Rainwater Harvesting
Rainwater harvesting is a method that is used to collect, transport, and store water collected from clean surfaces like the roof, the rock catchment, or the land surface, primarily used later. The collected rainwater is directed to refresh groundwater or retained in a rainwater storage tank.
Rainwater catchment is not just a modern technology; it’s been used for over four thousand years in all parts of the world. In the past, in semi-arid and arid regions, rainwater collection systems supplied water for drinking, domestic use, livestock, and small irrigation requirements. Nowadays, rainwater harvesting is becoming important as a cutting-edge water-saving, simple and efficient technology.
Rainwater Harvesting System
Rainwater storage systems often referred to as rainwater harvesting systems, or rainwater catchment devices, are a method of storing rainwater. Humans can utilize it. Rainwater collection systems range from simple rain barrels to more compound structures, which include tank pumps, filters, and tanks.
We can use harvested rainwater to water landscaping and flush toilets, cars, and washcloth. It is possible to filter it first for the use of humans. The shortage of water is a significant issue in urban areas. During dry seasons this system may provide a large amount of water to homes and small businesses.
Types of Rainwater Harvesting Systems
Many of us know the advantages of installing rainwater harvesting equipment in our gardens, but we want to learn more about the types that will work best for our homes. There are various systems for harvesting rainwater utilized commercially and domestically, so the one method you choose will suit your needs based on your specific needs. In addition, the plan you choose depends on your preferences and available space.
There are many rainwater harvesting systems. Some of them are explained below.
Water Butts
The popular and simple-to-install system is the water butt. We can collect water from the guttering and pump straight through the tanks or butt. The water is mainly for smaller garden tasks such as watering your lawn or washing cars. You can hold any amount from 50L to 1,000L. A large-capacity water tank is ideal for stables, farms, or riding classes that require abundant water for tasks like washing down or pressure washing.
Typically, rainwater falls on your roof and collects in the guttering. It is pumped through the downpipes and into the drain. However, rainwater can fall from the top to the gutter. Similarly, instead of flowing through the downpipes to the drain, it is diverted to capture it inside the butt. Then, when it is at its maximum capacity, we will shift the remainder part of it into the drainage. Water butts are suitable for any size, so long there is access to a drainpipe.
Direct Pumped
Mostly water harvesting systems need forces to move the rainwater collected into storage tanks before it is used.
Submersible: It is used mainly in homes and the most straightforward systems. These pumps can push water to the surface by altering the energy of a rotary rotation and pressure power. This task is accomplished through the pull of the water into the pump. The first time is at the intake point, in which the rotation of the impeller forces into the diffuser. Then, it travels to the top.
Suction: In this particular model, the pump is situated within the controller unit of the house (e.g., your utility room). The department also manages the backup water source, so there’s no reason to divert water from the mains to alternative storage tanks.
Gravity Only
In some situations, a system that proposes exclusively over gravity might be required. These systems don’t. This arrangement implies that we can collect water if the tanks for collection are situated beneath the level of the gutters, however, above the outlets they are supplying. The sole source of power is gravity. It is used to transport the water collected and harvested to different house areas. Gravity alone is one of the most effective rainwater harvesting techniques.
Indirect Pumped
The rainwater harvesting system first pumped the water collected into an underground tank. This tank may be situated anywhere within the structure. It doesn’t depend on gravity for the supply of holes. As an alternative, an additional pump set is utilized to supply a compelled source.
Indirect Gravity
In this method, the water then pass to the taps through gravity by gravity alone. Next, you must install an additional, smaller tank known as the header tank located at the property’s topmost point. Rainwater harvesting is collected through gravity into a massive container for storage (underground or at surface level, similar to direct-pumped tanks); however, it is transferred into the head tank until the tank is filled. Gravity draws this water out of the tank when we open the tap. Eventually, an alarm valve is triggered to detect that the tank in the header is empty, and the pump replenishes with water from the storage tank used for the main supply.
In the indirect gravity method, the mains water supply is directed directly to the head tank rather than the storage tank in which it is located. If the primary storage tank is dry, we will use the mains water supply to ensure that the tank is ultimately to ensure that the primary tank is filled with rainwater collected.
Retention ponds
Retention ponds capture surface runoff water and enhance the water’s quality. This process is done through natural decomposition, sedimentation, solar decontamination, and soil removal. This kind of pond usually has a mud-based bottom; however, it could have a concrete liner in certain instances. The most frequent use of the water collected and stored through ponds is to water livestock. However, we can also use it for groundwater restoration, irrigation, or other use besides potable.
Which is the Best Rainwater Harvesting System?
It depends on the specific circumstances since each house will have different needs. In most cases, budget plays an important role when deciding that an all-garden system is likely the best option. It’s a less expensive option and doesn’t require the installation of a complex process, which means that the system is installed and running within a short amount of time.
If the internal space is small or it’s impossible to install the header tank, direct pumped systems are the most suitable option, especially for residential properties. When it is possible to utilize a top header tank, a gravity-indirect choice is a good one in particular when there is no need to provide high pressure. If the building is large or there is a need for high pressure in the future, using an indirect-pumped pump system will be the best choice.
