RAINWATER HARVESTING

Water demand has started to exceed supply, and localized flooding has become an issue. Environmental experts now recognise the important role that rainwater harvesting (also known as rainwater recycling, and greywater recycling) has to play in alleviating both these problems.

Rainwater is captured from the roof, and brought to a central point, via normal guttering and down-pipes, to enter a storage tank (frequently underground), where it is filtered on entry. A highly efficient and reliable submersible pump then delivers the water to provide a service on demand.

Reasons for rainwater harvesting:-

• Rainwater harvesting (including rainwater recycling and some versions of grey-water recycling) replaces a large proportion of the water that would otherwise be provided by the mains supply - thereby reducing overall water bills.
• Collecting and using rainwater reduces surface water.
• It enhances the saleability of a property with gains in Eco-homes rating points.
• This water can be used for WC flushing.
• It can also provide an off-mains supply for remote areas such as garden irrigation.