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Will Harvesting Rainwater Save Me Money On My Water Bill?

Posted by Callum Vallance-Poole

You may have seen tall and bulky structures in your local hardware store or garden centre. Well, they could be the answer to rising water bills and helping the environment. With prices rising now more than ever, it’s time to make use of our natural resources and start collecting rainwater. Various techniques have been practiced for thousands of years to collect and store water. Today, rainwater harvesting systems can be installed in both new and existing buildings and can range from a simple, cheap water butt to a more complex system. Whatever your requirements, our systems and solutions have you covered. Read on to learn more about collecting and how you can use it. 

What is Rainwater Harvesting?

Rainwater harvesting is the collection and storage of rainwater that would usually flow through the gutter system and into the drain. It means when rainwater falls onto the roof it can be collected and re-used for various tasks around the home such as gardening or even washing. In a time when it is important for everyone to be more environmentally aware, rainwater harvesting offers a number of fantastic benefits including saving you money on rapidly rising bills. 

How Does It Work?

1. Firstly, a typical rainwater system will collect rainwater from your roof which is then carried via pipes to a storage tank that is usually located in your garden or outdoor patio area.

2. A filter removes leaves and other debris and a settlement tank allows small particles to sink to the bottom so your rainwater system doesnt get blocked up.

3.Debris slides off the surface via an overflow pipe and the clean water is extracted from just below.

4. Water can be pumped directly from the tank to appliances or drained out for watering plants.

How Much Money Will Harvesting Rainwater Save Me?

Installing a rainwater tank is estimated to reduce water consumption in your home by 50%, we expect this to be reflected in general savings, so this would also be 50%. With the price of bills rising, why not use natural resources? Complete systems are cost-effective, simple to install and require little maintenance. How much you exactly save however will depend on your individual property. Bungalows for example with a larger roof surface will collect more water opposed to a smaller roof area. 

In an average household, almost a third of its water is used to flush toilets. This is enormously wasteful, as the water has to go through an extensive purification system.

But, this is where a rainwater harvesting system can help. They’re very easily set up to provide enough water to flush toilets, giving a significant saving straightaway environmentally and economically. As this water is not intended for washing or human use, it does not require purification. It simply needs to be clean and free from particles. You may have seen when entering stately homes or museums that there are signs saying the ‘water looks a little green, don’t worry’ this is because the water used to flush toilets is recycled from the extensive grounds around the property. 

Installing a rainwater system can also increase your properties value. Houses that incorporate eco-friendly features, such as solar panels, rainwater harvesting, efficient insulation etc. continually command a higher market price than properties of a similar size in the same area. Now more than ever, people are wanting to save money and make use of natural resources, especially the younger generation who will eventually end up buying your house! 

Is Rainwater Just For The Garden? 

Typically, you may have seen small rainwater collection systems that gardeners can then pop their watering can under and use to water their vegetable garden. But, with our systems, rainwater can be used for many different purposes. Recycled water can simply be used to flush your toilet, water your garden, clean your car and supply your washing machine.

Some Other Benefits Of Rainwater Harvesting

Lower Your Environmental Footprint

With less water coming out of the taps of your home it means you will also reduce your carbon footprint. Mains water travels long distances and to make it potable (suitable for human use) it also has to be heavily treated.

Manage Floods and Waterlogged Gardens

Rainwater harvesting works as part of a SUDS (Sustainable Urban Drainage System). As the rainwater is collected, stored and reused, this frees pressure on the main drainage system and reduces the risk of floods occurring.

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