Corcoran Precast Tanks offers a wide range of commercial and domestic rainwater harvesting systems.
How Rainwater Harvesting Works
1. Rainwater Collected From Roof
Rainwater is a free natural resource which you can capture, store and use in your own home whether it is an existing building or a new build. The existing roof, gutter system and downpipes on your house and/or garage can easily be used to collect rainwater, which flows through a pipe network into the Corcoran Precast Rainwater Harvesting system.
2. Rainwater Storage
Every Corcoran Precast Rainwater Harvesting system is equipped with the following:
Storage Tank – The Rainwater Harvesting system includes a Corcoran Precast concrete tank, which has several advantages over plastic systems. There are a variety of tank sizes available, and it is important that the tank size chosen is suitable for your house. Our engineers will design an appropriate system considering the roof size, rainfall, rainwater application and occupancy.
Leaf Filter – Rainwater will collect leafs and other solids from the roof and gutter system which need to be removed. A leaf filter is fitted on the inlet pipe; this collects all gross solids preventing them from contaminating the stored water.
Calmed inlet – Dissolved solids such as sand and grit will be carried into the system, these pass through the leaf filter unaffected, however, they will settle to the bottom of the tank, hence not affecting the quality of the outflow. To prevent the inrush of water from disturbing these solids a calmed inlet is installed on the inlet pipe.
Submersible pump – Rainwater is pumped from the tank into the house by a pump positioned off the floor of the tank to prevent the settled dissolved solids from contaminating the house supply.
3. Water Pumped To House
Water is either distributed throughout the house using a gravity system or a pressurised system. The gravity system includes a header tank positioned into the attic, to which the rainwater is pumped from the concrete tank. From here it flows via gravity to each application within the house. The pressurised system eliminates the need for the header tank, and a pressure vessel is installed to maintain a consistent pressure in the subsequent pipe network.
If you’re interested in one of our water harvesting systems, please contact us.
Filtration & Sterilisation Option
Gross and suspended solids are removed by the basic Rainwater harvesting system; however other contaminants such as colloidal solids and pathogens may remain in the rainwater. This water is perfectly suitable for use in toilets, irrigating gardens and for washing cars. For those who wish to use rainwater for hygiene purposes, Corcoran Precast Tanks offer an optional treatment system which will produce water suitable for use in washing machines, and as hot water for showers and sinks. This treatment system filters out dissolved solids and subsequently sterilises the rainwater using the following equipment:
Pressure vessel – This device ensures a consistent pressure is maintained through the subsequent equipment and hence pipe network. This will reduce the risk of damage to these and other devises connected to the system
Course and fine filter – This system removes all colloidal solids from the rainwater ensuring the UV light operates to its maximum potential.
UV light – The UV light kills all pathogens in the rainwater providing a clean water supply. Sterilisation is instant and is not residual, meaning that contamination can occur further down the pipe network.
Water Harvesting Systems FAQ
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What are the benefits of harvesting rainwater?
There are a number of benefits to harvesting rainwater, including a reduction in water bills, access to a steady water supply all year round, and the promotion of a more eco-friendly home. -
What can domestic rainwater harvesting be used for?
The water recovered from domestic rainwater harvesting can be used for non-drinkable water used in the home, including toilet water, water in sinks, water used in your washing machine, and more. -
Is rainwater harvesting expensive?
While the installation of a rainwater harvesting system can be expensive, over time your water costs will be far lower than they would be without a rainwater harvesting system.