What is rainwater harvesting ?
Rainwater harvesting is the collection, filtering, storage and use of rainwater. This water is used to replace mains water in non-potable applications, such as toilets, urinals, washing machines, irrigation systems, vehicle washing, sprinkler systems and any other uses where the water is not used for human consumption.
Why harvest rainwater?
Rising utility bills, reduction of running costs and environmental implications are just three reasons for investing in a rainwater harvesting system. 50% of domestic and up to 85% of non-domestic mains water can be replaced in this way. Rainwater harvesting is a key component to reach compliance within the Code for Sustainable Homes to reduce overall water consumption. Additionally, rainwater re-use scores high creditation in the Water Efficiency sector of the BREEAM schemes and can help with gaining planning permission by meeting site drainage requirements (ref Building Regulations Part H) as part of a sustainable drainage (SuDS) scheme
Domestic Envireau – Integrated Rainwater Harvesting
The Domestic Envireau Rainwater Harvesting system has been designed as a low cost installation for self-build projects and residential developments. BBA certified, it works by taking the rain from your roof gutters, filtering out the leaves and debris and storing the water in an underground tank. This is then pumped into the house to be used for non-potable applications such as toilet flushing and washing machines. If the tank runs empty, the system automatically switches to mains supply. Simple.
Benefits
Easy to install, simple to maintain, automatic in operation; the Domestic Envireau System has been developed to provide the homeowner with a 'fit-and-forget' system, ensuring an automatic supply of harvested rainwater.
Designed to be as user-friendly as possible, the system utilises much of the existing pipework within the building. The main requirement being the installation of a rainwater storage tank with internal pump, selected to meet the roof area's water catchment yield and household requirements.
- KingspanWater Envireau can reduce water consumption in domestic applications by 50%
- Authorities increasingly expect applications to demonstrate Sustainable Drainage (SUDS)
- Achieves credits that are required for compliance with the Code for Sustainable Homes.
Also Reduce mains water use fulfils the new Part G 2009 Building Regulations
- Money saved though reduced water bills means the Envireau system can payback its purchase costs.
Applications for Self Build Homes and Housing Developments;
- WC and urinal flushing
- irrigation and landscape watering
- garden watering
- vehicle washing
- domestic laundry