As water begins to collect, to avoid too much garbage collecting here, first some amount of water is deflected, along with most of the garbage. Hereafter, water can be directly sent to an [[EMAS Cistern]]. It is advisable for multiple cisterns to be available for storage, depending on the size of the roof. Connect one cistern at a time to the outlet pipe. From here water can be pumped and distributed using a regular EMAS pump. The pump can also be connected to faucets and tanks around the house.
====MaintenanceOngoing maintenance====
The system should be also checked and cleaned after every dry period of more than one month. The outsides of metal tanks may need to be painted about once a year. Leaks have to be repaired throughout the year, especially from leaking tanks and taps, as they present health risks. Chlorination of the water may be necessary.
[[File:Example.jpg]]
====Potential problems====
* corrosion of metal roofs, gutters, etc.;
* the foul-flush diverter fails because maintenance was neglected;
* taps leak at the reservoir and there are problems with the handpumps;
* contamination of uncovered tanks, especially where water is abstracted with a rope and bucket;
* unprotected tanks may provide a breeding place for mosquitoes, which may increase the danger of vector-borne disease;
* system may not fulfill drinking-water needs, during certain periods of the year, making it necessary to develop other sources or to go back to traditional sources temporarily;
* financial investment needed is not affordable - households or communities cannot afford to construct a suitable tank and adequate roofing.
==Costs==