IBC Rainwater Collection Systems
Transform a used IBC tank into a high-capacity rainwater harvesting system. At 275 gallons per unit, IBC tanks offer 5x the capacity of traditional rain barrels — and we sell them pre-configured and ready to install.
Get a Rainwater System Quote
We'll help you design the right setup for your property.
Why IBC Tanks for Rainwater Harvesting?
Massive Capacity
A single 275-gallon IBC holds as much water as five standard 55-gallon rain barrels. Less plumbing, less space, more water.
Stackable & Chainable
Connect multiple IBCs in series for 550, 825, or even 1,100+ gallons of storage. Gravity-fed systems need zero electricity.
Built-In Dispensing
The bottom valve on an IBC is perfect for gravity-fed irrigation. Add a garden hose adapter and you're ready to water.
UV Protection Available
We offer UV-resistant covers or can paint tanks to block sunlight and prevent algae growth inside your rainwater tank.
Eco Double-Win
You're reusing a container AND harvesting free water. Double the environmental benefit from a single purchase.
Easy to Transport
Standard pallet footprint means any truck with a liftgate can deliver. We offer delivery and installation assistance.
Available Configurations
Basic Rain Harvest Tank
275 gallonsIncludes: Cleaned IBC tank, vented fill cap with mesh screen, garden hose adapter on bottom valve, overflow fitting
Ideal for: Single downspout collection for garden irrigation
Dual-Tank Gravity System
550 gallonsIncludes: Two cleaned IBCs, daisy-chain connector kit, both tanks fitted with mesh screens, single outlet valve with flow control
Ideal for: Larger gardens, small farms, or extended dry-season storage
Premium Filtered System
275 gallonsIncludes: Cleaned IBC with UV cover, first-flush diverter, inline mesh filter, carbon filter attachment, food-grade safe for non-potable household use
Ideal for: Livestock watering, greenhouse irrigation, or household non-potable use
Commercial Multi-Tank
1,100+ gallonsIncludes: Four+ IBCs in series, manifold distribution system, pump-ready outlet, overflow management, custom platform design
Ideal for: Commercial landscaping, agricultural operations, or large property irrigation
South Carolina Rainwater Harvesting Regulations
Good news: South Carolina has no state-level restrictions on rainwater harvesting for residential or commercial use. You're free to collect and use rainwater for irrigation, livestock, and other non-potable applications without permits. For potable (drinking water) use, additional filtration and treatment systems are required. We can advise on compliant setups for your specific needs.
Return on Investment
Myrtle Beach receives approximately 50 inches of rainfall per year. Here's how much free water your roof can capture depending on its size, and what that means for your water bill.
| Roof Size | Annual Capture | IBCs Needed | Annual Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 500 sq ft | ~15,600 gal | 1 - 2 | $80 - $120 |
| 1,000 sq ft | ~31,200 gal | 2 - 4 | $160 - $240 |
| 1,500 sq ft | ~46,800 gal | 3 - 6 | $240 - $360 |
| 2,000 sq ft | ~62,400 gal | 4 - 8 | $320 - $480 |
| 3,000 sq ft | ~93,600 gal | 6 - 12 | $480 - $720 |
How We Calculate
Formula: Roof area (sq ft) x rainfall (inches/year) x 0.623 (conversion factor) x 0.80 (collection efficiency) = annual gallons captured. Savings are based on Grand Strand Utilities average water rates of $5.15 per 1,000 gallons. IBC tanks do not store the full annual volume at once — they cycle through fill-and-use patterns throughout the year. Most homeowners see a full return on their rainwater system investment within 1-3 years depending on system size and water usage patterns.
Installation Guide
Setting up an IBC rainwater collection system is a straightforward weekend project. Follow these six steps for a reliable, long-lasting installation.
Choose Your Location
Place the IBC near a downspout on level, stable ground. The tank should be accessible for maintenance and close to where you will use the water. Ensure the ground can support approximately 2,300 lbs (a full 275-gallon tank). A concrete pad, compacted gravel, or paver base works well. Avoid placing directly on bare soil, which can shift or erode.
Prepare the Downspout
Cut your existing downspout at the height of the IBC fill opening (top of the tank). Install a downspout diverter or first-flush device at this point. The first-flush diverter captures the initial dirty runoff from your roof and redirects it away from the tank, keeping your stored water cleaner.
Install the Fill Screen
Place a mesh screen or filter basket over the IBC fill opening. This catches leaves, shingle grit, insects, and debris before they enter the tank. We recommend a stainless steel mesh screen that can be easily removed and cleaned. A vented fill cap with built-in mesh is included with our rainwater kits.
Connect the Overflow
Install an overflow fitting near the top of the IBC. This routes excess water away from your foundation when the tank is full during heavy rain. Direct the overflow pipe to a garden bed, drainage swale, or second IBC. Never let overflow water pool near your home's foundation.
Set Up the Outlet
The bottom valve on the IBC is your dispensing point. Attach a garden hose adapter for easy connection to a hose or drip irrigation system. If you need more pressure, install a small 12V or 120V transfer pump. For gravity-fed systems, elevating the tank on cinder blocks or a platform increases water pressure at the outlet.
Add UV Protection
Sunlight promotes algae growth inside the tank. Cover the IBC with a UV-resistant cover, paint the bottle with an opaque exterior paint, or position the tank in a shaded area. Our UV covers are designed to fit standard IBCs and block 99% of sunlight while allowing easy access to the fill cap and valve.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is rainwater collection legal in South Carolina?
Yes. South Carolina places no restrictions on residential or commercial rainwater harvesting. You can collect, store, and use rainwater for irrigation, livestock watering, car washing, and other non-potable purposes without any permits. Potable use requires additional treatment and filtration.
Will one IBC tank be enough for my needs?
It depends on your usage. A single 275-gallon IBC can irrigate a small-to-medium garden for 1-2 weeks without rain. For larger properties, vegetable gardens, or lawn irrigation, we recommend 2-4 tanks connected in series. Our dual-tank and commercial multi-tank configurations offer 550 to 1,100+ gallons of storage.
How do I prevent algae growth?
Block sunlight. Algae needs light to grow, so covering your IBC with a UV-resistant cover or painting the bottle opaque is the most effective prevention. Keeping the tank sealed with a vented (not open) fill cap also helps. If algae does appear, drain and scrub the interior with a dilute vinegar solution, then reinstall your cover.
Can I use rainwater for my vegetable garden?
Absolutely. Rainwater is excellent for gardens — it is naturally soft, free of chlorine and fluoride, and has a slightly acidic pH that most plants prefer. For edible gardens, we recommend a first-flush diverter and basic mesh filtration to keep debris out. The water itself is safe for watering food crops.
How do I winterize my rainwater system?
In Myrtle Beach, hard freezes are infrequent but do occur. Before a freeze event, drain the tank to below the valve level or disconnect hoses to prevent ice damage to fittings. The HDPE bottle can tolerate some ice expansion, but repeated freeze-thaw cycles stress the valve and connections. An insulated jacket provides additional protection.
Can I connect multiple IBC tanks together?
Yes, and it is one of the biggest advantages of IBC tanks over traditional rain barrels. Use our IBC-to-IBC connector kit to daisy-chain 2, 3, 4, or more tanks in series. Water flows between tanks through gravity equalization. All connected tanks should be at the same height on level ground.
Do I need a pump for my rainwater system?
Not necessarily. If your IBC is elevated even slightly (on a platform, cinder blocks, or a hillside), gravity provides enough pressure for drip irrigation and garden hoses at short distances. For sprinklers, longer runs, or higher pressure needs, a small 12V or 120V pump can be added to the outlet. Our premium systems are pump-ready.
How often does the system need maintenance?
Minimal. Clean the fill screen monthly during leaf season (fall) and quarterly otherwise. Inspect the overflow and outlet connections twice a year. Check the first-flush diverter after heavy storms. Drain and clean the tank interior once a year. Total annual maintenance time is approximately 2-3 hours spread across the year.