Rainwater Harvesting: FAQs

Rainwater Harvesting FAQs – rainwater harvesting is the process of collecting rainwater that lands on the roof, or other flat surfaces. This rainwater is then collected in a tank which sits above or below the ground. When water is required in the house or building where the system is installed it draws the water from the external rainwater harvesting tank. Before the water is used it is filtered and treated depending on what the water is used for e.g. flushing toilets, washing clothes or car washing etc.

How Does Rainwater Harvesting Work?

Rainwater harvesting is collecting the rainwater that falls on the roof of buildings, filtering the water, storing it, then using it for uses in commercial or domestic applications.  Rainwater tanks either sits below the ground or above ground depending on the installation.  When water is required this if generally pumped through a filter system, treated and then pumped to the house or building where the system where the water is to be used.  Different water treatment is required for applications such as flushing toilets, washing clothes or car washing etc.

Is The Rainwater Clean?

Depending on the roof which is collecting the water, the filtration system in place and maintenance of the system, this water should be clean.  The purpose of a rainwater harvesting system is to produce water that is clean, clear and odourless through filtration.  If the water is dirty, it is likely the system is not working correctly and may require maintenance of the filter or the tank to be cleaned.

Can Rainwater Be Drunk?

It is not recommended rainwater is to be drunk.  To make the water fit for drinking would require additional equipment and disinfection of the water which can be expensive.  A few of the non-drinking applications that you can use rainwater for are gardening, toilets, washing clothes, irrigation & car washing

Is Greywater The Same As Rainwater?

Rainwater is water collected from a roof, during rainfall, which can be stored in rainwater tanks and is generally clean for some uses such as irrigation and dairy washdown.  Some applications for uses for rainwater will require filtration and sometimes UV disinfection for uses such as feeding to livestock or for washing machine use.

Greywater is the water from baths, showers and washing machines and the water quality can depend on the source of the water.  Care is needed when storing greywater water to prevent the rapid growth of bacteria.   The water can also contain detergents, body fats, and hair all of which require removal and disinfection before they can be re-used.

How Do I Know How Much Water is in my Rainwater Tank?