When you hear the term rainwater harvesting it often conjures up images of corrugated metal water tanks on farms surrounded by sheep and cows and mielie fields! It feels old-fashioned and outdated…
The truth is that the concept of rainwater harvesting, or rainwater collection or catchment, is very much coming back into vogue around the world as an alternative means of sourcing water for household use. As the world moves towards greener and more sustainable mechanisms for providing energy and water, it would be imprudent of us to ignore this excellent alternative. So, let’s talk about it!
What is rainwater harvesting?
To describe it simply it’s the collection of run-off from a structure, typically the roof of a house or building, into a tank or receptacle where the water can be stored until needed. Rainwater harvesting ranges from the simple – a downspout to a rain barrel – to the more complex – harvesting into large cisterns that supply the whole household.
As expert plumbers we really believe that rainwater harvesting has its place in an urban setting for homes and businesses. To supply some, if not all, of your water needs from a catchment system that doesn’t affect traditional water supply sources, or put strain on these limited resources, is the responsible thing to do.
How can you benefit from rainwater harvesting?
- Rainwater is relatively clean, but most importantly FREE source of water
- If you experience water restrictions in your area, harvesting gives you the opportunity to be in control of your water supply
- You’ll be doing your part for the environment and water conservation
- Rainwater is tops for your plants and garden because it is not chlorinated
- If you experience a heavy rainy season harvesting reduces stormwater runoff
- Drainage problems? This is an excellent solution that that with very little cost
- It’s a simple system and easy to maintain
- Use it as your backup to municipal water, or go all in and make it your main source of water
- System are very flexible and can be modular in nature, allowing expansion, reconfiguration, or relocation
- In South Africa having the water shut off for an extended period of time is a very real and regular possibility. Rainwater harvesting is a great emergency backup.
There’s really no reason why you shouldn’t do it – there are only advantages to rainwater harvesting! For more information give us a call to install a rainwater harvesting system for you!
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