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Rainwater Capture Devices: Features, Options and Ideas for Every Space and Budget
In this article we are going to talk about why rainwater capture is important and highlight the vast array of devices available for every household.
- Rainwater
- Stormwater
- Wastewater
Why Rainwater Capture Matters
Rainwater capture has lots of benefits for the environment, our ecosystems, communities and it helps to combat flood risk. Here are just a few reasons why it matters:
Capturing rainwater slows the flow into our drainage systems, helping to reduce pressure on wastewater treatment facilities and to reduce stormwater overflow discharge.
Sustainable rainwater capture systems such as planters, green roofs and rain gardens can provide a habitat and refuge for urban wildlife.
Managing rainwater effectively protects properties from damage caused by water infiltration, foundation weakening, and mould growth, particularly in flood-prone areas.
By harvesting rainwater for non-potable uses like irrigation, businesses and homeowners can reduce their dependence on plumbed water, thus reducing their bills if on a water metre.
Capturing rainwater reduces the amount of polluted runoff entering our water systems, which helps improve overall water quality. By intercepting rainwater before it flows across roads, roofs, and other surfaces, rainwater capture systems helps to reduce harmful contaminants like oil, heavy metals, and debris from reaching natural water bodies.
Disclaimer:
The products mentioned on this page are provided as examples to illustrate the different types of rainwater capture systems. They are not intended as specific product recommendations or endorsements. We encourage customers to assess their own needs purchasing any rainwater harvesting equipment.
Rainwater Capture Devices for Small Spaces
- Slimline Wall Water Butts
- Rain Planters
- Underground Tanks with Surface Access Points
- Barrel-Style Water Butts
Fits tight corners or along walls. Storage capacity of these are limited however they take up little to no space in your garden.
Combines plant growth with water storage. These devices include a basin at the top of water butt, ideal for small plants improving the aesthetic of your outdoor space and biodiversity! The water from the roof feeds the plants and any excess infiltrates down into a container that can be used for other gardening purposes. These planters usually have less capacity than a conventional water butt and require a bit more maintenance to ensure the plants stay healthy (we think the rewarding aesthetic is worth it though)
For discrete storage in patios or gardens. These are perfect for those who want to store a large amount of water without ruining the aesthetic of their garden space. These devices can be costly and labour intensive to install as well as difficult to maintain due to being not easy to access.
Compact and easy to install. The standard type of water butt seen in gardens all around the world. These can be tucked away in the corner or against the wall and provide plenty of water storage for your needs as well as being quite affordable. However these designs may not blend well with the aesthetic of your garden space and you might want a more stylish option.
Rainwater Capture Devices for Larger Spaces
- Freestanding Large Water Butts
- Rain Gardens
- Green Roofs
Large-capacity barrels designed for significant rainwater collection. These high capacity devices are perfect for large gardens or properties and are simple to connect to multiple downpipes. They do requires ample space for placement and aren't the most attractive option.
Rain gardens are shallow areas of ground designed to receive water runoff from a roof, this will usually involve disconnecting a downspout from flowing directly into the storm drain. The area will be planted with plants that can withstand waterlogging and these act as a natural filter for the stormwater before the water rather than treatment at a facility. These rain gardens can handle a large capacity and can be an attractive addition to your garden. The downside is that they may require more maintenance than other options, particularly for the first year.
These are roof surfaces covered in vegetation to absorb and slow down rainwater runoff. These can actually add a layer of insulation to your house and the cost savings associated, as well as being an option for those with little to no garden space but large roofs. The downside to this is that they can be costly to install and maintain and don’t come with a solution for storing water for reuse.
High-Capacity Devices for Gardening Enthusiasts
- Multi-Barrel Linkage Systems
- Open Water Features or Ponds with Catchment
Increases capacity by linking several separate barrels together. These can be purchased and connected together for this purpose or you can modify standard water butts to do this. This is perfect for storing a large amount of water and can be added to over time, however, they can take up significant space.
Large aesthetic storage options for gardens. These types of rainwater capture devices can be perfect for wildlife and are an unusual but attractive feature to your green space.
Techy and Smart Rainwater Collection Solutions
- Smart Water Monitors
- Automated Rainwater Irrigation Systems
- Solar-Powered Pump Systems
- Weather-Synced Watering Systems
These tracks water levels and usage through sensors which are often located on the lid of the water butt. These are usually installed by water companies or Lead Local Flood Authorities (LLFA's) to help with water management in a targeted areas. This helps them with rainfall data and informs decision making.
Integrates storage with sprinkler/irrigation setups. These can be useful for larger scaled gardens and businesses as the automated systems can detect the best watering time based on sunlight and other factors. This would be quite a costly installation so would therefore suit farms and other businesses.
Eco-friendly way to move stored water. These use the suns light to power a pump than can pump collected water to remote locations on properties where there is no mains supply, such as holiday lodges or cabins. This has a high up front cost but can pay off in the long term.
Adjusts water distribution based on weather forecasts. Similar to the automated rainwater irrigation systems. These can also determine the optimal watering time and quantity and also detect moisture levels in soil.
Cost-Effective Rainwater Collection Solutions
- DIY Water Butt Kits
- Repurposed Containers
Affordable and customisable for beginners. You can even add small pipe halfway up that will slowly 'leak' over time, making sure there's always capacity should it rain.
Southern Water Guide to making your own slow drain water butt
Upcycle old barrels or tanks for rain storage. This can be done by making your own holes and diverting the water from your gutter.
Conclusion
There is a vast array of products to choose from when it comes to rainwater capture devices. These vary in size, price, features and aesthetic. Therefore it would be prudent to choose the right rainwater capture device based on your needs and preferences. It would be wasteful to buy an expensive system should your needs be simple. Hopefully this guide will give you the information that will help you make that decision.