Rainwater Harvesting

Have you done a blog for the DIY install?

38 minutes ago, Jenki said:

Have you done a blog for the DIY install?

Hi @Jenki

 

No. But will do in the next few days (at least start it....)

 

M

Here's an interesting concept about drinking rainwater untreated lifted from Farmers Weekly. It seems too logical and straightforward to possibly work..........

 

Water supply

To reduce costs, rainwater is harvested from the roof, with two separate pipe feeds set up to supply the shed and grazing block.

Water is stored inside a 100,000-litre tank, which has a valve at the bottom to monitor the water level.

If it dips below a certain level, it is automatically topped up from the mains. Still, with 70% of the water supply coming from the roof, it is saving about £2,000/year on average.

 

Mr Rowe has also saved on a UV-system by turning to the Australian industry for advice.

“When using rainwater harvesting systems, there is a risk of bacteria getting in the water from things like bird droppings. But the work done in Australia suggests the bacteria live in the top and bottom one foot of the tank.

“The theory is: if you suck water out of the middle, you are never exposing the cattle to risk water.

“I spoke to an Australian cattle vet who was using the method to provide drinking water for his house.”

© Richard Stanton

Subsequently, Mr Rowe has designed and engineered a system to do just that. Hoses are suspended from two buoys that are connected to 18in-long chains to prevent the hoses from floating to the top of the tank.

53 minutes ago, Iceverge said:

Here's an interesting concept about drinking rainwater untreated lifted from Farmers Weekly. It seems too logical and straightforward to possibly work..........

 

Water supply

To reduce costs, rainwater is harvested from the roof, with two separate pipe feeds set up to supply the shed and grazing block.

Water is stored inside a 100,000-litre tank, which has a valve at the bottom to monitor the water level.

If it dips below a certain level, it is automatically topped up from the mains. Still, with 70% of the water supply coming from the roof, it is saving about £2,000/year on average.

 

Mr Rowe has also saved on a UV-system by turning to the Australian industry for advice.

“When using rainwater harvesting systems, there is a risk of bacteria getting in the water from things like bird droppings. But the work done in Australia suggests the bacteria live in the top and bottom one foot of the tank.

“The theory is: if you suck water out of the middle, you are never exposing the cattle to risk water.

“I spoke to an Australian cattle vet who was using the method to provide drinking water for his house.”

© Richard Stanton

Subsequently, Mr Rowe has designed and engineered a system to do just that. Hoses are suspended from two buoys that are connected to 18in-long chains to prevent the hoses from floating to the top of the tank.

Evert time I think I have the answer another alternative comes up👍👍👍

Hmm, needs some evidence that one, otherwise he's relying on 'she'll be right, mate' levels of advice...

The.. climate change prepper in me is thinking I might want to sink 10m3 concrete tank in my foundation while I have the chance. 

For one, in the netherlands, it is now legally required to have rainwater harvesting. In short, they say renovating or building any house lager than 80m2 you need at least 5000L. 

Also the expectation is that water is going to be 20% more costly in the coming years, and the full cost schedule is here: https://www.livios.be/nl/bouwinformatie/technieken/sanitair/waterbehandeling/45708/wat-kost-een-regenwaterinstallatie-we-rekenen-het-voor-je-uit/

-> 4650 eur for 10,000L concrete tank including install and all plumbing. 

Seems cheap?

 

Direct link: https://www.hln.be/woon/regenwaterput-vanaf-2023-verplicht-bij-grondige-verbouwingen-hoeveel-kost-dat-en-wat-als-je-tuin-te-klein-is~aa1b7976/

Google translate below - 

Rainwater tank mandatory from 2023 for major renovations: how much will that cost? And what if your garden is too small?
LIVIOS Rainwater wells were already mandatory for new-build homes, but are now also required for thorough renovation projects. What does that mean for those who have planned a renovation? How are rainwater wells installed in an existing home? And what price tag is attached to that? Construction site Livios will figure it out for you.

By Jaron Bogaert, in collaboration with Bouwsite Livios 03-08-22, 10:20 Last update: 03-08-22, 11:46 Source: Livios
Our summers are only getting drier and drinking water will become up to 20 percent more expensive in the coming years. With a rainwater well you keep a water buffer on hand and you need to use less drinking water.

At the request of Minister of Environment Zuhal Demir, a new Rainwater Ordinance was approved. It was already compulsory to install a rainwater tank of 5,000 liters in new-build homes, but the rules are now being tightened up. Certain renovation projects will also have to follow the new rules.

If you are renovating a house with a roof larger than 80 m2, you must add a rainwater tank of at least 7,500 liters from 2023. For roofs larger than 120 m², the volume must be at least 10,000 litres. If the roof is less than 80 m², a 5000 liter rainwater tank is still sufficient.

Also read: Larger rainwater wells on the rise: “Go immediately for a 10,000 liter well”

In addition to a rainwater well, you must also have a quarter of your garden or driveway permeable from next year. You do not necessarily have to provide grass or greenery, water-permeable paving is also possible. In the past, smaller areas of less than 40 ² received an exception. Not anymore.

The new regulations must first go through a consultation round and a public inquiry, after which a final approval will follow.

Water-permeable paving offers many advantages. You no longer have to install gutters and burying pipes is also a lot easier. In addition, your garden gains because the rainwater infiltrates into the soil.
Water-permeable paving offers many advantages. You no longer have to install gutters and burying pipes is also a lot easier. In addition, your garden gains because the rainwater infiltrates into the soil. © Ebema
For which renovations are you obliged to install a rain gutter?
If you are working on drainage or expanding an existing building during a renovation and you are carrying out work on the water system, you must install a rainwater tank and possibly expand the infiltration facilities. It therefore only concerns renovations that work on the water system of your home.

Are you planning to insulate your roof or install a new facade? Then you are not obliged to also install a rainwater tank.

The new rules regarding the larger infiltration surfaces only apply when you re-lay hardening in your garden or driveway and also replace the foundation layer. Smaller maintenance works escape the new Rainwater Regulation.

Also read: 5 tips for maintaining a rainwater well

And what if I can't install a rainwater tank in my garden?
For those who are renovating a terraced house with a compact garden and also do not have a driveway, it is a lot more difficult to hide a rainwater well.

If for practical reasons no rainwater tank or infiltration facility can be installed, then you do not have to do that. The new Rainwater Regulation provides for exceptional measures for such homes.

How much does it cost to install a rainwater well
How much it costs to install a rainwater tank depends, among other things, on the size of the rainwater tank. You can get a concrete rainwater tank of 5000 liters from about 1,000 euros. A rainwater tank of 7,500 liters quickly costs 1,250 euros and for a large rainwater tank of 10,000 liters you put down about 1,500 euros. In addition, VAT and transport costs are added. You can view the full cost schedule here.

 Thanks to a rainwater tank, you use up to half as much tap water. You will therefore save a lot on your water bill, so that the rain well will eventually pay for itself. Read here how quickly you can earn back a rainwater well.

Moreover, most municipalities give a subsidy when you invest in a rainwater installation. Use the premium link to find out exactly which subsidies you can apply for for a rainwater well.

Another important thing: when you install a rainwater tank, the water installation must also be (re)inspected. Keep that in mind.