Each property and Rain Harvesting system is affected by a range of individual environmental factors that must be protected against to ensure maximum water quality and volume harvested from your roof. By Applying the 8 Rain Harvesting Steps you can be confident you will capture cleaner rainwater and lots of it by implementing multiple layers of protection to the hazardous pollutants collected during a rain event.
Check out the 8 Rain Harvesting Steps below
Limit sources of contamination
- Check your roof surface materials is suitable for collecting appropriate quality water and trim overhanging vegetation
- Install gutter mesh to prevent leaves and debris from blocking gutters and pipes
Plan for volume
- Consider your annual rainfall, seasonality, roof surface area and rainwater needs
- Use a Maelstrom filter to minimise water loss and a high level tank overflow to boost storage volume
Filter leaves & debris
- Fit Leaf Eater rain heads or a Maelstrom filter to keep leaves, debris and mosquitoes out of your system
Divert the first flush
- Install first flush diverters to keep the most contaminated rainwater out of your rainwater tank.
Secure the system
- Use a tank screen and insect proof screens to keep out leaves, mosquitoes and animals
- Install an air gap to prevent stormwater backflow
Manage standing water
- Use a wet-dry valve or first flush inground diverter to drain your pipes in between rainfall events
- Install a Maelstrom or solar shield to block sunlight and prevent algae growth
Consider a safety net
- Use an appropriate rainwater filter after your pump to reduce sediment, colour and odour.
Monitor and maintain
- Install a tank gauge to regularly monitor your water level and usage
- Use a Mozzie Stoppa Easy-Clean for simple overflow maintenance