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Rainwater, although not intended for drinking, has many more valuable nutrients than spring water. This is why more and more people are choosing to install rainwater harvesting systems that allow them to use rainwater on a daily basis – e.g. for watering the garden. This type of solution is also used by farmers, who irrigate their crops with pre-collected rainwater. This is a natural way to provide plants with valuable substances to support their growth. Anyone can collect and store water flowing off the roof. Installing the most basic system is not a major expense.
What are rainwater harvesting systems?
A rainwater harvesting system is a solution for collecting rainfall for later use. With such systems, rainwater that runs off the surface of roofs is channelled into guttering systems and is then filtered and stored in special tanks.
A typical rainwater harvesting system consists of a storage tank, filters and a pump to distribute the water. The individual components should be well matched to the guttering.
How do I install a rainwater harvesting system?
The first step is to determine where the tank will be placed. It is best to choose a location close to the guttering system, while ensuring a stable base to facilitate installation. Next, before installation begins, the downpipe must be prepared – it is important to mark the level to which the water should reach in the tank. This is usually done by drawing a straight line.
The next step is to cut out the marked section of the downpipe. The cut should be even to ensure adequate water tightness and flow. Once the hole has been cut, the pipe that will lead the water to the tank is installed. It is a good idea to remember to fit a filter to catch debris before the water goes into storage.
Types of rainwater storage systems
There are two main types of rainwater storage systems: garden and domestic. Garden systems are designed to use rainwater outdoors, mainly for watering plants, washing garden tools or cleaning paving. Typically, such systems consist of above-ground tanks, which are easy to install and less expensive than underground systems.
Indoor systems allow rainwater to be used inside the building. They are more advanced. They require larger tanks, additional filters and a connection to the internal water supply. These types of systems are often used for flushing toilets or laundry.
Advantages of using rainwater
Rainwater is “soft” water, rich in minerals, and is therefore ideal for watering plants – it does not cause scale deposits in the soil, which can happen with tap water.
The use of rainwater contributes to the environment as it reduces the load on sewer systems and reduces groundwater consumption. In addition, storing rainwater can help prevent localised flooding, especially during heavy rainfall.
How much do rainwater harvesting systems cost?
Garden tanks with a capacity of 1 000-1 500 litres cost around €300-350. Larger tanks, which can collect 3 000-5 000 litres of water, cost €450-700. For advanced systems that include installation for indoor use of a building, the cost can be between €1 100 and €2 300.
Farmers who need more water to irrigate their crops often use more automated systems with pumps, sprinklers and moisture sensors. The price of this type of equipment will be higher.
A rainwater harvesting system allows efficient management of resources. Rainwater harvesting is an effective way of saving water, whose resources are becoming increasingly limited. Therefore, this type of system is part of the idea of environmental sustainability.