030610 Rain Harvest Info Oct 06

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Harvesting Rainwater A Safe, Sustainable Water Source

Harvesting Rainwater A Safe, Sustainable Water Source.......................................................................................1Rainwater Harvesting the way of the future ........................................................................................................ 2

What is Rainwater Harvesting?.......................................................................................................................... 2Why We Need to Conserve Water ..................................................................................................................... 2

A scarce resource ............................................................................................................................................ 2The benefits of Rainwater Harvesting ................................................................................................................ 2

Rainwater Harvesting saves water, money and helps the environment ............................................................. 2Main household uses of water........................................................................................................................... 3

Systems and products for Rainwater Harvesting ..................................................................................................... 410 Steps to Rain Harvesting Sustainable Water................................................................................................... 4

How to Create a Complete Rain Harvesting System............................................................................................. 6Water Storage and Tank Selection ........................................................................................................................ 7

Choosing the size of your tank .......................................................................................................................... 7 Above or below ground .................................................................................................................................... 7Polyethylene or Plastic Tanks ............................................................................................................................ 8Metal tanks ..................................................................................................................................................... 9Concrete tanks ................................................................................................................................................ 9Fibreglass tanks............................................................................................................................................. 10Bladders and other innovative solutions ........................................................................................................... 10

Wet and Dry Systems...................................................................................................................................... 12 Wet Systems................................................................................................................................................ 12 Dry Systems ................................................................................................................................................ 12

Converting a wet system to dry .................................................................................................................... 12Pump Selection.................................................................................................................................................. 14Distributing water for use around the home ..................................................................................................... 14Pressure Vessel Pumps................................................................................................................................... 14Constant Pressure Systems............................................................................................................................. 14

Regulation and Rebates ..................................................................................................................................... 15Incentives for the community ......................................................................................................................... 15New standards for Energy and Water Efficiency................................................................................................ 15Rainwater Tank Installation Guidelines ............................................................................................................ 15Plumbing Regulations..................................................................................................................................... 15

About Us Rain Harvesting Pty Ltd ..................................................................................................................... 16Our vision ..................................................................................................................................................... 16Development of the product range .................................................................................................................. 16

Contact Us .................................................................................................................................................... 18

Prepared byRain Harvesting(Oct 06).. For more information, including details of products for collecting good quality rainwater, visitwww.rainharvesting.com


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Rainwater Harvesting the way of the future

What is Rainwater Harvesting?Rainwater harvesting (also called

roofwater harvesting) involves the

collection, storage and distribution

of rainwater from the roof, for use

inside and outside the home or

business.


Why We Need to Conserve Water

A scarce resourceWater is a scarce resource that is essential for our

existence and our supplies are increasingly

coming under pressure. Only 3% of the worlds

water is fresh and less than a third of 1% of this is

available to humans.

Governments are working frantically to develop

solutions to these shortages and have introduced

sweeping water restrictions which have put the issue of

water conservation front of mind for the community.There is an urgent need to take action due to:

1. increasing water usage due to populationgrowth

2. the effects ofclimate change (including extendedperiods of drought)

3. the huge cost to develop new water infrastructure(such as dams and stormwater management

systems)

4. the impact of stormwater runoff on theenvironment

If we are to ensure a sustainable water supply for the

future, it is critical that we l imit water consumption

and develop smarter ways harness our water

resources. The shortage of water is not a problem to

fix sometime in the future. Water restrictions are in

place in many developed communities around the

world right now!

The benefits of RainwaterHarvesting

Rainwater Harvesting saves water,money and helps the environment

1. Start saving water now! Rainwater Harvestingreduces water usage in every household. By

installing a complete Rain Harvesting system you

will start saving water immediately. Rainwater isthe most efficient water solution. Runoff from the

roof to the tank is immediate and efficient,

whereas runoff in vegetated dam catchments

requires significant rainfall to impact on dam levels.

You can take control and make a difference today!

2. Safe, sustainable w ater. Rainwater is naturallypure and fresh. It is not recycled water. Provided

certain precautions are taken, research supports

rainwater as a safe, sustainable source of water

that can meet all of a household's requirements.Australia is the driest continent on earth, and over

3 million Australians rely on rainwater as their sole

supply. Water for drinking and food preparation

purposes represents less than 5% of all urban

water use. When rainwater is used for the

remaining 95% of our requirements, including for

washing clothes, flushing toilets, watering gardens

and even bathing, many millions of litres of

precious drinking water are kept in the dams for

when we need it.


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3. Significant cost savings for the communityand each household. The cost to supply potable

water to the community is increasing. Dams and

chemical treatment system cost millions of

taxpayer dollars to establish and to run. Many localauthorities have started to charge the local

community for their water usage. By substituting

mains water for rainwater you can avoid these

water charges, take pressure of centralized

supplies, and reduce the need for huge

investments to build new dams and water

treatment plants and pipelines. When you consider

the total cost to the community, it makes common

sense to install a rainwater harvesting system to

catch rainwater that falls for free from the sky and

utilize it in and around the home.

4. Lower overall water usage . People that collectand use their own rainwater become more aware

of their water use and can further reduce their

overall water use.

5. Lower energy consumption and greenhousegas emissions. There are significant costs to treat

and pump mains water throughout the community.

Widespread installation of Rainwater Harvesting

systems results in reduced energy consumption

and less greenhouse gas emissions. Rainwater is

an ideal water source for 95% of our requirements,

is not recycled and nor does it require treatment

before being used.

6. Protect local waterways and reducestormwater infrastructure costs. Rainwater

from roofs is usually directed into centralized

stormwater pipelines that empty in local creeks,

rivers and bays. By capturing and utilising

rainwater where it falls, Rainwater Harvesting

reduces both the volume and velocity ofstormwater run off from our urban areas. This

helps protect our waterways and reduces the need

for expensive stormwater infrastructure and

management systems another big cost saving.

Main household uses of waterA typical household uses over 650 liters of water

every day. This equates to around 240,000 liters (or 5

average sized swimming pools) each year! Up to half

the water supplied to household ends up as waste

water.

The main uses of water at an average home are:

1. Watering the garden and other outside uses (35% or 94,500 liters per year)

2. Flushing toilets (20% or 54,000 liters per year)3. Showers, bathing and the bathroom (20% or

54,000 liters per year)

4. Laundry use, washing clothes (15% or 40,500liters per year)

5. Dishwashing and the kitchen (10% or 27,000liters per year)



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Systems and products for Rainwater Harvesting

Rain Harvesting has developed a range of products

that should be installed with the rainwater storage tank

to improve w ater quality, increase catchment

efficiency, protect rainw ater pumps and internal

household appliances and reduce system

maintenance. The products are relatively

maintenance free, simple in their operation and help

ensure your rainwater harvesting system delivers

superior results. Visit www.rainharvesting.com


for

more information.

Rain Harvesting has also developed the following

guidelines to help people design their own complete

Rainwater Harvesting system.

10 Steps to Rain HarvestingSustainable WaterThe following practical guide, developed originally for

the Australian market, outlines some considerations in

planning your own rainwater harvesting system.
http://www.rainharvesting.com/http://www.rainharvesting.com/http://www.rainharvesting.com.au/blue_mountain_all_steel_gutter_mesh.asp


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Prepared byRain Harvesting(Oct 06).. For more information, including details of products for collecting good quality rainwater, visit

www.rainharvesting.com


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How to Create a Complete Rain Harvesting SystemDon't just fit a tank - install the complete system

The following diagram shows the components that form a part of a complete system. Rain Harvesting manufacturesmany of these components - feel free to visit www.rainharvesting.com for more information.

http://www.rainharvesting.com/http://www.rainharvesting.com/


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Water Storage and Tank Selection

There are many different water storage options and

manufacturers have developed innovative solutions

in recent years.

Choosing the size of your tankThings you need to consider when determining the sizeof your tank or storage vessel include:

1. Rainfall - how much rainfall you get in your area,2.

Roof area - how large the catchment surface is,

3. Water usage - what you intend to use rainwaterfor, and how much you expect to use,

4. Site characteristics - how much space you have,and the location you intend to install the tank orstorage vessel.

Calcu la t i ng the appropr i a te s i ze

Use the following formula:

Roof Area X Annual Rainfall = Maxim um

Available for Capture

Then determine:

Most Days without Rain X Average Daily Water

Use = Storage Volume Required on Day One of a

Dry Spell

If for example, the most days without rain was 40

days, and the average daily usage was 400 liters, thevolume on hand on Day One of 40 days would have to

be 16,000 liters.

It is very difficult to predict the required volume,

because often a dry period will start when the tank is

not full. However, this method provides a guideline,

and you can add a safety factor on top of this

requirement.

When calculating how big the storage capacity shouldbe, plan the tank area so that extra storage can be

added later if required.

L o ca t i o n f o r t h e t a n k

It is important to consider the space you have

available, whether the vessel is to be installed above

or below ground, below the roof-line or above it

(eg. on a sloping site), whether you will have one or

more tanks - connected or installed as separate

systems,and what ground surface preparation is

required

Above or below groundWhen planning the installation of a rainwater tank, it is

important to consider where it can be located on your

property. In many cases tanks are installed above

ground, especially when the tank is being installed

alongside an existing dwelling.

Concrete, metal/steel, poly, fibreglass tanks and

bladders can all be installed above ground and are a

popular option due to quick installation and low cost.

Often incorporated as part of the development of new

homes, under ground installations are space saving

solutions. Concrete or poly tanks for example, can

often be installed under driveways, and provide a solid

platform for sheds or gazebos to be built on.

Ideal for urban areas where the small house blocks

prohibits the use of above ground tanks, many

concrete tanks are trafficable and can be located underthe driveway of the house, with only the access covers

visible.

This reinforced poly tank (above) has a storage capacity of 5000

liters.



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Tanks can be installed in combination to provide greater storage

capacity. These poly tanks have been installed underground

alongside a fence line.

Polyethylene or Plastic TanksPopular due to their lightweight material which makes

for easy site preparation and installation, Polyethylene

(Poly) tanks are now the most common for household

use and come in a variety of shapes, sizes and colours.


Poly tanks are among the fastest growing types of

tanks. They are made from polyethylene which is UV

treated, impact modified, and food grade which means

it is suitable for potable (drinking quality) water.

Corrugated designs are particularly strong profiles by

engineering design.

Plastic tanks can be placed on a base of cracker dust or

sand, and typically come with warranties of up to 25

years.

Polyethylene is a plastic that has been around for many

years and is a proven product that will not break down

in the sun for at least 25 years. Most tanks actually

come with a 25 year warranty. As with all tanks there

is always the possibility of a manufacturing problem, so

it is important for peace of mind to purchase a tank

that is accredited with a recognised standard which

means the tank is made to "worlds best practice.

Poly tanks are typically rotary moulded. To make a

tank the manufacturer makes a mould from steel, like a

big steel canister. The canister is then loaded with

plastic granules or powder, closed off and then rotated

over a heating source to melt the plastic. When the

plastic has melted and the canister cooled down it is

opened and there is the tank. The amount of plastic

granules or powder placed in the canister determines

the thickness of the tank. Some steel moulds for plastic

tanks have flanges down the side to make it easier to

get the tank out of the mould and tanks made in

moulds like this will show a line where the mould joins

but it is not a join in the tank.

There are a variety of manufacturers of this type of

tank around the world and there will be a stockist near

you. The shapes of the tanks vary according to the

manufacturer. The majority of the designs are

computer generated for both strength and appearance

but by far the strongest profile by engineering design is

corrugated. These designs actually look like a

conventional tank and can complement the home and

environment well.

In recent years manufacturers have developed new

modular and slimline water storage solutions.

Suitability

Popular due to its lightweight material which makes for

easy site preparation and installation. Poly tanks are

now the most common for household use and come in

a variety of shapes, sizes and colors.

Site Preparation : A base of cracker dust or sand

In Ground : Yes, consult the manufacturer
http://www.rainharvesting.com.au/poly-plastic_tanks.asphttp://www.rainharvesting.com.au/poly-plastic_tanks.asp


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Concrete tanks can be placed either on top or in the

ground. Concrete tanks are usually the most affordable

for an in ground solution. They are ideal for this

purpose because they can be covered with load-

bearing lids and can fit under driveways or other

structures. Cracking of the tanks is one of the mostcommon complaints but most concrete tank makers

have techniques to minimise cracking.

Suitability

An ideal in-ground solution. Feature load bearing tank

lids, so they can be installed under garages or

driveways.

Site Preparation: Compacted cracker dust or

compacted sand, stabilised around the edge

In Ground: Yes

Guarantee: Ask your supplier for a written one prior

to purchase

Repairable: Difficult to repair cracks if they occur.

Consult the manufacturer.

Fibreglass tanksCorrosion resistant and sturdy, fibreglass tanks are a

relatively expensive but long-lasting option.

These tanks have been around for many years and

were made from the same sort of material as a

fibreglass boat, but in recent years glass strands mixed

with special resins have been used and the tanks are

quite strong and relatively easy to move around on

site.

Some manufacturers line these tanks with specialmaterial to further enhance the life of the tank.

Suitability

Corrosion resistant and sturdy, fibreglass tanks are a

relatively expensive but long-lasting option.


compacted cement stabilised sand or concrete pad

In Ground: Consult the manufacturer


to purchase

Repairable: Yes, consult the manufacturer

Bladders and other innovativesolutionsNew space saving bladders and modular storage

systems have been developed in recent years. These

water storage vessels provide wonderful solutions,

particularly for urban areas.

Bladders have been developed which come with all

inlet and outlet pipes required for complete installation.

They can generally store between 2,000 and 20,000

liters of water. The sizes and capacity vary according tolength and width of the bladders. They are sealed yet

flexible, with an enormously high puncture resistance

that is designed to be securely located in the sub-floor

space in areas as low as 750mm in height (without

excavation) and without inducing any structural load to

the dwelling.



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One criteria in choosing a bladder type is whether it is

filled from the top or the side. Those that fill from the

side (see photo right) require less space for pipework

above the bladder, but either way, bladders are a great

solution where you have space constraints.


By placing the bladders under a house or deck, they

can collect ALL of the rain that falls on the roof by

diverting the ALL downpipes to a common in-flow pipe

which goes into the side of the bladder. This means

that more rainwater can be collected much faster than

in a traditional water tank. Once the bladder or

bladders are full, any excess water diverts to theexisting storm water system so that there is no fear of

over-filling.

If space permits, multiple bladder tanks can be

installed either end-to-end or side-by side for maximum

storage, as demonstrated in the diagram below.

Bladders are typically designed to fill to a maximum

height of 600mm.

Some manufacturers use water sac couplings that are

compression fittings where the interconnecting pipes

are pushed through and clamped tight to seal. This is

instead of traditional threaded joints to ensure that a

damaged or stripped thread (particularly in a PE tank)

does not mean unusable water storage.

The bladders are housed in high quality steel frames to

keep them in place and this frame is often wrapped in

a geo-textile blanket for added protection. Thebladders are typically made of a material called Aeon

which is well established in the market place.

Suitability

A great space saving option. Ideal for under house or

under verandah water storage.


compacted cement stabilised sand or concrete pad.

The area must be clear of rocks, tiles and other debris.Smooth the ground, leaving a slight fall towards the

outlet end of the bladder.

In Ground: Consult the manufacturer


to purchase

Repairable: Yes, consult the manufacturer.


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Wet and Dry Systems

Rain Harvesting systems require rainwater from the

roof to be directed to the water storage vessel through

gutters and pipes. These pipework systems will be

different at every location, however are classified

as either:


1. Drysystems, or2. WetsystemsWet Systems

Wet systems are also referred to as "charged"systems and are systems where the pipes from the

gutter go down the wall and underground and then

up into the tank. Many systems are wet because the

size of buildings and the placement of tanks away from

the buildings mean that there are long runs of pipe

underground leading to a riser at the tank. Because the

pipes are underground and below the entry point to

the tank, even during periods without rainfall water

remains in the pipes

Because the water that sits in underground pipes has a

tendency to become stagnant and provides a potential

breeding habitat for mosquitoes, it is critical to insectproof the pipes in a 'wet' system. Legislation broadly

says that where pipes hold water

they must be screened with a

non-corrosive screen of not more

than 1mm aperture to prevent

the entry of mosquitoes and

vermin. Mosquitoes are known to

be responsible for many diseases

including Dengue Fever and Ross

River Fever.

Rain Harvesting has developed a range of products to

insect proof rainwater systems, including rain heads,

insect proof screens and flap valves and vent cowls, all

of which have been designed to meet all legislative

guidelines, including

Wet systems can be converted to "dry" systems

using an In-Ground First Flush Water Diverter which

improves water quality and saves water.

Dry SystemsAre systems where the pipe system is designed to run

direct from the gutter into the tank. The pipes

drain out after rain and do not hold water when therain stops.

Dry systems are best because water sitting idle

in pipes can become stagnant and provides a

potential breeding ground for mosquitoes.

Both systems have strengths and weaknesses, and

with a little planning, you can optimise your

water quality and install a system that looks

good.

Converting a wet system to dryBuried and out of site, In-Ground First Flush Water

Diverters are perfect for sloping allotments. On a sitewith a minimum of 5 degrees slope that also provides

the opportunity for the end cap of the diverter to be

positioned above ground (to drain out and be
http://www.rainharvesting.com.au/in-ground_diverter.asphttp://www.rainharvesting.com.au/in-ground_diverter.asphttp://www.rainharvesting.com.au/mizzie_stoppa_screens.asp


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accessible for maintenance), an In-Ground Diverter

converts a wet into a dry system.


By draining the water normally held in pipes after rain,

an In-Ground Diverter SAVES WATER, because the

next time it rains, the only water that has to be

diverted is the amount of water required to flush the

roof.

The water that sits in underground pipes has atendency to become stagnant and provides a potential

breeding habitat for mosquitoes. When it rains a

"head" of pressure will force this poor quality water

towards the tank. Not only can an In-Ground Water

Diverter prevent this water from polluting the tank, it

will also ensure that after rainfall the water in the pipes

drains out through the diverter chamber.

For more information about In-Ground Water Diverters,

visit www.rainharvesting.com.
http://www.rainharvesting.com/http://www.rainharvesting.com/


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Pump Selection

Distributing water for use around thehomeThere are two main types of pump systems used in

typical household systems. There are other pressure

vessels systems but these are usually only used on

extremely large houses or for commercial applications.

To work out the type of pump that is best suited for

the purpose it is best to talk to a professional pump

dealer. There are many factors which govern the type

and size of pump that you will need so that your

system will deliver water as you would expect.

Pressure Vessel PumpsUsually work on 20-40psi/140-280kpa. or 30-50/210-

345kpa. Variable pressure systems - which means that

when a tap is turned on water is drawn and when the

pressure is down to 20psi/140kpa. the pump will start

up and when the pressure reaches 40psi/280kpa. the

pump will shut off. The amount of water that can be

drawn off before the pump starts up depends on thesize of the pressure vessel. The bigger the pressure

vessel, the greater the volume of water that can be

drawn off before the pump restarts

Constant Pressure Systems

Invariably use the same motor and pump body as the

variable pressure system except that a constant

pressure control valve system is fitted. These latest

pressure control valve systems are simple and

effective, efficient and very cost effective



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Regulation and Rebates

Rainwater Harvesting delivers significant water savings

and governments around the world are looking for new

ways to reduce the demand placed on centralized

potable water supply networks.

Incentives for the communityMany provide incentives such as rebates to offset the

cost to install rainwater systems. Before you go ahead

and purchase your system contact your local authority

to see what programs are available. These incentives

make installing a complete rain harvesting system even

more rewarding.

New standards for Energy and WaterEfficiency

Governments around the world are introducing new

standards for energy and water efficiency for the

construction of more sustainable buildings. In

recognition of water savings that can be delivered by

incorporating rainwater harvesting into household

water supplies, many governments have either made

the installation of rainwater tanks compulsory in both

urban and regional areas, or provide credit points

towards meeting sustainability guidelines.

Rainwater Tank InstallationGuidelinesMany federal, state and local governments have

developed guidelines for how to install rainwater tanks

and increasingly Screened Downpipe Rain Heads, First

Flush Water Diverters and products that insect proof

systems are becoming mandatory. It is important to

consult your local authority about these requirements

as they have been prepared not only to ensure your

can maximise the amount of good quality rainwater

you can collect, but also to ensure public health and

safety.

Plumbing RegulationsLocal authorities may have specific requirements

concerning the way in which rainwater systems are to

be connected to household supplies. A licensed

plumber will be in the best position to advise you of

these requirements and it is important to have a

plumber complete the installation.

http://www.rainharvesting.com.au/first_flush_water_diverters.asp


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About Us Rain Harvesting Pty Ltd

Our visionRain Harvesting Pty Ltd is a new company, establishedin March 2005 following the acquisition of a portfolio ofunique products that form a complete watercatchment and storage system .

Rain Harvesting is a manufacturer and wholesaler of

sustainable water products intent on helping peoplebuild sustainable futures. Our specialty is watercatchment, storage, insect/pest control, and leaf anddebris removal systems used in both rainwaterharvesting and home protection. Our vision is to be aleader in sustainable water systems, not onlyproviding complete rainwater solutions, but to developnew sustainable water markets, both in Australia andinternationally.

We are committed to driving innovation and aimto provide a complete system a one-stop for

sustainable water products.

We value our stockists as strategic partners inour business. Whether it is product training for storestaff, our comprehensive product brochures or retailpoint-of sale materials, we make it easy for ourstockists to sell the benefits of rainwater harvesting to the end-user.

When you need us, well deliver. 98% of ourorders are delivered to our stockists within 3-5 days.

Were easy to deal with because we believe inbuilding relationships for mutual benefit. Were drivenby your success and are active partners in fuellingcategory growth.

Development of the product rangeThe Leaf Eater gutter downpipe rain head was firstmanufactured in 1992 to prevent the build up of leavesand debris in roof gutters which is the most frequentcause of poor quality tank water. It was the firstmultiple screen rain head developed, working as bothan insect proof water catchment device and a hassle

free leaf and debris exclusion system for roof gutters.

After three years of development trials, productionbegan in 1997 of an all steel gutter mesh system nowknown as Blue Mountain Mesh.

A complete range ofinsect proof screens and flapvalves, tank overflow outlets and other accessorieswere added to the range through the 1990s, prior tothe invention of the range of First Flush WaterDiverters.



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Documents

030610 Rain Harvest Info Oct 06