Many horticultural businesses and farms were affected by the severe drought and hosepipe restrictions imposed in many parts of the country throughout Summer 2022. Some parts of the UK (like the East and South East of England) are more vulnerable to draught than others, which means they’re more likely to be affected by hosepipe bans – but this summer saw the extension of bans to the South West and other areas not traditionally affected by water shortages.
For farmers and cultivation businesses, it’s simply not feasible to stop using hosepipes altogether, although hosepipe bans have important implications for water usage habits and the way water is managed onsite. In this article we explain how rainwater harvesting can help cultivators prepare for summer water shortages and continue using a hosepipe even during a ban.
Rainwater Harvesting Tanks
In the UK, recycled or harvested water is fine to use for hosepipes whenever there’s a ban, since the ban only applies to mains water.
Obviously, not all harvested water is suitable for use on cultivated stock, and extra care must be taken when watering edible crops. While some industrial and commercial applications can reuse ‘grey water’ from washing machinery and produce, this isn’t an option for cultivators. Rainwater harvesting, however, provides an accessible and inexpensive water reclamation solution that reduces the dependence of businesses on the public mains during times of shortage, and that can be scaled according to need.
Rainwater can be harvested throughout the year in secure tanks and, provided the treatment and storage processes is efficient enough to prevent contamination, water can be retained for use for several months on demand.
There are several different types of static water tanks: vertical, horizontal, insulated, underground, and above ground being the most common.
No Water Shortages, Even During A Hosepipe Ban
A rainwater harvesting tank would allow you to continue using a hosepipe even during a ban. Commercial tanks can store anything between 150 and 90,000 litres of rainwater, providing ample water for watering produce, trees, and lawns with a hosepipe, and even for operating automated water sprinkling systems.
Avoid Fines For Non-Compliance
Many British farmers are already under financial pressure due to the rising cost of materials, fuel and transport. As per the Water Management Act 1991, breaching a hosepipe ban could result in fines of up to £1,000, which could be a further burden on your finances. Having a rainwater tank means you can continue watering your crops without exposing yourself to fines and negative publicity.
Improve Your Logistics
Having one or more static rainwater tanks strategically placed along cultivated areas can help save time and improve the availability of water onsite.
Whether you are a garden centre, cultivation business or a farmer, or are responsible for large gardens or grassy areas, we strongly recommend considering a rainwater harvesting tank. This will help you be prepared in the event of a drought and hosepipe ban next summer and facilitate efficient and responsible water use even in challenging conditions.
Water Storage Solutions From Enduramaxx
The Enduramaxx team will be happy to help you choose a rainwater harvesting tank that suits your needs. As the experts in fluid management innovation, Enduramaxx offers a great selection of UK-made tanks available in 40 sizes. Please call 01778 562810 find out more.
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