#harvesting rainwater

[waterharvesting16]

How To Identify The Perfect Rainwater Harvesting Systems

Rainwater harvesting systems offer effective solutions that address water supply and stormwater runoff problems. Ireland has a beautiful landscape and plenty of rainfall. To harness this natural resource, rainwater harvesting system installations are gaining momentum in the country. 

Depending on the target and catchment area one may choose from various systems. While these can be simple and affordable, certain design standards are essential for their effectiveness. 

Let’s explore some of the paramount factors that need consideration when planning a system.

Protecting Water Quality Before Storage

There is a common misconception that rainwater is natural and doesn’t require consideration of its quality while storage in a rainwater harvesting system. Several people also assume that chlorine post-storage disinfection can address potential water quality issues. However, both assumptions are incorrect.

To protect the quality of harvested rainwater, it is crucial to ensure the cleanliness of the roof and gutters. Overhanging vegetation should be kept clear, and gutters should be regularly cleaned. Another essential step is the inclusion of pre-tank filters  that prevent leaves and other debris from entering the storage tank. An effective rainwater filter should block material larger than beach sand and prevent water from washing over or filtering through debris to enter the tank. It should also accommodate large rainfall events and include an overflow pipe of sufficient size to prevent water backup into downspouts or other piping near the building’s foundation.

Estimating Potential Use

Evaluating demand and use of rainwater supply is important. If the demand is high, smaller systems may not adequately meet the needs of users. Conversely, there may be a surplus. 

Appropriate Sizing for Collection Area

A well-designed rainwater harvesting system must match the available water supply, which is dependent on the roof size, local rainfall patterns, water demand, and storage tank capacity. Generally, a storage tank should be designed to store all the water runoff generated during a single significant rainstorm, typically ranging from 1 to 2 inches of rain. The amount of rainfall that you can collect is governed by the following formula:

1″ of rain x 1 sq. ft. = 0.623 gallons. At Rainwater Harvesting Systems Ireland, we have unrivalled experience in harvesting systems and solutions that bring clean water to you for your needs. You can rely on us for professional water pump repair, sales, plumbing and maintenance.  Call us today   know the ideal system for your requirements. 

Safe and Easy Water Usage

To ensure safe water usage, harvested rainwater should be treated appropriately. If the rainwater will be used indoors, it should be disinfected with chlorine, ultraviolet light, or a similar method. The rainwater harvesting system should also provide sufficient volume and pressure for the intended use. While gravity flow might be adequate for small-scale gardening, most systems will require appropriately sized pumps. It is important to ensure that the pump will not operate when the storage tank lacks sufficient water, as running a pump without water flow can damage it. It is crucial to design rainwater harvesting systems to be user-friendly, as their effectiveness relies on regular utilization.

Minimal and Infrequent Maintenance

Complicated and demanding maintenance requirements often result in neglect and subsequent issues with the rainwater harvesting system. Each property owner’s willingness to perform maintenance tasks may vary. Therefore, it is essential to carefully consider the expected maintenance level and compare it with the system’s requirements. If the system demands more maintenance than the owner is willing or able to provide, it can be concluded that the rainwater harvesting system is not well-designed for that specific user. Ease of access to all components requiring maintenance should be a primary consideration.

Site-Specific Design Considerations

For aboveground storage tanks, it is important to consider the likelihood of freezing temperatures and the system’s functionality under such circumstances. In freezing climates, options include draining the system for winter or burying pumps and small diameter piping below the frost line, adequately wrapping them in heat trace tape, or housing them in climate-controlled enclosures. An underground tank should be appropriately designed to support any potential vehicle load on top. Tanks should be installed in a way that prevents surface water from entering and potentially floating the tank. For aboveground tanks, level, compacted ground with a concrete or gravel base is recommended for installation.

Mosquito Prevention

Designing the storage tank to keep mosquitoes out is crucial. All inlets and outlets should be properly sealed or screened. Additionally, checking for any gaps around pipes is important to ensure effective mosquito prevention.

Preventing Improper Cross-Connection

Many rainwater harvesting systems include a backup water supply, often sourced from municipal water. To prevent cross-contamination, improper connections that allow harvested rainwater to backflow into the municipal water system must be avoided. Any connection between a rainwater harvesting system and other water supply systems should incorporate appropriate backflow prevention devices, such as air gaps or reduced pressure zone backflow prevention devices.

Remember to adjust and modify this information as needed, ensuring it fits the desired length and tone of your publication.

The budget

When selecting a rainwater harvesting system for your property in Ireland, budget is a key consideration. Investing in a rainwater harvesting system for an average-sized home involves various equipment costs that should be carefully evaluated.

In addition to the basic water-butt system, which offers a cost-effective option, more elaborate rainwater harvesting systems are also available. These systems may include advanced features for increased efficiency and water storage capacity.

By comparing the budget requirements of different rainwater harvesting systems, including simple and more elaborate options, we can assist you in deciding on the most suitable system for your property in Ireland.

[solarpunks]

How the UN is Holding Back the Sahara Desert

Permaculture instructor Andrew Millison journeys with the UN World Food Programme to the Northern border of Senegal to see an innovative land recovery project within the Great Green Wall of Africa that is harvesting rainwater, increasing food security, and rehabilitating the ecosystem.

[ahedderick]

Yes, I could really use a barrel for catching rainwater. For now, buckets will have to do. We did NOT get anywhere near as much rain as promised.

[bumblebeeappletree]

You can grow tanks, rather than buy them, and they'll have a lot more water-harvesting capacity.

This video is about how living sponges (rain gardens) have far greater capacity than non-living manufactured water tanks, in that they utilize and infiltrate water during and immediately after rains to quickly make more room or capacity for the next rain - even if that rain comes just a few hours after the first rain.

Thus rain gardens (in this case, a water-harvesting, traffic-calming chicane or pull out) typically have much more potential for flood-control, groundwater-recharge, bioremediation (natural filtration of toxins), and heat-island abatement (due to the shading/cooling vegetation they grow and the cooling effect of the water transpiring through these "living pumps").

This works in any climate, but the vegetation changes as you change bioregions. The easiest path to success is to use plants native or indigenous to your area and site's microclimate. Go further, and select native plants that also produce food, medicine, craft/building materials, etc so you grow living pantries, pharmacies, craft suppliers, etc.

At minimum, make sure your tanks overflow to rain gardens, so that overflow is used as a resource. And place those rain gardens and their vegetation where you most need that vegetation, such as trees on the east and west sides of buildings to shade out the morning and afternoon summer sun for free, passive cooling.

The ideal, is that once this rain garden vegetation has become established the only irrigation water it will require is the freely harvested on-site water, so no importing/extracting of groundwater, municipal water, or other is needed. This way we can infiltrate more water into the living system than we take out - thereby enabling the recharge of groundwater, springs, and rivers; instead of their depletion and dehydration.

Get more info on how to do this and harvest many other free, on-site waters at:

https://www.harvestingrainwater.com/

where you can buy Brad's award-winning books, "Rainwater Harvesting for Drylands and Beyond" at deep discount direct from Brad at:

https://www.harvestingrainwater.com/s...

For more info on the community water harvesting and native food forestry work check out:

https://dunbarspringneighborhoodfores...

For more videos that expand on this one subscribe to this channel at:

http://www.youtube.com/user/Harvestin...

#rainwater

#waterharvesting

#permaculture

#rainwaterharvesting

[retaswatersolutions]

What is the Use of Modular Rainwater Harvesting System

Rainwater, often overlooked, is a precious resource waiting to be harnessed. Modular rainwater harvesting systems are an innovative way to capitalize on this vital natural resource, altering how we preserve water in an increasingly water-scarce world.

[ediblegardenspointloma]

Rainwater Harvesting

In the City of San Diego seasonal rainfall averages about ten inches near the coast. Some recent drought years brought only three to six inches of rain. Eight-five percent of the rainfall occurs from November to March.

Tropical Storm Hilary brought an unexpected deluge in August. Anticipating this, we deployed thirteen rain barrels, checked the gutters and made sure all the connections for the rain tanks were functional.

There’s nothing like rainwater.  Garden plants and weeds seem to prefer it. Collection methods can be simple and low tech. We chose plastic trash cans that catch the runoff from our 400 square foot metal garage roof. Here’s the math for 1 inch of rain: 10 cups/sq. ft x 400 square feet = 4000 cups or 250 gallons. Writing this near the storm’s passage, we’re at two inches of rain in the last 24 hours.

Currently, I have eight 32 gallon and two 44 gallon Rubbermaid Brute trash cans lined up near the vegetable garden.. They are #2 food grade plastic. By request, I’ve received them for birthdays and Christmas over the years and they’ve increased in price. By storm’s end, I expect all to be full which totals 344 gallons plus another 50 gallons in the tall black can—almost 400 gallons.

After the rain, I cover the cans to prevent evaporation and mosquito breeding. Using a watering can, I irrigate the garden with the rainwater and consider it weightlifting The “bottom of the barrel” is used on fruit trees so the water is filtered through the soil. Two cans have low spigots so a hose can be used for irrigation.  At season’s end, we stack in store them in a corner behind a tall fruit tree.

In November 2015 we installed our first Bushman 305 gallon rain tank with rebates from local water authorities. Our son, Tim was a co-laborer. Enamored with the successful rain capture, we purchased an identical second tank four months later. They’re installed in a narrow area between the houses and mostly out of sight.

Because of the configuration of the rain gutters, the green tank fills first. When the overflow can is full we open the spigot at the bottom and drain the excess to a lawn area where there are five fruit trees nearby. The second best place to store rainwater is in the ground.

We were first inspired by Brad Lancaster’s Rainwater Harvesting for Drylands and Beyond and his inventive measures in Tucson, Arizona. An internet search will yield many other resources if you’re looking to capture rainwater.

If you’re in the San Diego area consider contacting RainThanks & Greywater. We were inspired by the owner’s rainwater collection projects at an open house of her property.

[meyeraquascapes]

Benefits of Rainwater Harvesting with Rain Gardens

Rainwater harvesting is an eco-friendly practice that involves collecting and storing rainwater for later use. One effective way to harness the benefits of rainwater harvesting is through the use of rain gardens!

[uptodatehome]

Rainwater Collection Systems 101: How to Harvest Water Sustainably

As we face increasing water scarcity and rising utility costs, many homeowners are looking for sustainable ways to manage water usage. One such solution is the rainwater collection system, a simple yet effective method to harvest and utilize rainwater for various household purposes. Whether you’re an eco-conscious homeowner or simply looking to reduce your water bills, installing a rainwater…

[emmaameliamiaava]

The Steps To An Efficient Rainwater Harvesting System

Types of Rainwater Harvesting

Rainwater harvesting is an effective way to conserve water by collecting and storing rain for future use. It not only reduces dependency on groundwater but also helps in water conservation. Here are the most common types of rainwater harvesting systems:

Surface Runoff Harvesting In this method, rainwater is collected from surfaces such as roofs, streets, or open ground areas and directed into storage tanks or reservoirs. It is ideal for urban areas with high rainfall, where large volumes of water can be captured.

Rooftop Rainwater Harvesting One of the most popular methods, rooftop rainwater harvesting involves collecting rainwater from roofs and channeling it into storage tanks through gutters and pipes. This method is commonly used in homes and buildings to store water for daily usage.

Recharge Pits Recharge pits are small dugout areas filled with gravel or sand that allow rainwater to percolate into the ground, replenishing groundwater reserves. This method is particularly useful in areas with declining groundwater levels.

Percolation Tanks These are large reservoirs designed to collect rainwater and allow it to percolate through the soil, increasing groundwater levels. Percolation tanks are often used in agricultural areas to support irrigation and groundwater recharge.

Rain Barrels A simple and cost-effective method, rain barrels are used to collect rainwater directly from rooftops via gutters. This collected water is then used for gardening, washing, and other non-drinking purposes.

Choosing the right rainwater harvesting system depends on factors like available space, water needs, and climate conditions. Each system offers unique advantages in capturing and conserving rainwater for sustainable use.

[panchtatavaa]

FL 500 Rain Harvesting Filter | Panchtatvaa Vadodara

Check out Panchtatvaa's FL 500 Rainwater Harvesting Filter for efficient collection. Boost sustainability with our eco-friendly, advanced filtration technology.

[waterharvesting16]

Rainwater Harvesting Systems Ireland. Quality high performance storage tanks and pumps to easily manage your waste water and rainwater collection.

[farmlandrainwater]

Optimizing Rainwater Harvesting with Recharge Pits

Discover how to enhance rainwater harvesting with recharge pits in this concise guide. Learn how Farmland Rain Water Harvesting Systems optimizes these pits to boost groundwater levels, reduce flooding, and improve water sustainability. Explore practical tips, benefits, and real-world applications for effective water management and environmental impact.

[rainyfilterscompany]

Maximizing Efficiency: A Guide to Rooftop Rainwater Harvesting Systems

Discover how to optimize your rooftop rainwater harvesting system with Farmland Rain Water Harvesting System. This guide covers essential tips for efficient installation, maintenance, and use, ensuring maximum water conservation and performance. Transform your water management and contribute to sustainability with our expert insights and advanced solutions.

[bumblebeeappletree]

Did you know that water harvesting is a prevention method for both floods and drought?

Using the free power of gravity along with vegetation, Passive water harvesting is creating a living sponge to capture store and use rainwater to build a resilient, vibrant garden for both wet and dry weather.

Dr Cally Brennan, founder of Canberra Permaculture Design and Education, has practised permaculture and water harvesting for over 10 years.

In this short film, Cally will give you a toolbox of skills from preparation to storage and how to easily (and sustainably) water your garden.

00:00 Intro

1:05 Capture & Drainage

1:45 French Drains

2:40 Swale System

5:02 Tools

8:23 Trench System

8:58 Wicking Beds

9:42 Thank You

https://www.canberrapermaculturedesig...

https://www.canberraenvironment.org/

With assistance from the ACT Government under the ACT Community Zero Emissions Grants Program

[retaswatersolutions]

Ways to Recharge Groundwater

Water is one of our most precious resources, and groundwater plays a vital role in sustaining life on Earth. Groundwater serves as a primary source of drinking water for millions of people and supports ecosystems by maintaining streamflow and wetlands. However, increasing demand and over-extraction of groundwater have led to declining water tables in many regions.