In a “dry” Rain Harvesting system, the pipes from your gutters run directly into your tank rather than travelling underground first.
Dry systems get their name from the fact that your pipes remain dry between rainfall events, fully draining into your tank each time it rains thanks to the power of gravity.
These straightforward systems are particularly suitable for properties in which tanks are located close by your home and you’re not concerned about the number and appearance of the pipes feeding into your tanks.
Managing your dry system
Unlike “wet” Rain Harvesting systems, dry systems do not present a high risk of anaerobic fermentation or mosquitoes breeding in stagnant pipe water.
However, it’s still important to use progressive layers of protection to ensure the rainwater you harvest isn’t threatened by potential contaminants.
This includes keeping leaves out of your system using appropriate filters such as rain heads, screening your tank to stop mosquitoes getting in, and diverting the first flush of rainfall so that many of the most harmful particles on your roof aren’t washed into your tank.
The right system for you
If your tank is located next to your property, you don’t need to manage a mass of downpipes or you have a small roof, a dry Rain Harvesting system may be an appropriate and easy to manage choice for you.
If not, then you may wish to consider whether a “wet” rain harvesting system would better suit your needs.
Whatever style of system you choose, be sure to invest in a little planning to ensure your Rain Harvest system ins optimised to harvest cleaner water and lots of it.