Rainwater harvesting vs geoundwater pump

uktyler

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Icewytch

I don`t know, but kudos to you for being so eco minded.
I collect rainwater in barrels which sit at the ends of the guttering and runoffs from each roof (the house and various outbuildings and barns) and use it in the tanning business (the drinking water comes from a nearby loch but is very hard!) as the rainwater is soft, and for the garden and occasionally for washing my hair.
But I do have to sterilise it if I`m using it personally, since birds gather on the roof and..ahem...poop...so you get things like liver fluke and various worms in it.
Sorry I couldn`t be of more help, interesting thread though.

beetlebum_2

uktyler wrote: »

We looked at a harvesting system, with a 'first flush' device to take to bird poop out of the water.

http://www.reuk.co.uk/First-Flush-System-Rainwater-Harvesting.htm

However with the number of barrels we would need to get to hold enough water for use, and the pump installation to pump enough pressure for the toilet/washer, the cost both financially and environmentally would probably outweigh the groundwater pump.

My worry is about taking water from the water table might cause an environmental impact.

Hi,

This is my rainwater harvesting I recently installed: http://www.flickr.com/photos/mattplunkett/sets/72157607795149430/detail/

I was lucky in that I managed to get the water containers free and got a good deal on ebay for the pump. I would guess, it cost me less than £150 for everything, including all pipe and fittings etc.

If you have everything in place for the groundwater system, I would be inclined to go that route, unless a pump for it would be prohibitally expensive.

With regards to the first flush system, I bought a rainwater filter/diverter that filters out most stuff, all bar very fine sediment. This cost me about £35 and I'm very pleased with it. It also means, once my water containers are full, I can turn it off, so the water flows straight down the pipe, into the sewers.

tommyG

This guide to rainwater harvesting might be useful http://www.kingspanwater.com/rainwater_harvesting_information.htm

Andreg

uktyler wrote: »

My worry is about taking water from the water table might cause an environmental impact.

If you make sure that your rainwater goes to soak-away rather than down the sewer, you will be topping up the water table.

Using groundwater rather than 'fresh' rainwater means you shouldn't have to worry about filtering leaves etc.

zoe33

Hi there!!!

At my family home we have rainwater collection in barrels for simple stuff like watering plants in the greenhouse! Inspired to see you guys doing other stuff too. Might have to follow suit for stuff like washing cars etc!!

LOL! Amaaaaazing.
x

SamR_3

I have only just signed up to the Forum and I realise I may be a little late in asking this (since the original thread was in November) but how have you got with the rainwater harvesting vs groundwater abstraction choice?

I would point out that, to abstract groundwater you are required under the Water Resources Act 1991 c. 57 (Part III para 24) to obtain a license from the operating authority, the Environment Agency. It should not be a big deal, but it is best to obtain the EA's advice as they will know the about any water resource issues or contamination issues in the proximity that might affect the supply. Their website can also tell you if you are in a Groundwater Protection Zone and Groundwater Quality by following the 'Home and Leisure' > 'What's in your Backyard' > 'Drinking Water' and 'River Basin Management Plan - Groundwater' links.