Rainwater Harvesting

What is Rainwater Harvesting?

Rainwater harvesting is primarily the collection of rainwater which falls onto the roof of a residential, commercial or government property. This water is filtered and can be used simply just to water the garden or washing the car or can be filtered and treated and stored to be used on a much larger scale such as flushing the toilets - which use a lot of water, or even washing your clothes in a washing machine.

Why Harvest Rainwater?

Why bother collecting rainwater you ask, well the best reason is it saves a lot of money as well as being environmentally friendly. If you are on a water meter - either residential or commercial the savings can be quite substantial.

One reason the government likes to see rainwater collection is to treat a domestic or commercial supply of water uses an awful lot of energy both in the collection, processing and purification process but also in the transport of water - a lot of people don't realise it but water is heavy and it takes a lot of energy pushing it around the country.

Another reason why the government and water authorities world like to see an increase in rainwater harvesting and collecting is because quite simply it reduces the chances of flood, as the water that would usually be entering the drainage system is held back in the water collecting tanks and butts.

How do you Harvest Rainwater?

Rainwater harvesting and collecting can be put into three categories:

Garden Rainwater Harvesting

Everyone's idea of collecting rainwater is the obvious one - water butts, this is a great starting point.

Water is collected directly from the downspout, down pipe or drainpipe; it is 90% filtered so only the smallest particles are incidentally collected. This filtering process will stop the rainwater from becoming stagnant, so it is then suitable for feeding livestock, watering lawns, vegetables, flowers and trees. As well as other uses such as washing vehicles and topping up ornamental fountains and ponds.

This method of rainwater harvesting and collection is a cheap and efficient method for beating the hosepipe ban.

Domestic Rainwater Harvesting and Collecting System

In this system the harvested rainwater is collected, filtered and stored in an underground tank, this water is then pumped into the house when needed, it's uses can include flushing the toilets, using the washing machine as well as feeding livestock, watering lawns, vegetables, flowers and trees and other uses such as washing vehicles and topping up ornamental fountains and ponds.

Commercial Rainwater harvesting and Collecting System

In these systems the harvested rainwater is also collected, filtered and stored in underground tanks but on a much larger and more sophisticated scale. These systems are ideal for office blocks, factories, warehousing and large housing projects.

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Water saving by rainwater harvesting and collection using water butts and water tanks