Monitor rainfall with homemade rain gauge
Make your own rain gauge and get a better idea of how much rain is falling each day, month or year.
Ever wondered how much rain falls on your head in one day, month or year? One of the most simple and effective ways to roughly monitor the rainfall in your area is by putting a rain gauge in your garden. In saying that, why not make one of your own!
The Ecology Centre has provided a pretty simple method to make your very own rain gauge.
You will need:
- A 1 litre plastic water bottle
- A sharp knife
- A ruler and a pen/marker
Instructions
- Cut the cylindrical part on the neck of the 1-litre plastic water bottle off with a sharp knife.
- Invert the top to make a funnel, this funnel will prevent evaporation of water.
- Using your ruler and pen, place a mark every centrementre on the bottle. These will allow you to measure how much rain you received.
- An empty plastic bottle, being light, will fall down or fly away in the slightest breeze. Dig a hole and bury the lower end of the bottle in the ground. This will anchor the bottle in place.
- After it rains, head outside and check your gauge! Record your results.
Read also: Discover the secrets of rain water
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