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Rainwater Harvesting

Rainwater harvesting systems are not really a practical consideration to fit into an existing house, unless you are thinking of major redevelopment anyway. The problem being that you need to re-plumb all your loos in order to fit it.

Fit a Rainwater System
However, if you have a big garden and live anywhere south of the Humber, then it is probably worth your while fitting a decent rainwater system to supply all your outdoor and garden water. This will save you about 8-10% on your water bills, if you are on a meter, and it will, of course, make you the envy of your neighbours when there is a hose pipe ban!

If you are building a new house or considering a new build, then rainwater harvesting is a must. You simply collect all the rainwater that falls onto your roof via guttering that takes into an underground tank. The tank is plumbed into your loos, washing machine and outside tap. Unfiltered rainwater is not suitable for drinking or washing in.

Flushed Away
Believe it or not, 30% of all the treated water that enters your house gets flushed straight down the loo. If you add to this the amount of water you use in your washing machine and in the garden, then you can make a water saving of 50% with a harvesting system. And as all new builds are required to have a water meter, that means you’ll make a decent saving on your bills every year.

If you are very keen and would like to use rainwater for drinking and washing too, then you can buy filtering systems for the purpose. The only proviso being that you can collect enough water to meet all your needs. Make sure you work out your requirements carefully before going completely off-grid.

Find out more
Centre for Alternative Technology: for a rainwater fact sheet
www.cat.org.uk

Freerain
www.freerain.co.uk/

Freewater
www.freewateruk.co.uk