Rainwater Harvesting is ideal for keeping money in your pocket, conserving our precious water resource, and for protecting our environment from the damaging effects of contaminated stormwater runoff from your property.

With increased water consumption, increased water pollution and climate change all contributing to water scarcity, rainwater harvesters are perfect for the collection, storage and re-use of rainwater from any roof type.

Typically installed underground, these durable systems can be easily configured for home or garden use, giving you access to abundant and free rainwater for any application that doesn’t require drinking water for use.

Rain water harvesting define

Rainwater harvesting is the process of collecting the rainfall from your roof and storing it to use for other things around the home. You can use harvested rainwater just for the garden and keep a water butt outside, or you can have a tank with a pump and filter system fitted so that you can use rainwater inside too.

The UK is well known for its rainy weather, even during the summer months we have days when it rains. Did you know in 2020 out of 365 days, over 163 were rainy? That meant for almost half the time in the UK it was raining.

But it’s not all doom and gloom. They can take advantage of the rainfall to use less water from your mains supply by harvesting the rainfall.

The Components of a Rainwater Harvesting System

The Catchment Area

The catchment area is one of the most important elements of a rainwater harvesting system. As the first point of contact for rainwater collection, rooftops provide great catchment sites. The surface of your rooftop is crucial to the efficacy and efficiency of rainwater collecting, affecting both the volume and quality of water collected.

Conveyance System

How the water is transported from the rooftop is the next factor to take into account when examining the components of a rainwater harvesting system. The conveyance system, which includes drains and gutters, is essential in this situation. In order to minimize losses and contamination and ensure that the collected rainwater is transported from the catchment area to the storage tanks quickly and cleanly, the design and composition of these parts are crucial.

Rainwater Pre-Filters

Next on our list of rainwater collecting system components are rainwater pre-filters. In a rooftop rainwater harvesting system, filtration is the first line of defense for protecting the water quality. In order to guarantee that the water stored is safe and pure for its intended purpose, filters are positioned strategically throughout the system to remove impurities and debris. Because it eliminates big particulate matter, which can harbor and harbor dangerous microorganisms, filtration is essential.

Storage Tanks

Any list of rainwater harvesting system components would be incomplete withoutrainwater storage tanks. The choice of storage tank — whether it’s placed above ground or below, and the material it’s made from — can significantly influence the system’s efficiency, cost, and longevity. Among the most common materials for these tanks are polyethylene, wood, and metal, each with distinct advantages and challenges. Sizing these tanks correctly is also crucial to balance the demand with the supply of harvested rainwater.

Filtration Systems

Whole home filtration systems are essential rainwater harvesting system components if you wish to use the collected rainwater indoors. Dust, organic materials, and even toxins from the atmosphere can be picked up by rainwater as it passes over the roof and through the collection system. A higher degree of water quality is required for purposes involving human touch or ingestion, even though other uses, such as garden irrigation or specific industrial applications, would not require treated water. In order to guarantee that collected rainwater satisfies these requirements, safeguarding public health and safety, filtration systems are essential.

How Does a Rainwater Harvesting System Work?

Rainwater harvesting systems store rainwater in an above or below ground tank arrangement until a supply is detected by the control panel. Rainwater Harvesting Systems use mesh filtration to remove leave debris and other particles.

Rainwater is collected from the roof area.
Leaves and other debris are removed via a pre-tank filter.
Rainwater enters the main storage tank via a calmed inlet.
Rainwater is stored in a central storage tank.
When a demand is detected, submersible pumps draw rainwater through a floating suction filter.
The system control panel controls an automatic mains water backup.
Rainwater is boosted to points of use including toilets, irrigation, vehicle wash down, and cooling.

Applications for harvested rainwater

Using rainwater in the home

A cost-effective and green method for homeowners to lessen their dependency on the mains water supply is to use collected rainwater for domestic chores. To drastically save your water costs, you can save clean water for uses like cooking, drinking, and taking a shower that normally call for potable water.

Garden use

A rainwater collecting system is the answer for you if you are an avid gardener and maintaining your landscape is your top concern.

You can utilize garden rainwater collection devices to irrigate your lawn, plants, and flower beds. They will lessen your dependency on the main water supply and offer a dependable way to keep your garden hydrated during dry spells.

Consideration When Selecting Rainwater Harvesting System Components

Budget

Knowing your budget will help you prioritize essential features and explore cost-effective options without compromising on quality and functionality.

Quality and quantity of rainwater can collected

Once you understand these aspects, you’ll be able to select the appropriate type and size of storage and filtration systems to ensure your water is safe and sufficient for your needs.

Storage capacity needs

Calculating your demand for non-potable uses, such as irrigation, toilet flushing, or laundry, versus potable needs will help determine the size and number of storage tanks required, as well as their optimal placement.

Disadvantages of Rainwater Harvesting

Unpredictable Rainfall:

All places do not receive the same amount of rainfall. It is also difficult to predict rainfall. Therefore it is not advisable to depend on rainwater alone for all your water needs in areas where there is limited rainfall. Depending on rainwater harvesting alone, is suitable in those areas that receive plenty of rainfall.

Initial High Cost:

It is not possible to predict the cost recovery period of a rainwater harvesting system. Also the initial installation cost for the same may increase depending on the system’s size and technology level.

Regular Maintenance:

Rainwater harvesting systems are prone to rodents, mosquitoes, algae growth, insects and lizards which contaminate the harvested rainwater. They can become as breeding grounds for many animals if they are not properly maintained.

Certain Roof Types may Seep Chemicals or Animal Droppings:

Certain types of roofs may seep chemicals, insects, dirt or animals droppings that can harm plants if it is used for watering the plants.

Storage Limits:

One of the biggest disadvantage of rainwater harvesting is the storage facility. It is restricted not only by the size but also by time.

Conclusion

Rainwater harvesting is a sustainable solution that not only conserves water but also reduces reliance on mains supply. By effectively collecting and utilizing rainwater, homeowners can save money and protect the environment. Despite some challenges, the benefits of rainwater harvesting make it a valuable investment for both domestic and garden use.

To explore the latest innovations in water and energy technologies, and discover a wide range of products and solutions from around the world, you can visit the virtual exhibition AQUA ENERGY EXPO which featuring leading companies in water treatment, desalination, and sustainable energy through the following link:

https://aquaenergyexpo.com/