In this post we will look at what rainwater harvesting entails, what types there are and how it can be applied in several applications. Finally, we will also be speaking about how it can be coupled to sub-soil drainage systems.
So what is Rainwater Harvesting?
Rainwater harvesting is a method of collecting rainwater and storing it in either a underground tank or in a surface tank. This rainwater is collected via the gutters on your property or via sub-soil drainage systems. The water is then pumped into and collected in the tanks. These water reserves are then pumped from the tanks either for general household use or for irrigation systems. Now, naturally we tend to configure the application to suit irrigation systems.
How does it work?
There are two types of rainwater harvesting. The first basic type of rainwater harvesting is the following. We make use of your house's current guttering and connect it to a series of underground pipes that lead to your choice of an above-ground or underground water tank. Thereafter, the water storage tank is connected to either your household water supply or your irrigation system. In our case we connect the tank to your irrigation system as this is our field of expertise. This system is called rooftop rainwater harvesting.
The second type of rainwater harvesting we will be looking at is rainwater collection via sub-soil drainage. In this method several pipes and collection ducts are installed underneath your lawn or soil. These "sub-soil" pipe systems act as drainage canals when it rains. The water that is collected on your lawn or soil slowly drains through into the drainage canals which the flow directly into an underground water tank. Before the water is collected in the tank it first flows through a series of filters and water purifiers, to ensure no muck damages your pump or irrigation system.
Naturally, once the water has collected in the reservoir you can once again choose whether you would like the water to be pumped into your house or your irrigation system.
But why should I use rainwater harvesting?