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Why Harvest Water?

Whether it falls from the sky or comes out of a tap, our relationship with water has fundamentally changed.

There is more pressure than ever before to ensure that every drop of water is accounted for and controlled.

On one hand, water has become a valuable commodity. On the other, climate change has altered the pattern of rainfall – leading to shorter heavier bursts of rain that pose major risks to the current drainage infrastructure.

Environmental issues are becoming increasingly important and there is a growing public awareness of the contribution that good building design can make to reducing pollution and improving the environment.

Reducing the need for mains water

In most buildings naturally clean rainwater is left to wash away while expensive purified water is used for flushing toilets and washing - only a fraction is used for potable-use.

In recent years it has become harder to ignore this illogical way of using our natural resources.

KingspanWater’s garden irrigation and rainwater harvesting systems can reduce a domestic house’s reliance on mains water – in some instances by up to 50% (integrated systems) and in turn lowering the household water bill.

Sustainability, Drainage & Planning

Environmental issues are becoming increasingly important – so is the awareness of the contribution that good building design can make to reducing pollution and improving the environment.

Rainwater Harvesting can form a key integral part of a well designed sustainable drainage scheme and can assist where the mains water supply (and drainage infrastructure) simply cannot support increased demand. For more information on sustainable drainage click here

Building Control officers will consider a building’s sustainable credentials and how they support the surrounding environment. Rainwater harvesting can satisfy many of the requirements within the sphere of the planning process.

Code for Sustainable Homes

The Code for Sustainable Homes measures the sustainability of a new home against categories of sustainable design, rating the ‘whole home’ as a complete package rather than on a single characteristic.

The CSH uses a one to six star rating system to communicate the overall sustainability performance of a new home. The CSH sets minimum standards for energy and water use, set at incremental levels.

For more information on The Code click here.