Can a runoff water collection system work in Michigan, or other cold climates?

Question

Wouldn't the water just freeze?

Answer 1

If you're talking about collecting water off your rain gutters: Yes it would freeze in the winter but in the warmer months it could still work and save a good deal of water. You can collect the water from snow melt. You just have to find a water barrel or sistern that doesn't mind freezing and thawing and cover it with a screen to keep out mosquitos. I've seen it done here in Northern New Mexico quite a bit. Here when it rains, it pours, but then it can be dry for months so water catchment is just common sense.

If you're talking about greywater collection that's different. I don't know much about it but I'm learning...