Rainwater harvesting using IBC totes is one of the most popular and practical applications for used intermediate bulk containers. In Missouri, where summer droughts can stress gardens and landscapes, capturing rain during wet periods provides free, soft water for irrigation.
Is It Legal in Missouri?
Yes! Missouri has no state-level restrictions on residential rainwater harvesting. Unlike some western states that regulate water rights extensively, Missouri allows property owners to capture and use rainwater that falls on their property without permits or registration for residential use.
However, some municipalities and HOAs may have local ordinances regarding: - Visible water storage containers (aesthetic regulations) - Mosquito breeding prevention requirements - Maximum stored water volume - Setback distances from property lines
Check your local regulations before installing a system. In the greater St. Louis area, most municipalities have no specific rainwater restrictions.
Sizing Your System
How much rain can you capture?
The formula: Roof area (sq ft) × rainfall (inches) × 0.623 = gallons captured
For a typical St. Louis home with a 1,500 sq ft roof catchment area: - 1 inch of rain = approximately 935 gallons - Average monthly rainfall in St. Louis: 3-4 inches - Potential monthly capture: 2,800-3,740 gallons
A single 275-gallon IBC captures the equivalent of about 0.3 inches of rain from a 1,500 sq ft roof. For serious gardeners, 2-4 IBCs connected in series provides meaningful storage.
Choosing the Right IBC
For rainwater harvesting: - Grade A or B used totes are ideal — they're leak-free and structurally sound - Prior contents matter less since the water isn't for drinking (but avoid tanks that held toxic chemicals) - Food-grade totes are recommended if you're watering edible plants - Opaque covers or paint are essential to prevent algae growth
Basic Setup Steps
1. Position your IBC on a level, stable surface near a gutter downspout. Elevating the IBC on concrete blocks provides gravity pressure for hose use. 2. Install inlet — cut the downspout and install a diverter that routes water into the IBC's top opening. Add a fine mesh screen to keep debris and mosquitoes out. 3. Add overflow — install a bulkhead fitting near the top of the IBC connected to a hose that routes overflow water away from your foundation. 4. Bottom outlet — the existing 2-inch valve is your dispensing point. Add a garden hose adapter for convenient use. 5. Block light — wrap the bottle in opaque material or use IBC-specific covers to prevent algae growth.
Maintenance
- Clean inlet screens monthly during leaf fall
- Flush the system annually — drain completely and rinse
- Check valve function before each growing season
- Inspect for mosquito larvae regularly (properly screened systems shouldn't have issues)
- Drain before the first hard freeze in November
Cost Analysis
- Used Grade B IBC tote: $75-150
- Gutter diverter kit: $30-50
- Garden hose adapter: $10-15
- Overflow bulkhead fitting: $15-25
- Screening material: $10
- Optional opaque cover: $30-50
Total investment: $170-300 for 275 gallons of free water storage — and the system pays for itself within 1-2 growing seasons through reduced water bills.