Sustainable rainwater harvesting comes of age

Edited by the Buildingtalk editorial team Apr 28, 2005

The leading UK specialist in sustainable storm and rainwater control, Hydro International is introducing the Rainman rainwater harvesting system manufactured by Freewater UK .

The leading UK specialist in sustainable storm and rainwater control, Hydro International is introducing the Rainman rainwater harvesting system manufactured by Freewater UK .

The Rainman comprises rapidly installable, modular package systems in three configurations to suit a range of domestic and residential requirements, with the potential to save over 50% of treated mains water.

The Rainman system is sourced from the highest quality German components, where rainwater harvesting has been practised for 20 years, and configured to UK water utility norms.

The water is collected from roofs and delivered to the house clean and free of particulate matter, and is ideal for toilet flushing, car-washing, laundry and garden use.

The Rainman system is specifically designed to be simple and quick to install, with integral components and only a single duct required into the building.

It requires minimal maintenance and is low in energy use, so is ideal where there is a commitment to sustainable living, e.g under SUDS principles, as well as reducing water bills.

There are three models in the Rainman rainwater harvesting system.

The two single tank units are the Standard T, using wired control of level, pump flow and top up, and the Elite, which uses wireless microprocessor control for more sophisticated system monitoring.

The Twin Pump is sized for larger residential and commercial schemes, and can use multiple storage tanks or other storage media.

Each of the Rainman rain harvesters comprises an externally sited and self-contained storage tank complete with self-cleaning inlet filter, pipework and submersible pump.

This is connected through standard ducting pipework to the building and via a small control panel to appropriate water offtakes.

There is also a mains water inlet, which is used to maintain water levels in the storage tank, if rainwater levels get too low.