We like rain water harvesting and believe that all new properties should have an element of rain water harvesting and it should be widely used in all area of construction. Why use top rate clean water heavily chlorinated for flushing loos, washing cars, cleaning and a hundred and one other uses when rain water would be best?

If you are undertaking a project that involves re-plumbing into the house for the use in toilets etc. please call us to discuss the options before proceeding to make sure you have the correct sized tank and the necessary accessories to make sure the system is trouble free. At the moment it is difficult to justify the cost of retro-fitting for toilets etc. but the rain water can still be used for a wide range of activities.

Rain water harvesting and irrigation

We are big advocates for rain water harvesting but if it is been done solely for an extensive irrigation system, it can be uneconomic due to the size of tank required. At the very time that peak water is required for irrigation naturally there will be no rain water to refill the tank so another source will be required. We are well diggers/re-instators and bore hole drillers and this is the ultimate rain water harvesting as not only are you harvesting water from your property but all the surrounding ones as well! This is more likely to give you a good steady supply even in the driest period.

If the water is to be used in any form in the house water should only be collected from the roof due to the danger of oils and quantities of other unmentionables entering the system from run off from drives etc. Water can be collected from these sources for irrigation water.

Little maintenance is required but these systems are still relatively new in the UK. The filters are mostly self cleaning and need to be looked at every year but if there is heavy contamination more frequently. The pumps need minimum maintenance In Germany where these systems are now very widely used recommendations are given that the tank is cleaned out about every 7 years. Treatment are coming on the market that will sterilise the tank and then keep the tank clean.

For full house use of reclaimed water we can offer our expertise on water treatment, including drinking.

The Rain water harvesting system consists of the following parts

1. 1) Interceptor. A device on the gutter down pipe intercepts the water. This will have an initial filter and often a device to switch it off in the winter. The device in normal conditions will intercept about 95% of the water but in storm conditions the extra water will go down the pipe by passing the interceptor. This stops the water backing up the pipe and possibly causing a flood if the gutters could not cope with the quantity of water. In these conditions the filter elements on the interceptor will be cleaned.

   See 3P filter collector and Rain Sava. These are very good if filling an above ground water butt or tank.

2. 2) Filter on down pipe. These stop the large particles going down the pipe work and either blocking the pipe work or over working the secondary filter.

   See 3P Leaf separator, 3P Leaf Catcher and the 3P Rainus that filters down to 0.5mm and ejects the rubbish to the side. Also the gutter filter that should mean that you do not have to climb ladders again to keep you gutters running cleanly.

   All these items a very good for the standard water butt system.

3. 3) Secondary filters. These are used in underground systems and and filter down to 0.5mm and can be positioned either as a separate unit or inside the tank and when positioned correctly can be used as an overflow. Mostly self clean and only need a yearly inspection.

    

   See 3P volume filter, 3P Sinus Filter, 3P Patronen filter

4. 4) Calmed inlet. To keep the water fresh and to avoid stirring up sediment the water should enter the tank at the bottom this device ensures that the bottom sediment is not disturbed. 3P Calmed inlet
5. 5) Overflow siphon. By the design of the system the as the tank is full any floating debris including pollen is skimmed off the top and out through the overflow to waste
6. 6) Pump. This will vary as to the use you are putting your rainwater harvesting system to. Call us for advice to the most suitable pump. The pump should be able to start and stop on demand and if for any reason the tank is empty should cut the pump out to protect it from damage.
7. 7) Floating suction. The water should be taken from the tank about 6" below the surface
8. 8) The tank. Large range available see tanks and water butts. In theory the more water you have stored the better. Most buried tanks need encasing in concrete but some can be buried on a concrete base, but beware of people offering burial with out concrete especially if your water table is high!
9. 9) Mains fill system The minimum size recommended is usually enough supply to keep you going for 20 days without rain. If you use more water than anticipated or we are in an extensive period of weather without rain the tank will run dry. To avoid this a mains fill system is incorporated. This will fill the tank with just enough water for a days supply so should it rain the tank will fill. To comply with WRAS regulations the water must enter via a tundish.

We can put a suitable package of equipment together for you as well as install and advice on installation call us on 01473 400101.

Rain water harvesting schemes can be shared for several houses as well as used in flats, also for commercial buildings and warehouses. Call us for advice.