What are the benefits of rainwater harvesting?
Rainwater harvesting is the process of collecting rainwater and storing it in a water tank. A water tank is installed on the property and connected to the roof guttering, collecting the water that runs off. Tanks can range in size, starting as low as 100 litres, all the way to 30,000 litres. The collected water is used to water the garden, wash your car, or through council permits, flush your toilet.
Sounds simple enough, but what are the benefits? Well, there are quite a few! We’ve put together this blog to help explain what rainwater harvesting is, how it works, and its benefits.
Take a read below.
What is rainwater harvesting?
Rainwater harvesting is an environmentally friendly process that helps reduce demand on the water supply during peak times. A collection system is set up on the guttering of your roof and collects falling rainwater. This water is collected in a tank and stored for use at your convenience.
Rainwater tanks provide a great source for outdoor water use such as gardening, irrigation, or washing your car. With the help of a plumber and city council permits, collected rainwater can be used as greywater in the home to flush toilets.
How does it work?
A suitably sized tank is installed on the property and connected to the roof guttering system. The tank size depends on your property, and different tanks can be installed to best meet your needs.
As rainwater hits the roof and flows into the gutters, it is siphoned into the water tank. A filter is fitted to ensure no runoff like sticks, dirt or leaves go into the tank. A tap is installed on the tank so collected rainwater can be used for activities like gardening or cleaning your car.
If you want increased pressure from your water tank, a pump can be installed.
What are the benefits of rainwater harvesting?
Collecting rainwater is an eco-friendly option that can help save you money and benefit the environment.
There are many benefits to harvesting rainwater. They include.
Reduced demand on the water supply network during periods of high water use.
Using collected rainwater during high-water usage times like summer helps to ease the pressure on the supply system. Doing this means more water is available across the network, reducing the likelihood of regional restrictions.
Having an additional water source to avoid excess water charges and use in case of restrictions.
In times of high water demand, excess water charges can apply. Water charges are especially likely during water restrictions, often in the summertime. Having rainwater on hand is a great way to avoid these charges and ensure you have water available for periods of drought. It also means you will have a renewable and natural supply readily available.
Reduce the effects of stormwater and flooding.
Rainwater tanks help reduce excess water runoff during storms. Rainwater tanks can help limit the load infrastructure has to bear and reduce flooding possibilities.
An environmentally friendly way to collect water.
Rainwater is collected straight into the water tank. This process doesn’t consume electricity or impact the environment. It is a sustainable and eco-friendly practice that helps to conserve water for other purposes.
How to choose the right-sized tank
The size of the tank is dictated by the amount of space available on your property. If required, multiple smaller tanks can be installed as part of the same system.
It is best to locate the tank in a cool place, out of sunlight, so that algae doesn’t grow. A suitable level site needs to be prepared to support the entire tank. The tank should be placed high enough for gravity to convey the water or be fitted with a pump. Smaller tanks can be placed on a platform to keep them off the ground. However, larger tanks should be placed directly on the ground. An overflow outlet and access for cleaning are also important.
There are a range of water tanks available. So, it’s usually best to consult an expert before choosing a tank.
Do I need building consent?
Building consent isn’t usually required for a rainwater tank used for watering the garden or washing a car. However, all rainwater tanks need to meet the requirements for capacity and height above ground of the Building Code. For more information on the building code, visit here. If you are renting and would like to install a rainwater tank, you will need the landlord’s permission.
If you are in the process of building a home, contact your builder to discuss having your water tank underground. This helps save room in your backyard and keeps the water at a more consistent temperature away from sunlight. If you are going to have your water tank underground, you will need a pump to ensure water can reach the surface.
To connect your rainwater tank to your property’s plumbing, you need to acquire permission from your local council. Please be aware that each council may have different requirements.
Can rainwater be used inside the house?
It’s possible to use collected rainwater inside the house to flush your toilets, this is called greywater.
Using greywater in your home minimizes the reliance on the mains water supply and helps to reduce demand on the system during peak times.
However, it is a different process to use greywater. Greywater can potentially be dangerous for humans, so the tank must be set up correctly. If you’re interested in using greywater, check with your local council first.
After this, building consent is required and the system will need to be installed by a plumber.
For more information on using greywater visit here.
How do you prevent contamination?
When installed on your property, a filter is connected to collect items that may potentially contaminate the rainwater. A ‘flush-first’ filter is the most common option and acts as a barrier against larger debris such as twigs and leaves. It’s recommended you clean this filter regularly or after large rain events.
Installing closed protection on your guttering can help reduce the number of leaves and debris picked up by the filter.
It’s a good idea to do yearly maintenance checks on your tank. Check for any cracks or damage and drain the tank for a full clean and scrub. Smaller tanks can be cleaned yourself, however, larger tanks may need to be cleaned by professionals.
Free water tank installation quote
Are you thinking about rainwater harvesting? We can take care of the process from quoting to delivery and installation. We offer bespoke solutions and can find the perfect water tank for your property.
Get in touch for a free, no-obligation quote. Or find out more about our service here.
