---
title: Catch the Sky — a rainwater planning guide
canonical: https://kingsmoot.com/almanac/water-sovereignty/
---

# Catch the Sky: a rainwater planning guide

## Direct answer

A roof can collect a useful volume of water, but annual rainfall alone does not determine a safe or reliable system. First estimate usable roof area, local rainfall, realistic losses, intended demand and dry periods. Then take that planning brief to the relevant health authority, water utility, licensed plumber and water-treatment professional.

## What the guide helps with

- Framing a high-level supply-and-demand estimate.
- Comparing storage scopes without treating one annual total as a design.
- Identifying catchment-material, contamination, plumbing, backflow, treatment, testing and maintenance questions.
- Checking current requirements for the intended use and jurisdiction.

## Safety boundary

This guide has not been reviewed by a water-treatment professional and is not a potable-system design. Do not derive drinking-water treatment, emergency disinfection or legal compliance from this summary. Follow current directions from local public-health and water authorities and use qualified local professionals for connected or potable systems.

[Read the complete canonical article](https://kingsmoot.com/almanac/water-sovereignty/).