FAQ's
Why do we need to recycle rainwater?
The growing population of the UK and the changing climate mean that our water resources are under
pressure, especially in the South East which has (well publicised) low water reserves. The large number
of new homes to be built over the next few years will increase the competition for this rare commodity.
Reducing demand for mains water by utilising a Britannia rainwater recycling system will help sustain
our water availability for the future.
What can recycled water be used for?
Firstly, stored rainwater is for non-wholesome (non-potable) use only so is not suitable for human
consumption and care must be taken to ensure that the water cannot be accidentally drunk, but when
additional water treatment such as an ultra violet or reverse osmosis system is added this opens up the
use of rainwater for a multitude of applications within the commercial and industrial fields.
Typical Domestic / Light Commercial uses of a Britannia rainwater recycling system;
Garden watering / Irrigation
Vehicle washing / Hose points
General cleaning such as floors & windows
W.C. / Urinal flushing
Washing machine / Laundry
Pond top-up
Typical Commercial / Industrial applications of Britannia rainwater recycling system and water quality
monitoring program.
Hotels
Office & Warehousing
Hospitals
Garden Centres
Shopping Centres
Sports & Leisure Facilities
Motorway Service Stations
Airports & Docks
Automatic Vehicle / Plant Wash Equipment
Process Water for Manufacture
Why do I need the risk assessment?
A badly designed or installed rainwater harvesting system may cause you to lose enthusiasm for the
system, which may lead to the system being bypassed or removed completely. If a rainwater harvesting
system is inadequately installed, it could become a public health hazard with major concern being the
accidental cross connection of rainwater with mains water. The need for a full risk assessment is not
normally required on many domestic installations such as where a small pumped system is used solely
for garden / car washing.
A Britannia risk assessment will identify any potential sources of contamination from the collection area
and will recommend the correct filtration procedures.
A Britannia risk assessment will allow the correct calculations to be made to ensure that your storage
tank(s), pumps and other associated equipment are correctly sized and positioned for optimum
efficiency and operation.
A Britannia risk assessment will also inform you of the costs involved in the supply, installation, and
running of the system, compared with the potential savings that you can make to the environment and
your water bills.
In the case of commercial & industrial systems, the risk assessment will identify any water treatment and
monitoring program that needs to be put in place to allow compliance with HSE L: 8.
A self - maintenance program to keep the system running as close as possible to the design
specification will be issued upon completion of the installation and any annual servicing / water
monitoring contracts put into place should you wish this to be carried out by Britannia.
What is the difference between rainwater and greywater?
Greywater is wastewater originating from the mains potable water supply that has been used for baths,
showers, basins, and washing machines (kitchen sinks are excluded due to fats, grease, and oils.
Rainwater is water collected from the external surfaces of buildings or hard standings by diverting the
flow to a storage tank.
Unlike greywater, for most non-potable demands, rainwater does not require chemical, physical nor
biological treatment before use, making maintenance of rainwater harvesting systems generally easier
and cheaper.
Rainwater is ideal for fountains, fish ponds, etc, and is more acceptable than greywater as a source of
irrigation water. In some cases greywater can be harmful to plants & crops.
WC's and Bidet wastes are not to be installed to a greywater system but must go direct into the sewer
system (Blackwater).
Storage of untreated greywater must be kept to a minimum and reasonable use must occur each day
to avoid creating a nuisance or health concern.
Can I install a rainwater harvesting system myself?
Small domestic systems purely for garden use such as our wall tanks can be installed by anyone with
basic hand tools within a few hours. Britannia issue basic fitting instructions with the kits. Should a small
pump be included in the kit then we suggest that if you are in any doubt at all, to contact us or a local
qualified electrician.
Domestic & Light commercial installations where it is intended to use the rainwater for W.C. flushing,
washing machine, etc, are best carried out by us or tradesmen experienced in rainwater harvesting
installations to ensure that the installation is correct in every way.
The Britannia site survey service allows us to offer you a competitive quotation for the correct equipment
based on your requirements and will include installation advice if required. A site commissioning visit
following practical completion is offered with all Britannia supply only sales, as well as a contact number
for telephone advice.
If you consider that an underground storage tank is the best option, please remember that it is good
practice (maybe a local bylaw) to contact your local authority building regulations department to
obtain advice (and approval if applicable) for the project, your neighbours may not be happy about
that big hole you are digging!
Britannia commercial & industrial rainwater recycling systems are designed to ensure maximum
efficiency within the working environment and due to the higher cost of metered mains water and
wastewater disposal, significant financial savings can be achieved. These systems are therefore best
installed as a turn-key package by us. This ensures that you also have the benefit of our after sales
maintenance and servicing plans. |
