Rainstore - Rain Harvesting Systems
Rainwater Harvesting is the simple science of collecting and managing rainwater from roofs.
The basic principle is that rainwater which falls onto roofs is stored in a tank until required for use. When required, the water is then pumped to the point of use or to a secondary tank (header tank or break tank), thus replacing what would otherwise be a demand for mains-water.
In the process, a volume of water is kept out of the storm-water management system, thereby helping to reduce the risk of flooding in the drainage system.
Rainwater harvesting is not a new concept; however, over the last century, its use has diminished with the availability of a clean, inexpensive and reliable water source through the mains supply.
More recently, water demand has started to exceed supply, and localised flooding has become a major issue in many parts of the UK.
Industry experts are now recognising the important role that rainwater harvesting (also known as rainwater recycling, and grey water recycling) has to play in alleviating both these problems.
With strategic water planners looking to reduce the amount of water consumption per head going forward, solutions such as Rainwater Harvesting will play a critical role.
ECS Rainstore Rainwater Harvesting Systems overview
Rainwater is captured from the specific roof areas and directed via designed drainage to a rainstore tank (usually underground). The incoming rainwater is filtered before entry to the tank.
A highly efficient and reliable submersible pump then can deliver the water to a service on demand.
Depending on the type of building or application a secondary tank (header tank) can be used to gravity feed the water to the point of use. The size of the storage tank is determined by considering the amount of water available for storage.
This is determined from the size of the roof area and the local average rainfall and the amount of water likely to be used (a combination of buildings occupancy and function).
It is very important not to over-size the rainwater tank. An over-sized tank may result in a lower than expected quality of water. We can offer advice on the right system for your property as part of our design package.
Considerations for fitting a rainwater collection system to an existing property:
• The external drainage from the roof needs to be modified to bring the water to a central point being the Rainstore tank.
• Access for the Rainstore tank and excavation is required.
• Internal plumbing is usually required to be separated out from the normal water supply.
Reasons to install a Rainstore rainwater harvesting system:
• Rainwater harvesting (including rainwater recycling and some versions of greywater recycling) replaces a large proportion of the water that would otherwise be provided by the mains supply – thus reducing overall water supply costs.
• It can provide an off-mains supply for remote areas.
• It enhances a property and can completely satisfy the water requirements of the various levels of the Code for Sustainable Homes.
• It can form part of an attenuation and rainwater management scheme, by reducing storm-water runoff and controlling the flow-rate off site. As required for SUR1.
Design and Installation Service:
We can offer you or your client overall advice on the suitability of all of the above with regard to the Code for Sustainable Homes and BREEAM standards. We can also offer an installation and commissioning service to provide peace of mind to our clients that the system is professionally installed.
This is supported by a 12 month return to site warranty that covers the unlikely hood of any defective components
