RAINWATER HARVESTING

Rainwater harvesting simply collects the rain, which fall onto roofs, then stores it in a tank until required for use. When required, the water is then pumped to the point of use, thus displacing what would otherwise be a demand for mains-water. In the process, a volume of water is kept out of the storm-water management system, thereby helping to reduce flooding risks.

Rainwater harvesting is not a new concept; however, over the last century its use has diminished with the availability of a clean, inexpensive and reliable water source through the mains supply.

More recently, water demand has started to exceed supply, and localised flooding has become an issue. Industry experts are now recognising the important role that rainwater harvesting (also known as rainwater recycling, and greywater recycling) has to play in alleviating both these problems.

Why collect your own water for garden/external use?
Plants grow better in rainwater, which has a balanced pH and is -free of chemicals such as chorine.
With the onset of water restrictions, hose-pipe bans and drought orders it makes perfect sense to collect roof water for later use Save money, a standard hosepipe can deliver upto 500 litres per hour.

By filtering the water as it enters the tank, optimum results can be achieved. Resulting in less odours and ensuring nozzles and sprayers are kept unblocked.

This cleaner water is less likely to carry-over disease, therefore reducing the risk to plants and fish

The size of the storage tank is determined by considering the amount of water available for storage (a function of roof size and local average rainfall), and the amount of water likely to be used (a function of buildings occupancy and function).

Reasons for rainwater harvesting
• Rainwater harvesting (including rainwater recycling and some versions of grey-water recycling) displaces a large proportion of the water that would otherwise be provided by the mains supply - thus reducing overall water supply costs.
• It can provide an off-mains supply for remote areas.
• It enhance a property and gains Eco-homes rating points.
• It can form part of an attenuation and rainwater management scheme, by reducing storm-water runoff and controlling the flow-rate off site.
• Increasingly planning departments are looking more favourable towards the concept of rainwater harvesting.

Tanks
There are three standard tank sizes to choose from, with larger tanks available if required. Our polyethylene tanks are so strong that concrete backfilling can be eliminated in most installation. This results in significantly reduced installation costs. With push-fit connections (110mm) and specifically manufactured for rainwater storage, this tank is specialist without being complicated. This is ideal for both self-builders and professionals alike.

Features and Benefits
• High strength P.E. tank - no need to concrete backfill. Saving around £300 of concrete!
• Dome & Lid - eliminates brick access chambers.
• Integrated filter - single manhole. Visually much more pleasing & a faster installation.
• Silent running, high specification pump - proven reliability.
• Automatic mains water top-up. No need to worry about supply.

The new code for sustainable homes, requires a vast reduction in water consumption. Rainwater harvesting systems can provide this, very cost effectively.

Rainwater Harvesting Systems in Commercial and Public Buildings
Rainwater harvesting systems are increasingly being incorporated in multiple occupancy commercial and public-sector developments such as office buildings and school or hospital extensions.

Use of rainwater harvesting systems in such applications is not only good for the environment, but additionally makes excellent financial sense.

Such buildings frequently have large roof areas which of themselves present storm-water management issues; collecting this roof water for re-use helps to alleviate this problem.

Conversely, buildings with multiple occupancy have a high, and potentially expensive, demand for toilet flushing water; using harvested rainwater for this purpose therefore makes excellent financial sense and can provide, alongside Enhanced Capital Allowance considerations, very short investment pay-back periods.

Distribution centres, too, with their requirement for fleet vehicle washing are an excellent example of the cost-effective application of rainwater harvesting. In short, any building with a large roof and a high-demand for non-potable water can at one and the same time use rainwater harvesting to help solve environmental storm-water management issues - and make very substantial savings on the use of mains water.

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