Rainwater Harvesting
Rainwater Harvesting
Rainwater harvesting is the collection and storage of rainwater, that would otherwise go to the drains or into the ground. Typically, rainwater is collected from a roof and directed in to tanks from the guttering. This water can then be reused around the house and garden. This will make your home more sustainable, and can reduce your water supply bill by over 50%.
Rainwater can be used for all outdoor purposes, such as watering, or filling swimming pools and hot tubs. With some plumbing alterations rainwater can also be used for household uses, such as flushing toilets or supplying washing machines.
“Rainwater harvesting can typically reduce your water supply consumption by over 50%, and can potentially provide all your water needs with appropriate processing”
With the correct filtration and treatment, it is possible to obtain potable water from rainwater, that can be used all over your house for bathing, cooking, and even drinking. A rainwater harvesting system can often solve new build planning issues, where there are potential drainage and water handling problems.
What is Rainwater Harvesting?
Rainwater harvesting is the collection and storage of rainwater that would otherwise go to the drain or the ground. Typically, rainwater is collected from a roof and directed in to tanks
from the guttering. This water can then be reused around the house and garden. This will make your home more sustainable and can reduce your water supply bill by 50%.
What can rainwater be used for?
Rainwater can be used for all outdoor purposes such as watering, or filling swimming pools and hot tubs. With some plumbing alterations rainwater can also be used for household uses such as flushing toilets or supplying washing machines.
With the correct filtration and treatment, it is possible to obtain potable water from rainwater that can be used all over your house for bathing, cooking, and even drinking.
Overground or underground storage?
Deciding whether to store your rainwater over or underground is an important decision when looking into rainwater harvesting. There are multiple factors that may affect your choice including the use of the rainwater.
In favour of underground tanks:
- No equipment visible in the garden, especially important for larger tanks or smaller properties
- Less chance of discolouration due to temperature changes in Summer
- Protects against frost
In favour of overground tanks:
- Easy and cheap to install
- Easier to service if there is a problem
- More suitable for commercial properties where aesthetics are of a lower concern
Direct Feed or Gravity Feed?
It is also important to understand how to supply water to your home. You can store water in unused roof-space and allow water to feed down to the house using gravity; this is known as gravity feed.
The other option is a direct feed system, in which water is pumped directly to the house, from the tank as required.
With a gravity feed system, you can still store the bulk of your water underground, and allow the system to automatically top up your header tanks in the loft, once or twice a day.
Where there is space, a gravity feed system can prove to be a more energy efficient method of feeding water to your house.
Processing drinking water
The UK Building Regulations state that rainwater is non-potable. However, if the right equipment is fitted, and the water is properly tested, then it is possible to use your rainwater all over the house, including for drinking and cooking.
The filtration systems required are very simple to install and operate. You will require two canister type filters, and an ultraviolet light filter. Neither of these require much upkeep. The only noticeable ongoing cost will be the 24/7 running of the UV light filter.