Water Re-cycling / Rainwater Harvesting FAQs
Q: What is rain water harvesting or rainwater recycling?
A: Rainwater has been being collected for domestic use for many years, but with the arrival of wholesome mains water supplies our reliance on rainwater was significantly reduced. However, the escalating cost of mains water supplied, scarcity of water in some areas, a greater awareness of the environmental balance together with issues of flooding in low lying areas have all contributed to a renewed interest in the capture of rain water.
Rainwater harvesting, or recycling, can help to address the issues stated above.
The harvesting process simply collects the rainwater falling on to any hard surfaces and stores the water in a tank ready for use when required. Thus, the water does not enter local drainage systems or soakaways and reduces flooding risk. When used the water is usually replacing a supply that would otherwise have been mains water and thereby reduces mains water usage.
Q: What are the elements of a rain water harvesting system?
A: Most rainwater is captured from roofs. The guttering and down pipes are ideal for channeling the water. Lengths of drain then carry this water from the down pipes to a storage tank. The positioning of the tank is an important consideration to make the best use of gravity. Most tanks are buried in the ground to maintain falls on the pipe work and to be out-of-sight. The water is filtered as it enters the tank.
A simple submersible pump then delivers the water where you need it.
Tanks are sized based upon the volume of water that you are likely to use and the average rainfall for the area.
Q: How do I decide whether I can use a rainwater harvesting system?
A: We are very happy to help so you could call us; considerations would include;
- Roof area available for rainwater capture
- Location of down pipes to be brought to the position of the storage tank
- Would the storage tank need to be positioned underground
- Where would you want the water supplied, Water Regulations would probably preclude combining
- your system and so some plumbing would be required to rainwater only points of use.
Q: Why should I use a rain water recycling system?
A:
- A reduction in mains water use, reducing your water bill
- A reduction in storm water run-off, return to sewer or soakaway reducing flooding risk
- An environmentally friendly solution to some of your water needs
