With global sources of freshwater increasingly scarce, making the most of the precious rainwater that falls makes sense – especially in the local context where drought is an ever present factor. Rainwater harvesting has long been used in the rural context to maximise storage capacity for people and livestock, and is an increasingly attractive option for residential neighbourhoods.  This is especially true for homeowners with substantial gardens, against a backdrop of rising water utility bills and ever stringent water restriction imposed by local authorities. The sizing of a rainwater harvesting system is calculated by determining the size of the roof area of a property, which affects the size of storage tank that one is able to install.

Rainwater Harvesting Uses

One can choose to have harvesting systems of varying sophistication, typically determined by an individual properties needs. One can use stored rainwater for a number of different applications, including:

• Irrigating a garden
• Replenishing a swimming pool
• Flushing toilets 
• Operating laundry
• Washing cars
• If treated, it can also be used for drinking water

Benefits of Rainwater Harvesting

There are a number of benefits to installing a rainwater harvesting system on your property, including:

• Diminish reliance on established sources
• Reduce water bills
• Have a source of water for your garden during water restrictions
• Reduce water run off and potential for overloading the stormwater system

Modular Rainwater Harvesting System

REHAU is a global company specialising in a range of polymer based products, and have been operational in Australia since 1988.  Their RAUSTORM rainwater management system is an innovative modular system that can be sized according to client needs, and is installed sub-surface. Besides storing water for later use it also permits effective infiltration of rainwater into the groundwater resource – avoiding unnecessary loss to run off.