Rainwater Harvesting FAQs

# 1: What happens in a dry spell?

When there is insufficient water in the storage tank the system automatically draws water from the...read full answer >>

# 2: Is the water clean?

The tanks have filters that remove all debris and particles from the water, so that the water rema...read full answer >>

# 3: How much water is saved?

This depends on the size of your catchment area (usually the roof of the building) and the amount ...read full answer >>

# 4: Why should I buy one?

Because the system will generate significant environmental benefits through reducing mains water d...read full answer >>

# 5: Is it only for new buildings?

Systems are best designed-in from the outset, but can be retrofitted depending upon the accessibil...read full answer >>

# 6: Is there a danger of Legionella?

No, the system does not provide the conditions necessary for the cultivation of Legionella. With t...read full answer >>

# 7: How big is the system/storage tank?

Varies, and is matched to the catchment capability of the roof, and the likely consumption of non-...read full answer >>

# 8: Do Building Regulations affect/require the installation of a system?

They are not required directly by Building Regulations, although they may be linked with the Plann...read full answer >>

# 9: What maintenance is required?

Varies from system to system, but invariably minimal; typically, washing off the filter ( 5-minute...read full answer >>

# 10: How long will a system last?

The buried components, indefinitely; components such as the control system, pump and filter have a...read full answer >>

# 11: How big is the potential UK market?

This will depend upon a number of factors, including Government policy & legislation, practical is...read full answer >>

# 12: How old is the technology?

The technology and principles of rainwater harvesting have been around since pre-Roman times, howe...read full answer >>

# 13: Is it a proven technology?

Yes it is. Systems have been installed in Germany since the early 1980's. One benefit of the UK ma...read full answer >>

# 14: Will a system change my homes eco-rating?

Yes, rainwater harvesting is an important ER criterion. The EcoHomes rating system addresses all a...read full answer >>

# 15: What is Sustainable Urban Drainage (SUDS)?

Sustainable Drainage Systems (SUDS) offer an alternative approach to the drainage of developed are...read full answer >>

# 16: How often does a system need topping up?

A well designed system with a good match between supply and demand will only need topping up when ...read full answer >>

# 17: What is the payback period?

This also varies depending on the amount of rainwater you collect and the cost of water in your ar...read full answer >>

# 18: What can I use the water for?

The water harvested is suitable for all non-potable purposes from watering the garden (rainwater i...read full answer >>

# 19: What happens when it breaks down?

All systems are designed with reliability at the forefront and experience shows that this pays div...read full answer >>

# 20: How much does it cost to run the pump?

It typically takes 1.5- 2.0 kWh to pump 1 cubic meter of water (1000 litres). For a typical house ...read full answer >>

# 21: How much does a system cost?

Between £2000 and £3000 for a good quality domestic system depending on the size. Industrial syste...read full answer >>

# 22: How do I design a system?

Best left to the supplier working in conjunction with the Specifier..read full answer >>

# 23: Can I drink the water?

Additional UV filtration can be added to bring up to potable standard if this is a requirement..read full answer >>

# 24: How big is the market for rainwater harvesting in the UK?

Currently, around 400 systems are installed each year..read full answer >>

# 25: How big is the market on the continent?

The industry on the continent is approaching the installation of 100,000 units per year..read full answer >>

# 26: Can I get any grants or tax allowances for installing a system?

At present there are no funding directly aimed at rainwater harvesting. It does however qualify fo...read full answer >>

# 27: How will it affect my domestic appliances?

If you are in a hard water area and install a rainwater harvesting system, white goods, such as yo...read full answer >>

# 28: What do water companies think about rainwater harvesting?

Whilst it is not for UKRHA to speak for the UK water industry as a whole, generally we find the wa...read full answer >>

# 29: How often does a system overflow?

In a well designed RWH system the tank will overflow two or three times a year. This is important ...read full answer >>