RAINWATER HARVESTING SYSTEMS ARE A WATER-EFFICIENT TECHNOLOGY OPPORTUNITY

Rainwater harvesting systems must be operated and maintained on a regular basis

Rainwater harvesting can be used to offer alternate water to government installations. Alternative waters are long-term water sources that aren’t derived from fresh surface or groundwater and help to meet the need for freshwater. Harvested rainwater.

Considerations in Technology

When planning a rainwater gutter project, keep the following points in mind.

End Use: The type of treatment equipment required for the system will be determined by the anticipated end use of the gathered rainwater.

Site selection: Select locations that receive sufficient rainfall for the application. See the Rainwater Availability Map for additional information.

Applications: Choose a place where rainwater can be used for many purposes, such as vehicle washing, landscape irrigation, and dust reduction.

Catchment area size (roof size): Even in locations where rainfall is scarce, a bigger roof area can capture substantial amounts of rain.

Rainwater storage capacity: In areas where rainfall is less frequent, larger tanks may be required to provide additional storage capacity between water recharges. The cost of equipment will rise when the tank size is increased.

Roof pitch and type: The amount of water that can be harvested is influenced by the roof material and pitch. Roofs with a lower pitch catch more water than those with a steeper pitch. Roof textures that are smoother will allow for better runoff than textured roofs.

Rainwater collection initiatives will be more economically viable in areas with higher water rates.

Permits: Permits for rainwater harvesting may be required. Consult your local or state government for more information.

Rainwater is primarily utilised in non-potable applications, but with further treatment, it can exceed potable standards. A licenced operator must maintain potable systems to guarantee that they continue to generate water of sufficient quality for human consumption.

Rainwater harvesting systems must be operated and maintained on a regular basis. The components of the system are designed to last with proper maintenance, and manufacturers will generally issue a warranty for several years, ranging from 15 to 30 years for storage tanks and piping, and two to ten years for pumps.

Rainwater harvesting systems can also help organisations achieve stormwater management regulations by preventing stormwater from entering waterways. Rainwater can be used for a variety of purposes, including:

• Landscape irrigation
• Ornamental pond and fountain filling
• Cooling tower makeup
• Toilet and urinal flushing

The best way to figure out how much rain is available for harvesting is to look at the daily precipitation. The map was created using monthly average rainfall data from the past. Monthly variations, such as big rain events or rainy vs. dry spells, are not taken into consideration. If there are major rain events at the beginning of the month, for example, there may be less rainwater at the end of the month.

Even in locations where rainfall is scarce, rainwater harvesting may be acceptable in many cases.