How We Collect and Store 200,000 Litres of Rainwater Each Season
Water scarcity is the single biggest threat to highland farming in Kenya, particularly as dry seasons have grown longer and less predictable. We share our full water harvesting setup — from gutters to underground tanks to livestock troughs in the hope it helps other farmers build resilience against drought.
The System at a Glance
Our setup captures rainwater from the roofs of our barn, shearing shed, and farmhouse, channelling it through guttering into a network of three underground storage tanks with a combined capacity of roughly 200,000 litres.
Why Underground Storage
Underground tanks keep water cooler, reduce evaporation losses, and take up no usable paddock space. While the upfront excavation cost is higher than above-ground tanks, the long-term water savings and reduced algae growth have made the investment worthwhile over time.
Distribution to the Flock
Stored water is gravity-fed to troughs in each of our eight grazing paddocks, supplemented by a small solar pump during periods of low rainfall when tank levels run low. Every trough is checked and cleaned weekly to prevent contamination.
What We've Saved
- Eliminated dependence on trucked-in water during two consecutive dry seasons
- Reduced our county water bill by approximately 60% year-round
- Maintained consistent water access for the flock even during extended dry spells
Advice for Farmers Considering This
Start with an honest assessment of your roof catchment area it determines your realistic harvest potential more than tank size does. We also recommend a simple first-flush diverter on each downpipe, which keeps debris and bird droppings out of your main storage and significantly improves water quality without much added cost.