What is a rainwater harvesting system? Simply put, it’s a system that collects rainwater from your drainpipes, storing it below ground in the garden for later use. This water can then be used safely around the home and garden for all kinds of tasks, such as washing, showering and gardening.
The environmental benefits are obvious – using stored rainwater is a lot more sustainable than pumping in treated water from afar. But the cost benefits are just as attractive. If you’re wondering whether a rainwater harvesting system from CESS is a worthy investment, just consider these advantages…
- It’s cheaper in the long run
For the average home, a rainwater harvesting system can save 50% on monthly metred water bills. For those who use large amounts of water, such as keen gardeners and those with large families, savings can be even greater. Some are mistakenly put off by the short-term outlay on equipment and installation costs. In reality, a rainwater harvesting system soon starts paying for itself.
The savings don’t end with your water bill, either. The soft, limescale-free qualities of rainwater mean your washing machine and toilets will suffer less damage and risk of breakdown. You’ll also save on detergent, as soft rainwater contains fewer chemicals.
- Less water consumption helps the environment
Believe it or not, in 25 years’ time the UK may struggle meet its demand for freshwater, according to the Environment Agency. This is due to a double whammy of climate change and population growth, two trends that seem likely to continue. Rainwater harvesting offers a way out by reducing the burden on our water infrastructure, thus lowering the risk of shortages. Indeed, the Rainwater Harvesting Association estimates that a modern system can reduce household water consumption by 40-54% – great news for the environment!
Extreme weather patterns also increase the chances of flooding. Fortunately, rainwater harvesting systems act as Sustainable Urban Drainage System (SUDS), helping to fight floods by reducing the stress on public storm drains. The average system can store a vast amount of rainwater, letting excess water run off into a soakaway.
- No more wasted drinking-quality water
Over half of household mains water is not used for drinking. Why is this significant? Each year, UK water plants pump billions of gallons of filtered, chemically-treated water into our homes using a carbon- and energy-intensive cleaning process. Most of this drinking-quality water is then wasted in washing machines, dishwashers and toilets. It’s another reason why rainwater harvesting systems are so important to a sustainable future, with no carbon footprint and no wasted energy.
- Huge capacities mean you’ll never run out
Typical garden water butts store between 200 and 2,000 litres of water, depending on size. The average rainwater harvesting system, meanwhile, can store up to 6,500 litres of clean water. This extra capacity comes in handy at peak times such as summer, when household water usage surges due to outdoor tasks such as gardening. It’s also a godsend during the dreaded hosepipe ban – a more frequent occurrence over the next half-century as British summers grow hotter and drier.
- Easier to get planning permission
Ready to take the plunge on that dream project? Having a rainwater harvesting system in your home may improve your chances of getting the all-clear from the local planning department. As we’ve explained, the environmental benefits of these systems are obvious. Local councils will look favourably on planning applications that use rainwater harvesting to reduce flood risks as well as other eco-friendly benefits.
If you’re interested in a rainwater harvesting system for your home, feel free to chat with one of our experts. We specialise in installing and maintaining Marsh RainCell systems, one of the most reliable and cost-effective on the market, as well as other manufacturers’ systems. We also offer a free site survey and layout design for all new rainwater harvesting systems.