Rainwater Harvesting

What are they?

Rainwater harvesting captures rain that falls onto any roof of a building, shed or outhouse. The rainwater is filtered and stored and then used in the house for toilet flushing and in washing machines, saving large amounts of valuable 'potable' (drinking) water. There are systems which can be buried underground, installed over ground or even mounted onto the side of your house or under your decking.

What’s the benefit?

Rainfall in this country is expected to fall slightly in the future. Rain fall patterns are changing too: we are experiencing longer periods of no rain combined with heavier downpours. This results in a rising need to store the rainwater that we do get.

It is important to treat water as a precious and valuable resource. The domestic demand for water has been rising steadily due to rise in population and rise in developments.

• Harvesting for Toilet flushing. The main water consumption in the household is from toilet flushing. This water is normally ‘potable water ‘(drinking water) which we simply flush away. By storing the rainwater which falls onto your house you can reduce the amount of potable water you use in your household by over a third.
• Harvesting for washing clothes. Rainwater is soft and is therefore ideal for washing clothes without the use of conditioner. It can easily be plumbed into your washing machine if appropriate volume of water is collected. A larger tank will be needed to store enough water for increased water consumption.
• Harvesting for Garden watering. You can also harvest your rain water simply for watering your garden. These are smaller butts that can either be attached to the side of the house or free standing in your garden and can have an over spill into central drainage.

How can Footprint Building help?

We can recommend, supply and install them as required. If you are considering one for your home then give us a call and we will be happy to come and do a free site viewing to discuss your individual requirements.

Answers to frequently asked questions:

1. Are they suitable for my home?

Rain water tanks come in a variety of sizes; some which can be installed above ground (but will need to be protected from freezing); other larger systems that need to be buried in your garden. Which tank is suitable for you is dependent on your property and your household’s water consumption.

As a rough guide, an average house of 4 people for toilet flushing and washing machine usage a 5000 litre tank would be advised.

For a site survey for your specific property call us to arrange a free eco consultation or pop in and see us in the showroom @ 42 Pembroke Rd, Clifton, Bristol, BS8 3BQ
Garden water butts are fairly small and can be installed upright against the wall, but again suitability will be dependent on the property.

2. Do I need planning permission?

Bristol Planning Services advise that you should contact them before installing a rainwater tank. Your full address is needed as well as what plans you have for your tank (i.e.is it going to be buried? how and where?). Good quality photographs of the property, the product and the area for installation are useful for the planning team.

For more information on planning contact:

Bristol City Council Planning Services,
Email: customerservices.ptsd@bristol.gov.uk,
Telephone: (0117) 922 3097
Planning, Transport and Sustainable Development
Bristol City Council
Brunel House
St George’s Road
BS1 5UY

For those outside Bristol, have a look here to find your nearest Planning authority.

3. Are there any grants available?

No. There are no grants available at present for rainwater harvesting tanks.