Rainwater harvesting

Rainwater harvesting for the garden

Rainwater harvesting is good for your garden. Plants grow better in rainwater, which has a balanced pH and is free of the chemicals found in tap water, such as Chlorine. It is therefore the natural choice for ponds and fish tanks.

In its most simple form, it can be a rainwater butt collecting from a down-pipe. This is both cheap and effective for capturing water intended for garden use though limited in capacity if high volumes of water need to be retained.

There are however, more sophisticated solutions which can provide supplies of water through longer periods of low rainfall. These involve the use of either surface or underground tanks in the garden, coupled with filters and water pumps.

Rainwater harvesting for the home

If your water is metered, rain water harvesting could prove to be a real money saver. Approximately 50% of household water needs are capable of being serviced by captured rainwater. Such water can be used for washing machines, flushing the toilet and washing the car.

Like the more sophisticated garden based solutions, this involves the installation of an underground tank, filters and pumps

Benefits of rainwater harvesting

• Savings in water charges
• Helping overcome water shortages
• Being more kind to your garden