Make Your Home More Sustainable With Rainwater Harvesting

Little Cottage in Wickham Market is a great example of what carbon neutral homes of the future may look like

. With the installation of energy efficient technologies during this major renovation project, the 120 sq.m property now costs as little as 340 a year for heating, hot water and lighting. Rainwater harvesting was one of the key sustainable technologies added to this home. The 4800 litre Graf Carat tank was installed underground so that it was kept out of the way and this also helps to keep the stored water cool and fresh. A filter also eliminates debris before the rainwater from the roof downpipes enters the tank. There is also a pump which takes the rainwater to where it is needed, ie, to supply WCs, the washing machine and all outdoor use, plus a mains back up system which ensures a switch to mains water if the tank runs out.

The cost of this system in August 2008 was 1800. This was solely for the equipment. Additional costs were kept low as the installation took place during the major renovation when builders and plumbers were already on site.

Now mains water consumption has been reduced by around 50%, and the former water bill of 600 has reduced to about 300 which gives an amortization period on the investment of six years.

In addition, the owners can safeguard their stored rainwater for use in the garden should there be a hosepipe ban. If there is a drought, the rainwater normally used to supply WCs and the washing machine can be reserved for watering the garden.

The government is putting more and more pressure on to reduce the non-essential use of mains water, and it is now obligatory in new builds to integrate water conservation measures. A target to reduce the drinking water consumption per person daily from the present average of 150 litres to an optimum 80 litres has been set by the Code for Sustainable Homes (introduced in April 2007). Level 3 of the Code (103 litres per person per day) is now obligatory for social housing. Building Regs will change in April 2010 to set a 125 litre per day limit for all new buildings whether public or private. Local authorities favour planning applications which include water conservation measures.

Along with a change in behaviour and theuse of water efficient appliances, rainwater harvesting makes these limits achievable and at an affordable cost. Furthermore, having sustainable options such as rainwater harvesting gives added value to a home like Little Cottage.

by: Marcus Bicknell

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