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Why is rainwater capture important?
At Our Rainwater we often talk about the various methods of rainwater management, and one method is rainwater capture. But why is it so important to us? Why should it matter to you?
Read here to find out...
- Rainwater
- WaterButts
- Flooding
Here are 5 reasons why capturing rainwater is important!
Slow the Flow
Capturing rainwater helps to slow the flow of water, especially important in urban areas where there are lots of hard surfaces such as concrete, tarmac and buildings. Reducing runoff by harvesting the rainwater or through absorbing it into natural surfaces reduces the risk of this happening. It can also reduce pressure on drainage systems, which end up taking on more water due to the impermeable surfaces. Rain gardens, permeable pavements and other sustainable drainage help to slow the flow into our systems, reducing the chance of a sudden influx of water they cannot handle.
Reducing pressure on stormwater treatment
Did you know that in many places, the rainwater flowing from streets and rooftops goes into the same system that treats your toilet water?
Often, rainwater and wastewater are not separated meaning high volumes of rainwater can arrive at wastewater treatment works (WWTWs). During periods of intense rainfall, WWTW's receive an increased flow of water needing treatment and struggle to cope with the increased demand. To prevent systems backing up into our homes and businesses, partially treated effluent may be discharged into our waterways. Effective Rainwater Management can reduce or slow the flow of rainwater ending up at WWTW's, therefore reducing the chance of discharge
Supporting Biodiversity
Sustainable drainage systems, green roofs, and rain gardens create habitats for wildlife, supporting biodiversity in urban and rural areas alike. Biodiversity supports us in many ways such as a natural pest control, boost to mental health and even cleaner air. With benefits like these, we should be doing everything we can to support our natural world, see one of our articles here where we discuss biodiversity in urban spaces in more detail.
Reducing Property Damage
Managing rainwater effectively protects properties from damage caused by water infiltration, foundation weakening, and mould growth, particularly in flood-prone areas. This could save money on property maintenance and reduce the risk of health complications from exposure to damp and mould.
Cost Savings on Water Bills
By harvesting rainwater for non-potable uses like irrigation, businesses and homeowners can reduce their dependence on plumbed water. The water we receive at our households is treated water for potable uses, this is an expensive and energy intensive process for utility companies. Much of this potable water we use is used for non-potable uses like washing the car and watering our plants and we could use harvested rainwater in our rainwater tanks for this purpose. This would reduce individual householder costs but also less of a strain on utility companies to provide and treat water from reservoirs
Did you know there are lots of ways you can capture rainwater? Here are 5 of our favourites!
Water Butt
A container that is connected to the downspout running from roof guttering. These containers collect water that would otherwise end up in straight in the drainage system and can therefore be used for different purposes (f.e. gardening, washing car)
Rain Garden
Rain gardens are typically 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 returns to the system.
Green roof
Green roofs are exactly how they sound. Growing vegetation on the side of your roofs absorbs some of the stormwater which collects on there, which in turn reducing the amount of water flowing into the guttering and consequentially the drainage system.
Planter
Similar to a water butt that is connected to the downspout, 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.
BioSwales
Swales are shallow manmade channels covered in vegetation with sloping sides that allow stormwater to be filtered and naturally infiltrate through the ground. You often see these running alongside roads and pavements.
