evaporation

LEVEL 1 — START HERE

The 55-Gallon Rebel Barrel System

TOTAL COST

$45–85

using recycled food-grade barrels

Water flows: Roof → Gutter → Downspout → First Flush Diverter (captures dirty first water) → Clean water into barrel → Use via spigot or overflow to garden

MATERIALS (Starter Kit)

1. 1–2 × 55-gallon food-grade plastic barrels (free from scrap yards, bakeries, or ~$40–60 each new)
2. ¾” brass spigot / faucet (or garden hose bib)
3. ¾” PVC or brass bulkhead fitting + locknuts + plumber’s tape
4. Window screen or gutter guard mesh (inlet filter)
5. Concrete blocks or pavers (to elevate barrel)
6. Flexible hose or PVC for overflow (direct away from foundation)
7. Optional but recommended: First flush diverter kit (~$25) or DIY PVC version
8. Mosquito dunks (BTI) or tight-fitting lid + screen

Pro tip: Food-grade barrels that held olives, pickles, or soy sauce are perfect and often free.

STEP-BY-STEP BUILD (Weekend Project)

Position & Elevate

Place barrel on level ground near a downspout. Elevate 4–8 inches on concrete blocks so you can fit a bucket underneath the spigot and for better gravity flow. Keep away from house foundation.

Install the Spigot

Drill a 1″ hole near the bottom of the barrel (use hole saw). Insert bulkhead fitting + spigot. Use plumber’s tape and silicone sealant. Tighten firmly. Test for leaks with a little water.

Add Inlet Screen + First Flush (Critical)

Cut a hole in the lid or top of barrel for the downspout pipe. Cover opening with tight mesh screen. For first flush: Install a simple vertical standpipe (3–4″ PVC, 3–5 ft tall) that fills with the dirty first water, then overflows into the barrel. Empty the standpipe after each rain.

Overflow & Mosquito Defense

Add overflow fitting near top that directs excess water at least 6–10 ft away from foundation (into garden or swale). Add mosquito dunk or ensure lid + all openings are screened. Indiana summers = mosquito heaven.

LEVEL UP — DO THIS

First Flush Diverter

The first 5–15 gallons of rain off your roof carries most of the dirt, bird droppings, pollen, and roof grit. A first flush system automatically diverts it so only cleaner water enters your storage.

Cheap DIY version:

3–4″ PVC standpipe (tall enough to hold ~8–12 gallons)
Tee fitting higher up that leads to your barrel
Ball valve or cap at bottom to drain after rain
Or buy a commercial first-flush kit for $20–40

Highly recommended even for garden use. Essential if you ever want to drink the water.

FOR DRINKING WATER

Purification Options

Rainwater is soft and often cleaner than you think once first-flush is used — but never assume it’s potable without treatment.

Best low-tech: Boil vigorously 1+ minute + let settle. Or solar disinfection (SODIS) in clear bottles in sun 6+ hrs.

Good filter route: Sediment pre-filter → Activated carbon → Ceramic or hollow-fiber filter (Berkey, Alexapure, or DIY slow sand filter).

Emergency chemical: Unscented household bleach — 2 drops per gallon, wait 30 minutes. Or chlorine dioxide tablets.

Avoid if your roof is old asphalt shingles with granules or treated wood. Metal, tile, or EPDM roofs are much better for potable plans.

Maintenance, Safety & Indiana Winters

Mosquitoes & Algae

• Keep all openings screened
• Use BTI mosquito dunks every 30 days
• Add a tight lid or floating cover
• For algae: Keep barrels opaque or in shade + occasional bleach shock (non-potable use)

Winter in Indiana

• Drain barrels completely before hard freeze (late Oct / early Nov)
• Or insulate heavily + add heat tape on pipes
• Disconnect downspouts or use diverters that can be removed
• Store barrels upside down or indoors if possible

General Safety

• Never drink untreated water from asphalt or old roofs
• Test water yearly if drinking (kits ~$30–50)
• Keep children/pets away from open barrels
• Clean gutters & screens 2× per year

NEXT LEVEL AUTONOMY

Water is just the beginning.

Greywater Reuse

Route laundry & shower water to garden beds (check local codes — often allowed for subsurface).

Emergency Storage

Aim for minimum 1 gallon per person per day for 14+ days. Rotate stored water. Rain + stored = real resilience.

Solar Pump Upgrade

Small 12V solar pump + battery lets you move water uphill or to pressure tank without grid power.

Mutual Aid Angle

Once you have surplus, the shed pantry model extends naturally — share clean water or knowledge with neighbors.

Build one barrel this weekend. Then two. Then help someone else do the same.

That’s how we get this world back in order — one roof at a time.

Share Your Build on the Site Back to Rebel DIY Hub

Rainwater Harvesting

HARVEST THE SKY. RECLAIM YOUR WATER.

Water is the first thing they can control.Don’t let them.