An Explanation Of How Rainwater Harvesting Works

You may have heard the expression rainwater harvesting being talked about a lot these days

. For the last few decades, rainwater harvesting has only been commonplace with gardeners, who would attach their gutters to water butts in order to collect rainwater. They could then use the recycled rainwater during the summer months when there is little rain in order to nourish plants.

Modern methods of re-using collected rainwater, and in turn saving mains water in the process works under the same kind of principle. SCP Environmental Ltd. in Warwickshire, are the pioneers in providing rainwater harvesting systems for businesses and homeowners alike. The system works by connecting rainwater downpipes to an underground storage tank. These tanks, called Graf Carat tanks, are then naturally filled with rainwater.

Because rainwater usually won't be enough to supply all of the water usage needs of a typical family home or business, the underground storage tank is topped up by mains water when required. A float switch in the tank detects when water is being depleted, and water is added as required. The whole point of the exercise is saving mains water, so mains water is only added when the water level gets to a specific low point. This means if it rains, the mains water supply is not needed at all. When water is required, a submersible pump in the underground storage tank pumps the water to where it is required.

Rain harvesting systems come with a control box that governs where your recycled rainwater goes in the house. You can connect your reused rainwater system to toilets and to washing machines. You may also want to consider connecting the rain harvesting system to an outside tap so that watering cans or hoses can be attached easily. Why not add a tap near your garage or carport as well, to make car washing easier? All of these systems are easy to install, and can even be added later on if required. After all, you may think of another use for your recycled rainwater in the future.

Of course all systems also come with a filter system to stop debris and other contaminates getting into the underground storage tank, and in fact very little maintenance is needed once the system has been installed. A simple maintenance task performed once every few months is all that is needed to keep your rain harvesting operation in good condition.

by: Matthew Rolph

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