Rainwater Harvesters

While Rainwater Harvesting may seem like a fairly novel concept, it’s important to remember that households in rural areas have been collecting and using rainwater (or "soft" water) for household tasks such as washing clothes, boots and equipment for centuries.

The term "Rainwater Harvesting" simply refers to the collection of rainwater with a view to deriving the maximum benefit from it, for both the user and for the environment. In the UK, both commercial and domestic customers pay Water Rates, which means that there is a clear financial benefit in using rainwater to reduce your Mains Water consumption.

Whether your property is situated in an urban, suburban or rural environment, rainwater can be used for everyday tasks such as Watering the Garden, Washing the Car, Flushing Toilets or for Washing Clothes. Typically, Rainwater Harvesting systems are for Non-Potable water (i.e. the water is not suitable for drinking or for personal washing).

There are 4 main types of Rainwater Harvesting system available:

(i) Domestic Overground;

(ii) Commercial Overground;

(iii) Domestic Underground;

(iv) Commercial Underground.

As indicated above, Rainwater Harvesters can be situated Overground or Underground, and can be fully integrated into the plumbing system of your home or commercial property. Both Gravity Flow and Direct models are available.

Rainwater Harvesting helps protect the environment by reducing commercial and household demand for mains water. Moreover, as weather patterns become more uncertain, the supply of, and demand for mains water is increasingly difficult to predict. Having a large store of rainwater available at your home or premises significantly reduces the risk of running out of water for your basic daily needs.

Rainwater Harvesters can range from 100 to 900 Litres for Domestic Overground models, 1,300 to 10,000 Litres for Commercial Overground models and 3,000 to 6,000 Litres for Underground Rainwater Storage Tanks.

Rainwater Harvesters - Benefits

(i) Easy to install in a New Build. Can be installed in a Renovation / Retrofit situation depending on site access and whether an Overground or Underground model is required.

(ii) Significant savings on Water Rates. Over 50% of water needs in the home can be met by rainwater.

(iii) Rainwater provides a useful source of “soft water” for washing clothes and other purposes.

(iv) In case of Mains Water shortages, rainwater can provide an important Backup water supply.

(v) Sustainable use of water for the environment.

Rainwater Harvesters - Considerations

(i) Do you have a Roof Area where the rainwater is captured via Chutes / Downpipes?

(ii) Are you interested in an Overground or Underground Rainwater Harvester?

(iii) Is there access available to the site for a Digger / Small Lorry?

Rainwater Harvesters - Grants