Rain Water Recycling Systems
Domestic and Commercial Applications
Climate change and the continual threat of water shortages has led to higher and higher costs
for water supplied by water companies to homes and business premises.
Both new and established premises can benefit from the installation of rainwater recycling
systems to achieve cost savings on water bills. It should be noted, however, that for
established premises it may take a little longer to recover the full benefits of the initial
cost of retrofitting a rainwater recycling system.
Recycled water is not generally suitable for drinking. It should only be used for toilets,
urinals, washing machines, washing cars, garden irrigation, etc. Water consumption for these
types of activities can account for up to 35% of the total water used in a typical domestic
dwelling.
There are two types of rainwater recycling systems:
- Type 1 uses a direct feed to a non-potable system and is fed via a valve driven pump;
- Type 2 uses a roof tank to gravity feed to non-potable outlets.
Both methods involve the re-direction of rainwater from the roof to a dedicated (usually
underground) tank that stores the water. The water is lifted, on demand, from the tank and is fed
to either the roof tank or to the pressure valve for immediate use. Storage tank size depends
on usage and the area of roof available.
It is not advisable to collect water from ground surfaces such as patios and car parks as the
water may be contaminated by various pollutants such as oils, car shampoos, dog faeces, etc.
Filters are installed to reduce possible contamination of water when it is stored in the tank and
when it is lifted via the pump to the premises where the water will be used.
Both types of system should be backed up by a mains water connection to ensure uninterrupted
water supplies, in times when the rainwater recycling tank may be empty.
S&B Services can also supply and install off-mains systems to compliment water supplies
from wells, bore-holes or springs. These systems incorporate additional filtration to ensure
the purity of drinking water and are able to supply water at mains pressure levels. (Also see
our link to Water Filters to compliment off- mains supply systems).
For more detailed information and prices please contact S&B Services at
contact@sandbservices.co.uk