What is the name for the collection of rainwater for use?

Collecting rainwater for reuse is referred to as a Rainwater Harvesting System.

How long do rainwater harvesting systems last?

A rainwater harvesting system can last anywhere from 15 to 30 years, and a pump anywhere 2 to 10 years. The system's longevity depends on its components and the maintenance it receives.

Does a rainwater harvesting system require maintenance?

Maintenance is important for keeping a rainwater harvesting system functioning properly as many components will require regular monitoring and cleaning. Ensure you keep your gutters, screens, and filters free of debris, and clean the water storage tank to ensure the cleanest water possible.

What are the disadvantages of rainwater harvesting?

Rain can be unpredictable, so you shouldn't rely solely on a rainwater harvesting system to meet your water demands. A system will require frequent maintenance to deal with debris, animals, insects, and algae. The water storage tank can also take up a large footprint, and may not be suitable for a smaller property.

What are the advantages of rainwater harvesting?

Rainwater harvesting reduces the consumption of groundwater and the use of energy and chemicals that would be required to utilize it. It's a cheap and simple system to set up, and it helps you save on your utility bill. Rainwater doesn't contain the chemicals that treated groundwater does making it great for irrigation or other non-drinking purposes such as washing clothes and flushing toilets.

How do I filter rainwater from my roof?

To filter rainwater, use a fine mesh filter placed at an easily accessed location for inspections and cleaning. Common areas include the downspout of your gutter that runs into your water storage tank. Covering your gutters with mesh will also help filter larger debris.

How can we save rainwater?

Saving rainwater is as simple as placing a rain barrel beneath your roof gutter downspouts. A simple DIY system can cost as little as $60.

What is a rainwater tank used for?

Rainwater tanks provide you with stored rainwater that can be used as an alternative to groundwater.

How much does a rainwater harvesting system cost?

The cost of a rainwater harvesting system depends on how intricate the rainwater harvesting system is. A DIY system can cost as little as $60. You must consider the size of your house and the amount of gutter and mesh required, the size of the water storage tank, as well as optional components such as a treatment system, inlet filter, first flush diverter, pump, and tank gauge.

What is the main purpose of rainwater harvesting?

Rainwater harvesting reduces the consumption of groundwater and the use of energy and chemicals that would be required to utilize it.

In-Depth Product Guide

Rainwater Harvesting System

FAQs

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Rainwater harvesting is the ancient practice of collecting and using rainwater. A basic rainwater harvesting system consists of:

a catchment area (typically a sloped roof)
a conveyance network (eavestroughs/gutters and downspouts)
a storage tank (barrel, cistern, tank)
a distribution system (hose or spigot)

In the simplest application, rainwater is used to water lawns and gardens and to wash cars. However, more complicated systems can be connected to residential plumbing and be used for flushing toilets and washing clothes. These applications are more sophisticated and typically require a pressurized system with filters, pumps, wiring and underground tanks made of durable materials such as concrete or fiberglass. In applications where the water is to be potable (drinkable), water treatment technologies will need to be incorporated.

Make sure that your catchment area is large enough to harvest enough water for your purposes, especially if you don't have a back up source of water. You can calculate the amount of monthly rainfall collection you will get by materials can affect the quality and proportion of the harvested rainwater. To estimate how much rainfall you can collect in one month, find the average monthly rainfall in your region (mm) and measure the horizontal roof area (sq. meters). In metric units: area (sq. metres) x monthly rainfall (mm) x losses (typically 0.8) = volume of collected rainfall (Litres).

Some other considerations for rainfall harvesting systems are: <ul> <li> use a storage tank that it is made of food-grade material that won't degrade or leach chemicals.

storage tanks need an overflow pipe that leads water away from the house to prevent damage to the house and foundation.
in cold climates, the tank will need to be protected from freezing or drained during the winter.
conduct regular maintenance such as clearing debris from the catchment area, gutters and piping.
check for evidence of of algal growth, animal, bird or insect access.
if fitted with a filtration system, clean and/or replace filters as necessary.

For systems that will be connected to residential plumbing, it is important to consider pertinent codes, regulations, standards and municipal bylaws. Some plumbing codes, such as the National Plumbing Code of Canada and the Uniform Plumbing Code and California Plumbing Code in the U.S., have incorporated rainwater harvesting standards.

Rainwater harvesting can have multiple benefits for entire communities:

it can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions associated with treating and pumping water from a municipal water supply.
it can reduce stress on the municipal water supply in regions with drought or water scarcity.
it relieve stress on the municipal storm water system by reducing storm water runoff.

In hot climates, rainwater harvesting is becoming a common practice. For example, almost 50 per cent of the population in South Australia lives in houses equipped with a rainwater tank and rainwater harvesting is mandated for new homes in Queensland!

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