How rainwater harvesting benefits you and the environment
Studies show that 85% of water used for commerce and industry does not need to be of drinking standard.
As global warming disrupts weather patterns, causing drought and flooding by turns across the country, codes and guidance have been introduced to ensure we manage our water better.
Architects and builders are now routinely building in systems to ensure we conserve water stocks. And some of the systems most frequently installed are those designed for rainwater harvesting. In simple terms, these are designed to capture and store rainwater that falls on the roof and would otherwise flow down gutters into the drain, for reuse in the home and in businesses. This can provide substantial savings on water bills, as well as making your business more sustainable.
They are now becoming a necessity for gaining planning permission in some areas of the UK that could be at risk of flooding, or where the mains water simply cannot support demand and requires back up.
By installing a rainwater harvesting system you will do more than help the environment
Reduce water bills by around 50% Increase chances of your planning gaining permission. (Planners often favour environmentally friendly applications.) Reduce flood risk. Rainwater harvesting acts as part of a Sustainable Urban Drainage System (SUDS). Provide your business with soft, lime scale free water for toilets and handwashing, helping to prevent breakdowns.
All rainwater harvesting systems operate on typical roof drainage layouts. This means rainwater runs down the roof and into the guttering and down pipes in the normal way before passing through a filter, which removes the leaves and debris. The rainwater is then stored in an underground tank containing a pump and filter. The water can be used, with or without the addition of a header tank, for a variety of non-potable uses including flushing toilets, washing vehicles, gardening and washing clothes.
However, this type of system is not usually fitted to existing properties because of the extensive internal plumbing work required. They are more suited for new-build properties, where the cost of plumbing them in is often negligible.
Rainwater harvesting can not only help conserve water supplies, it can also bring significant cost savings for properties on water meters. However, as with all new technology, there needs to be standards set down to ensure that all the systems that are on the market are fit-for-purpose.