Apart from sunlight, rain is another major sustainable resource that we can harvest. As a homeowner, you may be wondering how you can integrate rainwater into the plumbing system in your home. Below, we’ll discuss what rainwater harvesting is and how you can utilize it as a sustainable option.
Identify Your Catchment System
One of the best places to start with rainwater harvesting is your roof. It’s a very wide space that can produce a lot of great natural water for your family. Take a close assessment of your roofing material to ensure that it isn’t outdated asphalt or a lead-painted roof that could negatively affect the quality of your water.
One of the easiest ways to prevent debris from entering your rainwater is to install a gutter guard system. This is a mesh-like cover that sits throughout your gutters to filter out debris and other contaminants before your water enters your gutter. This allows for clean water to flow down your downspouts into your containment area.
Storage Tank or Cistern
The next thing you want to consider is where you want to hold your water. You’ll need a storage tank or cistern on your property to store the water until you’re ready to use it. Most homeowners opt for having an above-ground storage tank because they’re much easier to install than below-grade tanks.
It’s best to choose a tank that’s UV-resistant and completely sealed for optimal safety. Every tank should include a proper overflow or drainage system to manage excess water. Ensure this system directs water effectively away from the tank, as simply letting it overflow nearby can lead to erosion, flooding, and insect issues in that area.
There is an abundance of tank sizes to choose from depending on your particular needs. If you’re looking to do a little bit of rainwater harvesting for your garden or lawn, a small tank up to 300 gallons should suffice. If you want to supply water to your entire irrigation system, having a tank that holds up to about 5,000 gallons is best.
If you want to use your rainwater to supply water to your plumbing system, you’ll need a tank that can hold up to 10,000 gallons or more. If you plan on using your rainwater for potable purposes, opt for a food-grade or stainless steel cistern that will prevent algae growth.
Non-Potable Purposes
One thing you’ll need to decide is whether you want to use your rainwater for just non-potable purposes or for all of your plumbing needs. Your local municipality may regulate what you can use your rainwater for, so it’s important to check before investing your money in any type of harvesting system.
One of the most popular ways to use rainwater is for non-potable purposes. This includes things like water for your toilets, laundry, outdoor irrigation, and even washing your car. You don’t drink, cook, or bathe in non-potable water. You’ll need separate plumbing lines for all non-potable water supplies for health and safety reasons.
Establish Filtration
If you plan on using your rainwater just to irrigate your garden or lawn, you really don’t need a filtration system. However, if you’re harvesting rainwater for indoor use, it needs to go through a proper filtration system before you use it. Choosing a multi-filtration setup is the safest and most effective.
There are typically four types of filtration stages you want your system to have. First is the pre-filtration stage, which uses a mesh filter to get rid of larger debris. Next is a sediment filter that further removes unwanted particles from your water. A carbon filter is excellent for removing unpleasant odors, and UV or chlorination is necessary to control microbacterial growth should you plan on using your water for things like drinking and bathing.
Install Pressure Pump
To effectively deliver your rainwater to the various appliances and plumbing fixtures throughout your home, you’ll need to have a pressure pump. This helps to ensure a consistent flow of water to all of these areas. It’s also a good idea to install an automatic switch that allows you to move between your rainwater and your municipal water supply so that you never run out of water.
First-Flush Diverter
If you plan on using your rainwater for potable purposes, you’ll need a first-flush diverter. The first few gallons of rainwater your system starts to collect will have a very high concentration of contaminants. A first-flush diverter is responsible for flushing away the first few gallons of rainwater coming into your system to prevent that high contamination level from entering your storage tank.
Meeting Local Regulations
Using harvested rainwater for non-drinking purposes usually doesn’t require special permits from your local municipality. However, if you intend to use the water for drinking, you’ll generally need to obtain specific permits. Some municipalities might even require professional installation by certified experts for potable water systems.
It’s common for municipalities to require routine water testing to ensure your utmost safety if you plan on using rainwater for things like drinking, bathing, and cooking. Even if your local municipality doesn’t require testing, it’s highly recommended to do so anyway. Most experts recommend testing it every three to six months to check for bacteria like coliform, heavy metals, pH levels, and nitrates. Routine testing will alert you of any issues your water may have so you can respond to them quickly to restore the quality of your drinking water.
Benefits of Rainwater Harvesting for Your Home
One of the most popular reasons homeowners opt for harvesting rainwater for their private use is to reduce their water bills. When you’re able to harvest water coming down from the sky, you don’t have to pay for it. Even if you’re only harvesting rainwater for non-potable uses, like flushing your toilets or washing your clothes, it can have a big impact on lowering your water bill.
When you effectively catch that rainwater at your property, you’re helping to prevent issues like flooding and erosion on your land. When you use rainwater, you’re reducing your family’s demand on the public water infrastructure. You’ll have an emergency water supply when you need it and can have the peace of mind that you’re moving towards a more sustainable form of living.
Rainwater harvesting is becoming more and more popular each year, as homeowners start their journeys on being more self-sustainable. Those living off the grid or in drought-prone areas are finding rainwater harvesting a great solution for their household water needs. You may even find that your local government or utility company will offer rebates or tax credits when you install rainwater harvesting systems on your property.
Reliable Piping Installation Service
F.F. Hitchcock Plumbing, Heating & Cooling offers reliable rainwater piping installation services for the Cheshire, CT area. We can also assist with all your plumbing repair, replacement, and maintenance needs. Simply call our friendly office staff today to book a service consultation with one of our plumbing professionals.
