Rainwater harvesting

[twicknix]

I was doing some research on rainwater harvesting with the view of possibly having it installed at my property. I was surprised at the cost of having it installed, fitted and certified for a 3000 litre tank at the cost of £5k with a 25 years guarantee. It may sound expensive but it is rather cheap considering if you are on a water meter and the amount of rainfall in your region, especially in the winter time.

Given the relatively low cost of rainwater harvesting installation, it begs the question on how long will it be before we start seeing properties having such system installed. After some more digging, I discovered that there is the supposedly regulations on type of water pipes used for rainwater, it appears to be colour coded in green/brown. Also there’s some interesting information about legionnaire disease associated with stagnant water.

My gut feeling that this type of system will become popular just like those solar panels and we need to be aware of it and what precaution we need to take if we come across system like this when we come out to service a washing machine. Also there’s a risk of a dishwasher could be plumbed into this system without realising it unsuitable for this purpose.

I suspect that the system would appeal to the more affluent homeowners who are more likely to own higher end appliances, do we know of any potential damage caused by rainwater on using the washing machine, washer dryer, even heaven forbids dishwasher?

[Martin]

Re: Rainwater harvesting

I’ve never heard of such a system until you pointed it out. I took a look at the Graf Video and came to a rapid conclusion as to its many failings.

Firstly, installing an underground water storage system needs local building regs approval, local water company notification as well as a structural survey needed for building insurance compliance.

Extra plumbing would be required to facilitate essential drinking water is not connected to the system in any way.

Water pressure would no doubt be an issue I would imagine. Water quality also, in spite of their amazing filtration system, Sahara rain springs to mind as well as localised C02 pollution levels.

The size of tank shown in the video is far too small to facilitate garden sprinkler systems, car washing as well as laundry and toilet facilities running simultaneously.

Here in the sunny south the storage tank (large or small) would be bone dry month in month out, year in year out, rendering the investment worthless.

Up in the rain-soaked North no doubt the flow would be endless. Enough even to virtually stop the water meter from spinning. Though the water companies standing charges will still apply no doubt so it will take decades to realise a return on your investment.

A tree huggers dream though I doubt anyone so inclined could afford the outlay.

I wonder what sort of suds you get using Ecover with rainwater? 😈

[twicknix]

Rainwater harvesting

A well informed house builder tells me that rainwater harvesting is now more or less compulsory in new builds. Most of the system are direct fed via a pump.

Like you said water pressure would be an issue. The filling of the tank is determined by the size of your roof. In my case I live in a terrace of four houses, my drain pipe takes all the water from three properties. Money saver here. I’m not going ahead to have it installed as we do not plan to live in this house for more than 5 years. If we are intending to stay longer than 5 years then the system would pay for itself.

As with regards to new builds, it’s very highly likely we will come across a system like rainwater harvesting especially in hard water area. Potential soap suds overflowing…

[iadom]

Re: Rainwater harvesting

Surely the rain falling on your neighbours houses is their property. 😉

[Allsorts]

Re: Rainwater harvesting

Also issues with debris from gutters and silt from the rooftiles..

I was under the impression that this sort of idea was for water reuse for gardens and the like… not for household utility or consumption.

George

[spimps]

Re: Rainwater harvesting

Family member has had a new house built and has an underwater or grey water and rain water re cyling tank.
It goes through a filtration system as grey water from bath and sink if added can contain body fluids and bacteria,can only be used for garden and toilet flushing etc.

[Martin]

Re: Rainwater harvesting

BOREHOLES!!!!!

That’s the only way forward………….

http://www.southcoastwater.co.uk/water-boreholes.html

[twicknix]

Re: Rainwater harvesting

iadom wrote:Surely the rain falling on your neighbours houses is their property. 😉

I don’t see them complaining? After all the water is free, someone did suggest using water like oil. Would my neighbours charge me for using their rainwater off the roof? Nah, I doubt it.

There is this building regulations and large housebuilding firms are being urged to install such systems.

http://www.construction-magazine.co.uk/ … a-388.html

It all started with water butts in people gardens, a stepping stone toward rainwater harvesting. Just like in the late 80’s and early 90’s cars were being converted from 4 star to unleaded to make way for catalytic converters in 1994/5 with the eventual phasing out of 4 star petrol ten years later.

Regardless of your views, this is going to happen because of all this sustainability palaver. A close friend of mine says that the house builders are pleading “poverty” due to the recession and the installation of rainwater harvesting system in new builds are to be delayed, I do not know the final outcome of this. So please be vigilant on this as we will one day come across this. I do not know if washing machines are to be hooked up on to this (the regulations says it could) or would it be just for toilet flushing (my guess it pretty much on how much the plumbers are willing to do, he or she may decides that rainwater has no place in the kitchen)

[spimps]

Re: Rainwater harvesting

Like oil I think the state owns the water,couple of customers have bore holes, you still have to pay something and certainly have to have regular tests on the water to ensure it is fit to use.

[Martin]

Re: Rainwater harvesting

twicknix wrote:Given the relatively low cost of rainwater harvesting installation,

I really don’t think paying 5 grand to have a plastic tank sunk in your back yard with a bit of plumbing attached is cheap. So for that outlay (and on going maintenance charges) to be cost effective the investment would have to pan out for donkeys years no doubt.

It would be interesting to know what the current water rates are though and what the projected savings might be on an annual basis. I’m presuming you are on a water meter currently?

Fortunately for me I’m not on a water meter and currently pay Thames Water £488 per year for water services (which includes mains drainage and such also of course) So if I were on a meter I haven’t a clue what the likely cost of drawing water would be in my household. But as a guesstimate around half my current charges, say £244. So it would take over 20 years for me to recoup the initial 5 grand outlay for starters. So I personally cannot fathom the necessity TBH.

But, from what you tell us, the idea is really taking off and folks are having solar panels, wind turbines and now sinking great plastic tubs in their gardens in order they do their bit and save another polar bear. Well for them, well for you I say. 😀

[Author]

Posts