IBC tote gravity-fed drip irrigation system

A 275-gallon IBC tote provides 5x the capacity of a rain barrel and connects directly to drip irrigation lines. Elevated on a platform, gravity alone delivers water to garden beds without a pump.

Steps

1. Source an IBC tote: Food-grade used totes cost $50-100 on Craigslist or from agricultural suppliers. Avoid chemical totes.
2. Build a platform: A sturdy pallet on cinder blocks, or a simple 2x6 frame at 24-36 inches high. The tote weighs ~2,300 lbs when full — the platform must handle the load.
3. Connect to the downspout: Run the downspout into the top opening. Add a first-flush diverter (see tips) to keep the dirtiest water out.
4. Attach drip lines: Connect a garden hose adapter to the tote's built-in 2-inch ball valve. Reduce to 3/4-inch, then run 1/2-inch drip tubing to your garden beds with emitters every 12 inches.
5. Add an overflow: Plumb a 2-inch overflow pipe near the top, directing excess water to a rain garden or swale.

Tips

• Paint or wrap the tote in opaque material to block sunlight — light promotes algae growth inside translucent totes
• A DIY first-flush diverter (6 ft of capped PVC pipe on the downspout) diverts the first gallon of dirty roof water before it enters the tote
• At 36 inches of elevation, expect ~1.5 PSI — enough for drip irrigation but not for sprinklers