Apr - 2006 Rainwater Harvesting
The term "Rainwater Harvesting" describes the process of catching and re-using rainwater as a substitute for mains water. Not only does this provide an environmental benefit by preserving one of our most precious natural resources, there are no ongoing financial costs associated with rainwater harvesting once the initial setup is complete.
Rainwater harvesting has really shot to prominence in Victoria since July 2004 when the state Government introduced the five star energy rating system for new homes. One of the regulations requires all new homes to use either a solar hot water system or a rainwater tank with connection to a toilet cistern and washing machine.
Whilst connecting to a toilet and washing machine are highly effective ways of saving water, the most practical and inexpensive method of using stored rainwater is via an irrigation system in the garden. Depending on the capabilities of the pump that's installed, rainwater from a tank can be used for anything from supplying a garden hose, drip irrigation system or full ‘above ground' system including pop-up sprinklers & rotors.
Installation
A typical rainwater tank installation will comprise the following components:
Rainwater harvesting has really shot to prominence in Victoria since July 2004 when the state Government introduced the five star energy rating system for new homes. One of the regulations requires all new homes to use either a solar hot water system or a rainwater tank with connection to a toilet cistern and washing machine.
Whilst connecting to a toilet and washing machine are highly effective ways of saving water, the most practical and inexpensive method of using stored rainwater is via an irrigation system in the garden. Depending on the capabilities of the pump that's installed, rainwater from a tank can be used for anything from supplying a garden hose, drip irrigation system or full ‘above ground' system including pop-up sprinklers & rotors.
Installation
A typical rainwater tank installation will comprise the following components:
Filtration
- Steel gutter mesh - Prevents larger items such as leaves from entering the gutter & downpipes.
- First flush water diverter - Diverts the first 10 litres of water that runs off the roof which carries the most impurities.
- Tank inlet filter - Fine strainer that removes the smaller particles from the water before it enters the tank.
- Above ground - Options include: slimline, round, poly, steel, decorative (Waterwall), and a variety of colours.
- Subsurface - Concrete, poly or steel.
- Under the house - Bladder style.
- No pump - Relies on gravity to discharge the water (limits applications).
- Jet pump - Small & inexpensive pump suitable for running a garden hose or drip irrigation system.
- Pressure pump - Larger capacity pump providing higher rates of flow and pressure to facilitate an irrigation system or household appliances.
- Mains diverter - Automatic controller that draws from the mains water supply if the tank is empty.
Why not include a rainwater tank + pump system as an option on your next irrigation design? Not only will it add value to the job but will also help differentiate your business as being in touch with relevant environmental issues.
For more information, click here to download the rainwater harvesting brochure or contact your local branch for more information.