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Rain Water Harvesting

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    #32
    dixiefly
    Registered Users Posts: 2,947 ✭✭✭dixiefly


    Hi,
    Just thought that I would reactivate this excellent thread.

    I am (unsurprisingly) thinking of putting a RWH system. I have a bungalow and currently access the local town scheme. Pleanty of roof space to get loads of water.

    I am interested in knowing if anyone is looking at this at the moments, any plans made? Are there any specialist companies out there or would a good local builder be a good option.

    Based on mty research to date, my own plan is to harvest the water in an undergroung plastic tank of about 3-5000ltrs and use it for the outside garden and toliets with a facility to add in firtration for washing machine & dishwasher in the future.

    I am hoping to put a system in for less than €4k but havent gotany prices yet base logic to the price is that I suspect that my water charges will be €400 and I think a system shouldnt be much more than a 10 year payback to justify (for me anyway). And, of course, I wont be wiping the full water charges with the RWH system.


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    #33
    touchdown77
    Registered Users Posts: 208 ✭✭touchdown77


    With toilet usage accounting for about a third of household consumption then the annual saving on water charges would be about €135. Based on supply and install cost of say, €4k, this gives a payback of 30 years (excluding maintenance etc)

    If those assumptions are correct, is it financially worth it?


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    #34
    kco3d
    Registered Users Posts: 101 ✭✭kco3d


    Its an interesting topic, one that I have been looking at and wondering whether its worth retrofitting for WC initially and maybe washing machine later. The solution I'm thinking of is harvest the rainwater and then pump to a new header tank in attic.

    The question I am asking myself is will it be worth the initial outlay plus the cost of pumping the water up to the attic. I'm struggling to find a solar pump that would fulfill this requirement so its looks like a mains powered pump is the only solution.

    Anyone have a similar setup just for WC can can comment on the running costs?


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    #35
    [Deleted User]
    Posts: 0 ✭ [Deleted User]


    kco3d wrote: »
    Its an interesting topic, one that I have been looking at and wondering whether its worth retrofitting for WC initially and maybe washing machine later. The solution I'm thinking of is harvest the rainwater and then pump to a new header tank in attic.

    The question I am asking myself is will it be worth the initial outlay plus the cost of pumping the water up to the attic. I'm struggling to find a solar pump that would fulfill this requirement so its looks like a mains powered pump is the only solution.

    Anyone have a similar setup just for WC can can comment on the running costs?
    I was looking to build a similar setup when I built the house, but only half did it!
    What I currently have is a header tank in the loft with two feeds one from the mains and another waiting to be connected to a pump to a sump to collect the run-off from the roof.

    I was thinking of using a simple wind powered mechanical pump as wind often accompanies rain ;) I never got around to digging the sump.

    I may complete the project if I ever need to do any serious groundworks around the driveway.


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    #36
    Rainwaterman
    Site Banned Posts: 62 ✭✭Rainwaterman


    touchdown77 wrote: »
    With toilet usage accounting for about a third of household consumption then the annual saving on water charges would be about €135. Based on supply and install cost of say, €4k, this gives a payback of 30 years (excluding maintenance etc)

    If those assumptions are correct, is it financially worth it?
    Can I remind that you than in 2017 the CER will be able to ramp up the price of water.Theres a 3 year price cap on the cost of water,but when 2017 comes around you are going to get hammered on water prices.We are in the middle of installing an 8000 litre underground system with an eye to the long term future and not just the next few years.Also the figures that Phil Hogan gave out are so far off the mark thats its laughable,he and the goverment are messing everyone around.Mr Hogan later admitted in a radio interview that a house with say 3-4 adults in it (mammy,daddy and 2 kids over 18 )would be paying alot more than the "average" 240 euro per year.
    So straight off the mark the goverment are telling us blatant lies.
    Now remember that "average" is only until 2017.


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    #37
    Rushy Fields
    Registered Users Posts: 222 ✭✭Rushy Fields


    Hi all,
    Just wondering about my Rainwater Harvesting system....
    2 Nr. 3500 litre concrete tanks, inlet filter to the tank, mains top up valve and an overflow.
    I have also a 5bar submersible pump
    In the Garage I have a pressure vessel, filters & UV treatment.


    The system is feeding all of the house except for the cold tap in the kitchen and utility

    My question is: Is the water suitable for brushing teeth? I have a concern because I used lead for my flashings and valley on the roof.

    Any advice or knowledge would be most welcome.


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    #38
    kieran.
    Registered Users Posts: 1,174 ✭✭✭kieran.


    From what I have read on RWH the main issue is that fact that rainwater is 'soft' this is not good for cleaning in general, in appliances washing machines and showers and the like as the dertergent/soap will not activate sufficently to clean correctly clothes and dishes thoroughly and they will have a strong soapy residue occasionally.Unless your are installing a PH neutraliser and UV filter IMHO RWH is best suited for soil water only.


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