Rainwater Harvesting

The basic principle is to use rainwater to perform tasks that can save the use of “expensive” treated mains water.
It can be as simple or as complex as you like, but with complexity comes cost. This means that the pay-back time becomes longer.

The very simplest form of rainwater use is the good, old fashioned, water butt, for simply watering plants.

Next, there are systems with larger collection tanks, above or below ground, generally using a simple on/off pump control to water the whole garden, and even car washing.

The next step up is to use rainwater to flush toilets, and feed washing machines, as well as providing water for the garden. Here you need to think about the type of system:-
1/. Pump(s) located in the collection tank, feeding water to an indoor header tank that then feeds toilet cisterns by gravity. A mains water top up to the header tank provides back-up in case of lack of rainwater, or electrical failure.
2/. Pump(s) located in the collection tank supply a pressurised water supply direct to toilets etc. This is a popular system but not without its disadvantages. If the electrics fail, or the pump develops a fault, you will need to use a bucket to flush the toilets!
3/. Pump systems in the house draw water from the in-ground tank, and incorporate a mains water top-up facility. If there is a lack of rainwater the pump(s) deliver mains water from the tank on the set. Again, if there is a power failure or a pump fault you will need to improvise.

Larger systems for commercial premises, schools etc, are just versions of domestic systems upgraded.. This normally means two pumps to provide a duty/standby potential.

Storage tanks can be sited above, or more commonly below ground. In general the larger tanks are sited in-ground. There are many types of tank on the market, some of which can be installed without the need to surround them in concrete. This can save a lot of money on excavation and concrete costs.

Extras/ refinement is all down to preference.
A/. Do you want to treat the rainwater with UV sterilisation?
B/. Do you want a fancy control panel, to show you how the system is operating? If you do then you want an “educational panel”.
C/. Perhaps you would like to monitor your mains water and rainwater usage? A couple of flow meters will do the job.
From our experience , it would appear that project specifications can be overly complex. As a result the rainwater harvesting part of a contract is frequently dropped, due to cost.

We have had experience with quite a few Rainwater Harvesting equipment manufacturers (Aquality, KSB, Lowara, Envireau, Rewatec) so we feel sure that we can offer you the best package to suit your system. Please let us have your enquiries