Rain Harvesting

Seeing as the rain is lashing down and Wimbeldon is being delayed because of the rain we thought it would be a prudent time to talk about rain harvesting. Although these measures won’t be covered by the Green Deal, they are a good way to save money and use an abundant free resource.

Water bills have been rising over the past few years and are expected to continue this upward trend.  The Guardian reported that average bills will go up 5.7% in 2012-2013 and if you live in Bristol this could be a rise of 8.8%. So what can the poor soggy consumer do? Water harvesting could be the answer for some of us.

Water harvesting systems take the water from rainfall, usually via the downpipe from your roof to fill a large tank buried in the garden. The water is then filtered and pumped back into the house to be used for flushing loos and supplying washing machines. You can’t use rain water for supplying washing facilities like baths and showers as the water still isn’t sterile enough for human consumption.

Water harvesting systems on average cost between £1500 and £3000 depending on the circumstances. ‘Header Tank’ systems will integrate with the tank in your loft whilst other systems will work in conjuction with your current pipework. Obviously digging up the garden and sinking a massive plastic tank isn’t ideal if you have just spent years getting your lawn as flat as a golf green (That’s me). But if you are in the middle of any renovations this would be the ideal time to install a system.

Commercial buildings could benefit greatly from rain harvesting systems, especially if your business uses a lot of water, there have been good applications of rain harvesting in schools and hospitals. Ground water run off can be harnessed too, so places with large grounds or car parks can utilise the massive amounts of water that falls on the land.

Rain water harvesting isn’t new but it is becoming more attractive to retro fit to properties where there are water shortages. Like any technology it will only become more popular when the alternative becomes unsustainable and seeing as the water companies seem to be unable to stop the rise in water costs that day is looming ever closer.

Would you dig up your beautiful manicured lawn to dump a massive plastic tank in the ground to save money on your water bill? Answers below please.

 

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