Rainwater Harvesting is the process of collecting, storing, and treating rainwater from the roof area to provide a sustainable, non-potable water supply for toilet flushing, irrigation, and vehicle washing.
Rainwater Harvesting is becoming increasingly popular due to rising concerns about water scarcity, increased flooding, and the impacts of climate change on our water resources.
Stormsaver are the market leading water reuse specialists. We have extensive experience in helping communities and commercial developments to reap the benefits of Rainwater Harvesting. Find out more below.
Commercial buildings are ideal for rainwater harvesting.
The occupancy and scale of these buildings mean they often have high water consumption rates and large catchment potential, enabling rainwater harvesting to aid significant improvements in water efficiency and sustainability.
Typically, 70% of water usage in commercial properties is for non-potable purposes, enabling a rainwater harvesting system to meet a significant amount of this figure.
Stormsaver has extensive experience supplying the most efficient and reliable solutions. See our solutions here.
Recycling rainwater across a housing development is essential for compliance with water neutrality or where the optional 110 litres per person per day rate is specified by the local planning authority.
Rainwater harvesting in domestic settings can significantly reduce water consumption by 25 litres per person per day, assisting with improved flood resilience and water efficiency.
Let our team size the most efficient and reliable solution for your project requirements. Find more here.
Retrofit solutions to improve your water sustainability.
Undertaking a refurbishment project or simply want to explore the benefits of rainwater harvesting for your building? Retrofitting a rainwater harvesting system is possible.
Our expert team will investigate the feasibility of altering drainage layouts and installing dual pipework systems, necessary for achieving rainwater harvesting in your existing building.
Let our team handle your retrofit project and find out more about our solutions here.
There is a reason why year on year, more people are choosing to include rainwater harvesting in their projects. Climate change, growing demand for natural resources, and increasingly unpredictable weather patterns present significant challenges for our buildings. Here are some of the ways rainwater harvesting can help…
Water Efficiency
The UK is facing a national water deficit of 5 billion litres per day by 2050.
70% of water consumed in non-domestic buildings is for non-potable purposes. Rainwater harvesting can enable the majority of this figure to be met with rainwater, rather than drinking water.
In domestic settings, rainwater harvesting can help to reduce per capita consumption of drinking water by 25 litres per person per day.
Water Planning
Planning for water supplies is now a consideration in the planning process.
In areas which are considered “seriously water stressed” by the Environment Agency, local planning authorities can specify reduced usage rates of 110 per person per day, rather than the usual 125 litres. Rainwater harvesting can help to meet this lower rate.
For non-domestic properties, water suppliers are not legally bound to provide these building types with a water supply. High water users may face a situation where they cannot connect to the mains water network. Rainwater harvesting reduces this consumption, enabling the development to proceed.
Flood Alleviation & Sewer Overflows
Managing rainwater as close to where it falls as possible is the favoured approach to drainage by local flood authorities. Reducing stormwater discharge rates from the site also assists with alleviating capacity within the combined sewer network, reducing the likelihood of untreated sewage overflowing into natural waterways.
Schedule 3 amendments to the Flood and Water Management Act in Wales (and soon in England) are in place meaning all sites over 100m2 must have sustainable drainage as standard. Rainwater harvesting can help you to meet these requirements.
Biodiversity Net Gain
New biodiversity requirements ensure that new developments increase natural habitats by 10%. Rainwater harvesting helps promote biodiversity by reducing water abstraction from natural aquifers allowing the water to be retained for habitat use.
Developers are incentivised by some water authorities to install rainwater harvesting through financial incentives on new connections to the public water network. Financial incentives are commonly paid on a “per-property” basis aiding housing developers to cover a large proportion of the cost of a communal rainwater harvesting system.
Thames Water currently offers £1,000 per home for rainwater harvesting, whilst United Utilities offers £400 per home. Checking with your incumbent water authority is always recommended!
For End Users
End users also benefit from a reduced monthly water bill.
Stormsaver can assist you with getting the right pipework requirements for your project. Just like any other piece of water infrastructure, rainwater harvesting systems are reliant on the correct pipework to operate reliably and efficiently.
Above ground pipework
Rainwater harvesting systems in both domestic and non-domestic properties require separate pipework to safely distribute the rainwater around the building. This dual pipework must keep the mains drinking water supply and rainwater supply separate at all times to prevent cross-contamination. The reclaimed rainwater pipework and fittings should also be clearly labelled.
Stormsaver have you covered and can supply the necessary labelling for your team to install, ensuring compliance. Just let our friendly team know.
Below ground pipework
The (WRAS) Information and Guidance Note 09-02-05 also offers guidance on belowground pipework which must be coloured black and green to identify reclaimed water. Blue pipework must not be used as this is the recognised colour in the UK for wholesome drinking water supplies.
Why is it important to consider maintenance for your rainwater harvesting system?
Investing in rainwater harvesting is only the first part of your water sustainability journey.
Many people are unaware that both domestic and non-domestic rainwater harvesting systems require regular care and attention to enable efficient and reliable operations.
The easiest way to maintain your rainwater harvesting system is by entrusting our specialist team through our range of maintenance plans.
Think of it like a car, if you do not regularly service it, components can fail over time.
Requirements
All Stormsaver Rainwater Harvesting Systems are supplied with a comprehensive operation and maintenance manual at the point of delivery. This manual contains details about the maintenance requirements of our systems. Generally, it is recommended that rainwater harvesting systems receive the following…
Twice yearly servicing
Tank cleaning every 2-3 years
You can find out why these planned maintenance works are so important by visiting our dedicated ‘why maintain’ page here.
Designing the system for ease of maintenance
When specifying a rainwater harvesting system on a project it is crucial to consider how the system will be maintained, inspected, and cleaned by the end user.
Making the system as accessible as possible for inspection and cleaning is always the best approach. For example, BS EN 16941 requires the installation of a pre-tank filter to collect debris before the storage tank.
Some specifiers do not include this important stage of filtration or locate the filter too deep within the storage tank so it cannot be easily removed for cleaning during regular inspections. This is just one example of how you would design with maintenance in mind but there are many tips we have on this subject.
Both the maintenance and the correct system design are essential. Without these two factors, you could be at risk of a water supply failure from your rainwater harvesting system if it experiences downtime.
In line with the Water Regulations Advisory Scheme (WRAS) and BS EN 16941, failed rainwater harvesting systems should not be “permanently or temporarily” connected to the potable water supply to restore the water supply.
If you’re at the specification stage, our experts can help you to minimise the risk of a supply failure through our reliable solutions. Get in touch here.
If you have a rainwater harvesting system that is already installed but requires attention, let us know here. We can help you get back up and running on rainwater!
Looking for additional filtration, UV disinfection, or installation services? Our added value options give you access to best-practice approaches. Learn more here.
