Why Is It Illegal To Collect Rainwater Uk?

How much rainwater can I collect from my roof UK?

3. How much water can I save? – To work out how much rainwater can be harvested, multiply the average rainfall (mm) for your local area by the roof surface area (m2). This number will give you the number of litres of water you can expect to collect. (650ml = 0.65m3), divided by 12 = average monthly rainfall capture.e.g., 450m2 x 750ml = 337.5 (m3), divided by 12 = 28.125m3 or 28,125 litres per month average.

Is collecting rainwater illegal in Ireland?

Do I need planning permission to install a system? – In the UK the answer is NO. There are no regulations specific to rainwater harvesting, but general building regulations need to be observed. In the Republic of Ireland the answer is YES. At present planning permission should be sought when installing a rainwater harvesting system.

What is rainwater harvesting used for in the UK?

Water harvested from rainfall is not suitable for drinking or cooking because it hasn’t been processed in the same way as our mains supply has. It can however be used for a variety of purposes such as flushing toilets, in washing machines and watering the garden.

Can you drink rainwater in London?

Drinking Harvested Rain Water – Drinking harvested rainwater is not approved of in the UK. This is mainly because bacteria is almost guaranteed to be in harvested rainwater. A simple image of birds sitting on your roof should help explain this. While it is certainly possible to fully filter this rainwater using Ultra Violet systems, the fear is that whereas UV filtration is used happily on “non mains” supplied water from boreholes or well water, these sources tend to be fairly clean to start with.

Is rain water free in the UK?

Is it Illegal to Collect Rainwater? – The short answer is, no. It is perfectly legal to collect and harvest rainwater in the UK. In fact, many water companies and councils (specifically in the South East of England) will actively encourage communities to harvest rainwater.

Can I boil rain water and drink it?

Is Rainwater Clean? – As mentioned previously, rainwater can be depending on where it’s coming from. Most rainwater is perfectly safe and is actually the primary source of water supply for many people. Despite the fact that rainwater is safe on its own-provided you don’t drink it near chemical plants and areas of high pollution- it might still be a good idea to filter it before you drink it. Keep in mind that what you store and collect your rainwater in is also important. Make sure whatever vessel you use to hold the water in is clean and disinfected so that you don’t contaminate the water. However, while you can go this DIY route, it is much more risky to your state of health.

Is it OK to drink rain water from the sky?

Water is an essential component of nearly all forms of life. In fact, water comprises approximately 60% of the human body ( 1 ). Your body loses water through a variety of natural biological processes like sweating and waste elimination. Drinking plenty of water each day helps replace losses and keep your body healthy and functioning optimally.

Many people are accustomed to getting their drinking water from a tap, well, spring, river, or even a bottle — but you may wonder whether it’s safe to drink rainwater. This article reviews everything you need to know about drinking rainwater, plus a few tips to ensure your drinking water is safe to consume.

There is nothing inherently unsafe about or wrong with drinking rainwater, as long as it’s clean. In fact, many communities around the world depend on rainwater as their primary source of drinking water, That said, not all rainwater is safe to drink. Several physical and environmental factors can quickly turn fresh, clean rainwater into a potential health hazard.

• It can contain parasites, harmful bacteria, and viruses and has historically been linked to disease outbreaks ( 2 ).
• Rainwater that falls in heavily polluted areas or comes into contact with contaminants, such as animal feces or heavy metals, may not be appropriate for human consumption ( 2 ).
• Thus, it’s not advisable to start collecting and drinking rainwater unless you’re 100% certain it’s clean and safe for human consumption.

Summary Although clean rainwater is safe to drink, it can easily become contaminated as it falls, which could pose a significant health hazard. Various factors can affect the safety of your rainwater, including how frequently it rains in your geographical area, the levels of air pollution, and methods and tools used to collect, treat, test, and store the water ( 2 ).

Certain types of bacteria, viruses, or parasites can be eliminated by boiling the water, but others may require chemical treatment before the water is safe to drink ( 3 ). To eliminate chemical contaminants like heavy metals, you may also need to use a water filtration system ( 4 ). According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), rainwater that’s collected for drinking purposes should be filtered, disinfected, and tested regularly ( 2 ).

If you’re unable to effectively carry out these processes, it’s recommended that you only use collected rainwater for other purposes, such as gardening, washing clothes, or bathing. Keep in mind that certain places have legal restrictions regarding the collection of rainwater.

1. As such, if you plan on implementing a rainwater collection system, make sure the amount collected, as well as the collection method, are permissible in your area.
2. Summary Contaminants, such as bacteria or heavy metals, may be removed from rainwater using various filtration and chemical treatment methods.

If you conduct a cursory internet search on the benefits of drinking rainwater, you’ll find a slew of claims that it’s a healthier alternative to virtually any other water source. However, the majority of such claims are not backed by strong scientific evidence.

• Although drinking clean rainwater can be a perfectly healthy way to hydrate, it’s not significantly more beneficial for your health than drinking water from other clean sources.
• One common rainwater health claim is that it’s more alkaline than tap water, and therefore, will increase the pH of your blood to make it more alkaline.

However, neither the water you drink — nor the foods you eat — will significantly change the pH of your blood. Your body has an efficient system in place for keeping the pH of your blood at 7.4. Many of your body’s most vital functions are dependent upon the strict maintenance of your blood’s pH level, and any deviations may be indicative of serious illness ( 5 ).

• Moreover, rainwater is typically not alkaline.
• Instead, it tends to be slightly acidic, with a pH of about 5.0–5.5,
• It may also be considerably more acidic than that if you’re collecting it from an environment with a lot of air pollution ( 6 ).
• Other popular claims regarding the health merits of drinking rainwater include improved digestion and more efficient removal of your body’s waste products.

These are both characteristics of drinking clean water in general and not exclusive to rainwater ( 7 ). Summary Drinking rainwater has not been proven to be any more beneficial for your health than drinking other sources of clean drinking water. Although collecting rainwater seems like an easy way to obtain drinking water, it may not always be safe to consume.

• Environmental pollutants, harmful bacteria, and parasites can contaminate rainwater, and drinking it can make you sick.
• Boiling, filtering, and chemically treating rainwater can help make it safer for human consumption.
• However, it’s important to have reliable collection, treatment, and testing systems in place before you drink it.

Rainwater has not been proven to be any more beneficial for your health than alternative clean water sources. Drinking plenty of clean water, regardless of the source, is a great way to stay hydrated and support your health,

Can you purify rainwater?

Rainwater Filtration – Despite rainwater being essentially distilled by the sun, gases in the atmosphere contaminate the water while it falls to the earth. Water collects dust, smoke, and air particles while it falls to your rooftop, where it can collect contaminants such as lead, copper, asbestos, sediment, dirt, bacteria, viruses, and more.

• Before this water can be drunk, it must be purified of these impurities.
• The best filtration options for making rainwater potable are reverse osmosis and distillation.
• Mechanical filtration (via a sediment filter or Rusco spin-down system) is also integral to the success of rainwater treatment.
• A rainwater collection system can catch most large particulate matter, such as leaves and twigs.

The most common debris found in the stored rainwater is fine grains of sand and dirt. While filtration systems are equipped to remove this, you do not want to overload your RO system’s pre-filters with heavy sediment. They are designed to eliminate much smaller sediment and debris.

Why can’t you collect rainwater in Canada?

Property rights – The National Plumbing Code permits the collection of rainwater for non-potable uses such as toilet flushing and outdoor irrigation throughout Canada, The right to harvest and use rainwater is determined by the provincial government and municipal bylaws.

Is it illegal to refuse water in Ireland?

Ireland – While Ireland is stereotypically considered to be one of the friendliest countries in the world, there is no legal requirement around free water. This means that businesses have no obligation to provide customers free tap water and it must be paid for. Some premises may offer free tap water as a gesture of goodwill.

Where does rain water collect?

Published: Wednesday 03 July 2019 – In urban areas, rainwater can be collected from the roof, paved and unpaved areas of a house, a block of flats, a colony, a park, a playground, parking areas, schools, office complexes lakes and tanks. There are two ways of using the harvested rainwater:

• Storing in receptacles
• Recharging into the aquifer

There are instances where the citizens have come together to revive waterbodies, which act as groundwater recharge structures in urban centres. How to calculate? Thumb rule: 10 millimetre of rainfall over 100 square metres of roof area will fetch 1,000 litres (volume = rainfall x area).

• Area = length x breadth = 20 m x 10 m = 200 sqm
• Run-off coefficient = 0.8
• Annual rainfall = 500 mm
• Rainwater harvesting potential = 200 x 0.8 x 500 = 80,000 litres
• Water demand, family of four, consuming 540 l/day = 540 x 365 = 197,100 l/day
• Water demand, family of four, the 3 dry months = 540 x 90 = 48,600 l
• Water demand for toilet flushing and gardening (180 l/day) = 180 x 365 = 65,700 l/year

Elements of rainwater harvesting A few basic elements are common to all rainwater harvesting (RWH) systems

1. The catchment area, where the rain falls
2. The conveyance, or conduit, system that channels the flow of water in a given direction
3. The first flush (a valve that ensures that run-off from the first spell of rain is flushed out and does not enter the system) and the filter system
4. The storage area, consisting of tanks/receptacles
5. The recharge area, where harvested rainwater is used to replenish groundwater

A simple RWH system. Illustration: CSE The catchments The catchment is a structure or land area that is used to collect rainwater and drain run-off. Clean catchments are necessary for maximising harvest. They can be either paved (roofs, courtyards, roads, etc) or unpaved (lawns, playgrounds, open spaces, etc). Types of catchments. Illustration: CSE Charecteristics of catchments Collection efficiency: Not all the rain that falls on the catchments is available for rainwater harvesting. Some of the water that falls on catchments may be lost because of evaporation, seepage into the ground, absorption by roof materials, improper fittings, leakages from pipes and gutters and clogging in various parts of the system.

These factors and the effective catchment area largely influence the collection efficiency. Run-off coefficient: This is the ratio of the volume of water that runs off a surface to the volume of rainfall that falls on the surface. More water runs off smooth and impervious surfaces such as roofs or paved areas than soils and unpaved areas.

Different catchment materials absorb water to differing extents. Conveyance systems Conveyance, or conduit systems, direct water flow from the catchment area to the storage area. A carefully designed and constructed conveyance system can divert more than 90 per cent of all the water that falls on to the roof. A roof outlet. Illustration: CSE Harvesting rain from a sloping roof. Illustration: CSE Filter systems Four types of filtration processes can be used in an RWH system:

• Separation or screening: This is the first level that filters out gross pollutants such as leaves, droppings and other materials
• First flush: At the second level, the first spell of rain containing dissolved impurities — the first flush — is allowed to flow away
• Filtration: Filters remove dissolved organic and inorganic particles in the rainwater, before it is collected
• Settlement tanks: Settling tanks remove silt and other coarse materials

Harvesting for storage Storage tanks for harvested rainwater can be built both underground and overground. In the cities of Gujarat and Rajasthan, where rooftop harvesting was practised traditionally, rainwater from the roof was collected in underground tanks in the courtyard or within the buildings.

• Volume of rainwater that can be harvested
• Water demand
• Space available
• Layout of the building
• Size of the storage tank
• Budget

Siting of tanks जल से जुड़ी सभी खबरें हिंदी में पढ़ें। We are a voice to you; you have been a support to us. Together we build journalism that is independent, credible and fearless. You can further help us by making a donation. This will mean a lot for our ability to bring you news, perspectives and analysis from the ground so that we can make change together. India Environment Portal Resources :

• Order of the National Green Tribunal regarding groundwater recharge not being done scientifically, resulting in contamination of groundwater, 31/05/2019
• Order of the National Green Tribunal regarding installation of rainwater harvesting systems in all the schools and colleges in NCT Delhi, 28/03/2019
• Mainstreaming rainwater harvesting in Noida
• Rain water harvesting potential for different locations in the state of Maharashtra
• Order of the National Green Tribunal regarding water scarcity in Tehsil Kasauli, Solan District, Himachal Pradesh, 06/06/2016

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Who owns rainwater in the UK?

Is Collecting Rainwater Illegal In The UK? Everything You Need To Know Is it legal to collect and use rainwater in the UK? The answer isn’t necessarily obvious if we look at precedents from elsewhere in the world. In the American state of Colorado, for instance, it is legal to sell water butts, to own them, but not to use them for the purpose for which they are intended! The water rights and laws of the arid Western US states go back 150 years to when it was a case of first come, first served for everything from land to gold digging claims to water rights.

So a homeowner is deemed not to own the rainwater that falls on their property and it must not be harvested. The rainwater belongs to the owners of nearby water rights in the expectation that the rainwater will eventually make its way onto their groundwater supplies. It may seem ludicrous to us living in the damp climes of the UK but that system has a grounded basis in history as explains very well.

Rumours abound of individuals being prosecuted and even sent to prison for off their own roofs.

How is water collected in the UK?

On average, we supply more than 2.6 billion litres of our world-class water to each of our 10.1 million drinking water customers every day. We take this water from rivers and natural underground stores and turn it into high-quality drinking water that we can deliver to your taps at home, work and school.

Once you’ve used the water, we collect it using our sewer network, transport it to our treatment works and recycle it safely back to the environment. This forms part of a larger process called the water cycle. It’s easy to feel as though water is endless, especially after a few rainy days, but that isn’t the case.

We need to work together to protect our most precious resource for future generations.

Can I drink snow?

Obtaining Water from Snow and Ice – “Water Water everywhere, nor any drop to Drink” Samuel Taylor Coleridge (The Ancient Mariner) When Coleridge wrote this poem about a ships crew dying of thirst while surrounded by Water he was of course referring to life at Sea. However, the same predicament can befall those who venture into glacial or polar environments without the necessary equipment and knowledge to convert Ice and Snow into drinkable water.

• Water is essential to life, and the ability to transform water from its frozen state into its liquid state is a vital skill for those who intend to spend time above the snow line.
• In order to learn this skill it is important to first understand the unique properties of water.
• Here’s the science bit.
• Water only remains in its liquid form while its temperature is between 0 degrees centigrade and 100 degrees centigrade (This range can vary slightly depending on altitude).

Above 100 degrees centigrade Water will boil, and transform into a gas (Steam). Below 0 degrees centigrade Water will freeze and become Ice or snow. Most mountaineers, and explorers travelling in cold environments, carry modern stoves which use liquid fuels such as Unleaded Petrol, Propane Gas, or Coleman fuel in order to melt Snow. The best way to melt snow is to collect clean (Definitely not yellow) snow from outside the camp site. You should then put a small amount into the bottom of the pan and heat gently until it melts (Snow is mostly composed of air so it will require a surprising amount of snow to produce a litre of water).

Eep adding small handfuls until you have melted the desired quantity. It is a good idea to cover the top of the pan to conserve fuel. If you are in an area with Trees or other fuel the same result can be obtained over a fire. Freshly melted snow is generally considered to be safe to drink without further treatment, however it should not be assumed that because water is frozen that it is safe to drink.

Exercise the same caution for melted Ice as you would for standing water, and if in doubt boil the water for 10 minutes. Micro organisms and Germs are not killed by freezing (They just remain dormant until the ice melts). If you do not have a heat proof pan you can still melt snow and ice by suspending over a fire and allowing the melted water to drip into a container. Obtaining water from Ice and snow without a fuel source is not impossible. During the day the radiant energy of the sun will heat dark coloured rocks and melt the ice or snow in contact with them. I have found water in this way even when the air temperature has not risen above -10 degrees Centigrade.

The best way to locate this melt water is to listen for the tell tale sound of flowing water, particularly on south facing slopes or cliff faces. When the water is located it can be channelled into a container. This source of water is unlikely to continue long after dark so you should take every opportunity to hydrate yourself and collect water during the day time.

Water bottles should also be kept in your sleeping bag with you to prevent freezing. I often fill a water Bag with hot water and take this into my Sleeping Bag with me, absolute luxury! Sucking snow and ice to obtain water is really an option of last resort.

1. The effect of consuming ice cold snow will reduce your core body temperature, and increase the risk of developing Hypothermia.
2. Very cold ice can even cause burns to the lips and mouth.
3. When venturing into a cold environment preparation and careful selection of equipment are vitally important.
4. It is a good idea to seek the advice of a qualified Mountain Leader, or experienced explorer before undertaking such a venture.

Reputable outdoor equipment suppliers are another good source of information. Even though the Glacial environment is one of the hardest places to travel, the rewards in terms of spectacular scenery and unique personal challenges make it all worth while.

Is rainwater no longer drinkable anywhere in the world?

Rainwater everywhere on Earth unsafe to drink due to forever chemicals According to new research, rainwater almost everywhere on Earth is considered unsafe to drink, due to the PFAS, also known as ‘forever chemicals’. Forever chemicals are Per-and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), a large family of human-made chemicals that don’t occur in nature.

They are called “forever chemicals” because they can stick around in the environment for decades. PFAS are used in a due to their ability to repel both grease and water, including paper and cardboard food packaging, textiles, cosmetics and electronics. The health risks of being exposed to these substances have been researched widely.

Scientists say that they could be linked to fertility problems, increased risk of cancer and developmental delays in children. Find out more info : Rainwater everywhere on Earth unsafe to drink due to forever chemicals

Is rainwater clean for laundry?

Do rainwater tanks save money on laundry? – There are a lot of factors that will determine whether your water tank saves you and your family money, particularly if you are rainwater harvesting purely for your washing machine and toilets, including the price of water supply in your area, the amount you pay for your water tank, and how often you wash your clothes.

Can foreigners drink UK water?

Is It Safe To Drink? – No matter where your water is coming from in the UK it is always highly regulated and will always be safe to drink even for babies. However, It is best to give babies water that is unsoftened as there can be a lot of sodium in there. Tap water is also the freshest water you can get since bottled water could have been sitting on the shelves for weeks, tap water, on the other hand, is only a few hours or days old.

Can you use rainwater for showers UK?

Planning my Rainwater Harvesting System – + Does the tank have to be underground? For domestic water use, yes. You should weigh up the arguments for and against digging your tank into the ground: In favour of digging the tank in:

No unsightly equipment in the garden, especially if you are installing a tank bigger than 200 or 360 litres Suitable for all size gardens even small ones where the space is otherwise restricted. For example, our stronger tanks can be installed under a drive way using our driveable shaft and lid. Unlike above ground tanks there is less risk of brackishness (discoloration due to bacterial action at 12 degress C and above) in summer due to warming of the leaf debris at the bottom of the tank. Negligible risk of frost damage to tank, piping and pumps in winter. Take into account the prevailing temperature conditions in winter where you live, if your pond or water butt freezes up seldom, and if the layer of ice is only a few centimetres thick at worst, then your rain water harvesting tank and equipment are unlikely to be damaged.

In favour of situating the tank above ground:

Ease of installation and lower installation costs Suitable for farm, outhouse, equestrian, market garden and other installations where the visual and aesthetic criteria are less important

+ How long would the water last in a drought? Check the tank size calculator, You can calculate from the size of your roof and average rainfall figures in your area (available on our web site) how much water will come off you roof in a year. The same calculator works out how long the water will last in a drought from a) your garden size, b) how much water you want to give to your plants, and c) the size of your tank.

Aim for between 18 – 21 days drought protection and a tank size which also suits your budget. + What else do I need besides a tank? The filter installed in the pipe to the tank is essential for larger tanks where water may be stored for a longer time. It will help prevent water becoming smelly and discoloured by removing leaves and other debris.

This also reduces the sludge accumulating at the bottom of the tanks, and reduces clogging of tap outlets, hoses and watering-can heads. High quality filters (such as in the turret of the tank) separate debris out and flush it down the drain or soakaway.

Some downpipe filters eject debris straight out the side, while cleaned water goes into the tank. Both kinds are easy to maintain. For even cleaner water, an overflow siphon collects smaller particles such as pollen which can accumulate after filtering on the top layer of rainwater. The integrated u-bend stops vermin getting into the tank through the overflow outlet.

Where the rainwater flows into the bottom of the tank, a calming device prevents the flow from stirring up any silt on the bottom. A submersible pump maintains a good pressure and flow of water round the house and garden. Pumps (such as the Hydroforce and similar pressure-sensitive pumps) turn on automatically when you turn on a tap or flush a toilet.

It stops on its own as well. Other less expensive pumps will only stop when the water level in the tank is too low for it to work any longer. Although some pumps do have their own filters, they perform much better if the rainwater has been filtered already by an exterior filter. + Why is it a good idea to install a filter and pump if I am only using rainwater for the garden? A filter installed in the down-pipe to the tank, or in the top of the tank itself, is a good addition for all tanks but is particularly to be recommended for larger tanks installed above ground where water may be stored for a longer time.

It will help prevent water becoming smelly by removing leaves and other debris. This also stops sludge accumulating at the bottom of the tanks, and tap outlets, hoses and water-can heads clogging up. Some filters separate debris out and send it on down the drainpipe.

Other filters eject debris straight out the side, while cleaned water goes into the tank. Both kinds are easy to maintain. A pump makes distribution from the tank easier by maintaining a good pressure. Quality pumps (such as our Hydroforce pump) with a pressure-sensitive switch turn themselves off when water flow is not needed; when using a spray-head, you do not have to run in to turn pump off, it will stop when you click the spray-head to off.

Other less expensive pumps will only stop when the water level in the tank is too low for it to work any longer. + What is the best kind of pump to use? Pumps which switch off when no water is being drawn (such as our Hydroforce pump) and which can be used both in and out of the tank are the best.

These allow you, for example, flexible watering. When using a spray-head, you do not have to run in to turn pump off, it will stop when you click the spray-head to off. Other less expensive pumps will only stop when the water level in the tank is too low for it to work any longer. The Hydroforce Submersible Pump that we supply with each system has a dry run protection, temperature protection and is an automatic on/off pump with it’s own built in pressure switch.

If using a drip feed irrigation system or a fine spray outlet on your hose it is advised to include a pressure vessel into your system. + How does rainwater harvesting help prevent flooding? Rainwater harvesting acts as part of a Sustainable Urban Drainage System (SUDS.) In heavy rainfall the tank fills first, then should the rainfall continue, the tank will overflow into a soak-away.

This takes stress off public storm drains. The Rain Activ System allows you to attenuate the water in the underground tank and discharge at an industry leading low rate. All supported with recognised industry calculations it can be demonstrated that the system we design for you can handle the required worst storm event.

+ What if I’m off grid? Can I use rainwater for potable purposes such as drinking and washing? Rainwater can be treated with UV filtration to make it potable quality, yet this typically is only economically viable where occupants are off grid and have no mains water source.

Where does UK rain water go?

Surface water and highway drainage – Ofwat Surface water drainage occurs when rainwater falls on a property and drains away. Most rainwater falling on properties drains into public sewers owned by the ten water and sewerage companies in England and Wales.

a fee in the standing charge a volumetric charge based on the amount of water you use a charge based on the rateable value of your property through a charge related to the type of property you live in

If rainwater does not drain from your property into a public sewer, because you have a soakaway or similar, you may be entitled to a surface water drainage rebate. Your company provides information about the qualification criteria and the level of any rebate in its charges scheme, which is published on its website.

How do I calculate how much water can be collected from my roof?

Rainwater Harvesting Calculator We have created this calculator below to help you to determine how much water you can catch each year into your rainwater tank. Find the average annual rainfall for your area: How much rainwater you can actually harvest from your roof. Fortunately, there’s a rule of thumb for that too. Each square metre of roof space collects around 1 litre of water for everyone millimetre of rainfall,

So, if hypothetically you have 10 millimetres of rain in a storm, and 150 square metres of roof space actually available to collect rainwater, you can then collect 1500 litres of rainwater from that storm (150sq metres x10 millimetres x 1 litre),To average things out over a longer period of time, you can actually look up the monthly rainfall pattern for your geographical area – for example, let’s say 100mm per month on average over a 12-month period.The average area for rainwater catchment for Australian households:

100-150 ㎡ – Small House 150-200 ㎡ – Medium House 200 ㎡ + Large House

Don’t want to get out a pen and paper, or open up Calc? Can’t blame you. Fortunately, we’ve done the hard yards and automated that process with our handy rainwater harvesting calculator. : Rainwater Harvesting Calculator

How much water can I get off my roof?

Calculating your catchment capacity – Roughly speaking, 1 millimetre of rain over 1 square metre of roof equals 1 litre of water. This capacity can be calculated using the following formula: Annual rainfall (in millimetres) x Roof surface area (in square metres) = Roof catchment capacity,

Can you use rainwater for showers UK?

Planning my Rainwater Harvesting System – + Does the tank have to be underground? For domestic water use, yes. You should weigh up the arguments for and against digging your tank into the ground: In favour of digging the tank in:

No unsightly equipment in the garden, especially if you are installing a tank bigger than 200 or 360 litres Suitable for all size gardens even small ones where the space is otherwise restricted. For example, our stronger tanks can be installed under a drive way using our driveable shaft and lid. Unlike above ground tanks there is less risk of brackishness (discoloration due to bacterial action at 12 degress C and above) in summer due to warming of the leaf debris at the bottom of the tank. Negligible risk of frost damage to tank, piping and pumps in winter. Take into account the prevailing temperature conditions in winter where you live, if your pond or water butt freezes up seldom, and if the layer of ice is only a few centimetres thick at worst, then your rain water harvesting tank and equipment are unlikely to be damaged.

In favour of situating the tank above ground:

Ease of installation and lower installation costs Suitable for farm, outhouse, equestrian, market garden and other installations where the visual and aesthetic criteria are less important

+ How long would the water last in a drought? Check the tank size calculator, You can calculate from the size of your roof and average rainfall figures in your area (available on our web site) how much water will come off you roof in a year. The same calculator works out how long the water will last in a drought from a) your garden size, b) how much water you want to give to your plants, and c) the size of your tank.

Aim for between 18 – 21 days drought protection and a tank size which also suits your budget. + What else do I need besides a tank? The filter installed in the pipe to the tank is essential for larger tanks where water may be stored for a longer time. It will help prevent water becoming smelly and discoloured by removing leaves and other debris.

This also reduces the sludge accumulating at the bottom of the tanks, and reduces clogging of tap outlets, hoses and watering-can heads. High quality filters (such as in the turret of the tank) separate debris out and flush it down the drain or soakaway.

• Some downpipe filters eject debris straight out the side, while cleaned water goes into the tank.
• Both kinds are easy to maintain.
• For even cleaner water, an overflow siphon collects smaller particles such as pollen which can accumulate after filtering on the top layer of rainwater.
• The integrated u-bend stops vermin getting into the tank through the overflow outlet.

Where the rainwater flows into the bottom of the tank, a calming device prevents the flow from stirring up any silt on the bottom. A submersible pump maintains a good pressure and flow of water round the house and garden. Pumps (such as the Hydroforce and similar pressure-sensitive pumps) turn on automatically when you turn on a tap or flush a toilet.

• It stops on its own as well.
• Other less expensive pumps will only stop when the water level in the tank is too low for it to work any longer.
• Although some pumps do have their own filters, they perform much better if the rainwater has been filtered already by an exterior filter.
• Why is it a good idea to install a filter and pump if I am only using rainwater for the garden? A filter installed in the down-pipe to the tank, or in the top of the tank itself, is a good addition for all tanks but is particularly to be recommended for larger tanks installed above ground where water may be stored for a longer time.

It will help prevent water becoming smelly by removing leaves and other debris. This also stops sludge accumulating at the bottom of the tanks, and tap outlets, hoses and water-can heads clogging up. Some filters separate debris out and send it on down the drainpipe.

Other filters eject debris straight out the side, while cleaned water goes into the tank. Both kinds are easy to maintain. A pump makes distribution from the tank easier by maintaining a good pressure. Quality pumps (such as our Hydroforce pump) with a pressure-sensitive switch turn themselves off when water flow is not needed; when using a spray-head, you do not have to run in to turn pump off, it will stop when you click the spray-head to off.

Other less expensive pumps will only stop when the water level in the tank is too low for it to work any longer. + What is the best kind of pump to use? Pumps which switch off when no water is being drawn (such as our Hydroforce pump) and which can be used both in and out of the tank are the best.

• These allow you, for example, flexible watering.
• When using a spray-head, you do not have to run in to turn pump off, it will stop when you click the spray-head to off.
• Other less expensive pumps will only stop when the water level in the tank is too low for it to work any longer.
• The Hydroforce Submersible Pump that we supply with each system has a dry run protection, temperature protection and is an automatic on/off pump with it’s own built in pressure switch.

If using a drip feed irrigation system or a fine spray outlet on your hose it is advised to include a pressure vessel into your system. + How does rainwater harvesting help prevent flooding? Rainwater harvesting acts as part of a Sustainable Urban Drainage System (SUDS.) In heavy rainfall the tank fills first, then should the rainfall continue, the tank will overflow into a soak-away.

This takes stress off public storm drains. The Rain Activ System allows you to attenuate the water in the underground tank and discharge at an industry leading low rate. All supported with recognised industry calculations it can be demonstrated that the system we design for you can handle the required worst storm event.

+ What if I’m off grid? Can I use rainwater for potable purposes such as drinking and washing? Rainwater can be treated with UV filtration to make it potable quality, yet this typically is only economically viable where occupants are off grid and have no mains water source.

How big is a rainwater harvesting tank UK?

Storage Tank & Filter – The capacity of the storage tank will depend on how much roof area you have, and how much rainfall you get! Domestic tank sizes generally vary from 1500 litres to about 5000 litres, though could sometimes be up to 10,000L on very large properties.

1. As a guide to how much space is required note that 1000 litres is equivalent to one cubic metre.
2. The tanks are usually sited below ground, and so can be placed under the garden area, or patio or driveway.
3. If sited under a driveway, it would need to be protected from the extra weight of traffic, and make sure both tank and filter are supplied with a vehicle-loaded lid.

The Wisy® vortex filters are rated at 30T GVW. (Gross Vehicle Weight) so are the most suitable for trafficked areas. With some tanks the filter is built in, so this is not an issue as long as the tank is vehicle rated. There are different types of rainwater tanks – most are either GRP (fibreglass) or Polyethylene (plastic). Example of a GRP tank Example of Polyethylene tank