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• How do I measure my roof catchment area?

  Use the footprint of the roof section draining into your downpipe — length times width as seen from above, not the sloping surface. A pitched roof catches the same rain as its flat footprint, so measuring from above is both easier and more accurate.

• What should I set collection efficiency to?

  Around 80–90% suits most set-ups. Some rain wets the roof, evaporates, or escapes past the gutters, so you never collect the full theoretical amount. If your gutters are clean and well fitted, aim high; if they overshoot in a heavy downpour, bring it down.

• Can I use RainCatch without sharing my location?

  Yes. Switch on manual rainfall mode and enter the figures yourself — from your own rain gauge or any forecast you trust. Every calculation, chart and widget behaves exactly the same.

• Why is my actual collection different from the estimate?

  Real gutters lose water to leaves and debris, splash-over, wind-driven rain and the first flush that washes the roof clean. RainCatch gives you a planning estimate, not a guarantee. After a few storms you'll learn how to nudge the efficiency setting to match your own set-up.

• Is the collected water safe to drink?

  No. RainCatch is built for planning non-potable outdoor use — the garden, the lawn, washing tools. Roof run-off isn't drinking water, and state and council rules on rainwater tanks vary, so check what applies where you live.