About Rainwater Harvesting?

In the mid 1980's, Germany recognised that due to a surge in housing the storm drains were flooding so house builders were encouraged to install RWH systems and grants up to 50% were made available and the market expanded quickly. Water costs were high and homeowners could see the economic benefits . It is estimated there are over 1.5 million RWH systems installed in Germany . As long as the RWH system meets the recognised standard (DIN 1989) they can be installed without UV or chemical disinfection.

Due to a higher standard of living the need for potable water has been rapidly rising since the 1960's. In the 1990's the environmental building movement led to a few pioneering companies importing RWH technologies. Over the last decade the increase in systems installed has formed its own lead body, the UK Rainwater Harvesting Association (UKRHA) established in 2002.

50% of water in residential and 60% on business premises do not need to be of potable water quality, meaning at least half of the water we use can be replaced with rainwater .

Above: Examples of localised flooding and the devastation it can cause.

Rainwater harvesting can reduce the risk of localised flooding.

For more information on the advantages of RWH Systems and how they can work for you, call us now on 07971 682 697

How it could work for you.

Above: An example of how a rainwater harvesting system can work for domestic purposes.
As with all products, manufacturers designs do vary but all Direct RWH Systems carry the same principles. CLICK ON THE IMAGE FOR A BIGGER PICTURE...

How the 'Systems' work.

In a typical rainwater system water is collected from the roof and taken via pipes to a storage tank.

A filter removes leaves and other debris and a settlement tank allows small particles to sink to the bottom; floating debris is skimmed off the surface via an overflow pipe, and clean water extracted from just below the surface.

Water can be pumped directly from the tank to appliances or to your loft header tank. A float switch in the tank will automatically top up with mains water if the level is too low.

Drinking water: Rainwater can be used for drinking if you install a UV sterilisation unit; the unit is switched on permanently and uses c. 40 watts. This unit will need two filters before the water reaches it - 25 and 5 microns, otherwise micro-organisms can 'hide' behind particles.