How does a Rainwater Harvesting system usually work?

Most rainwater harvesting systems are designed to capture rainwater from the roofs of buildings. The water is then transported through gutters and other pipes into cisterns or tanks, where it is stored until needed. The water collected can be used for irrigation, laundry, depending upon the materials used and the treatment undertaken by the homeowner.

A typical rainwater collection system consists of the following:

  • A collection area (usually the roof)
  • A method of conveying the water (gutters, downspouts, and piping)
  • A filtering device
  • A storage tank or cistern
  • A system to treat (if required) and distribute the water as needed to the toilets and washing machines.

Can I drink the water?

With the RainSafe®, the rainwater can be treated to drinking water standards. For showering, bathing, personal hygiene and cooking, treated water should be used.

Why do I need treated water for showering – is regular rainwater not OK?

No, untreated rainwater can contain contaminants. In a shower, the steam generated can carry these contaminants. Also, the skin is the largest organ of the body. Cuts or sores can become contaminated due to unsafe water.

Why do I need to treat rainwater, isn’t it clean enough?

Rainwater is clean, the surfaces it is collected of may not be. Bird droppings on the roof, leaves in the gutters, insects etc. can all be sources of microbiological contamination.

Do I need a separate plumbing system for rainwater?

On a conventional rainwater system without treatment, rainwater to the toilets and washing machine needs to be separated from cold water plumbing system. Adding a RainSafe® system means that rainwater is the only source of water, hot or cold, and does not require separate plumbing. This will save money on your plumbing system.

Is the RainSafe® system easy to maintain?

Yes, changing filters is a simple operation and can be done by the householder in about 5 minutes. A qualified technician should service the system every 2 years. This should take no more than 2 hours.

What does the treated rainwater taste like?

Collect some rainwater directly from the sky in a clean non-metallic container next time it is raining. Put it in a glass and drink it. That’s the taste!

I have an existing building – can I add rainwater harvesting?

Yes, by adding a collection system combined with a RainSafe® treatment system an existing building can be retro-fitted. You will not need to modify the internal plumbing.