Should rainwater recycling be compulsory?

Rainwater harvesting is a simple technology used widely in other countries.

As flooding hits again, Rainwater Recycling 'should be compulsory'.

Rainwater recycling should be compulsory in all new buildings to help combat climate change and ease the UK's water crisis.

Despite all the recent rainfall the UK is short of water: Britain has less water available per person than most European countries.

* (see below) With Britain awash from serious summer floods, campaigners are highlighting the terrible waste that recent heavy rain will not be recycled to cut down on mains water usage Rainwater harvesting systems collect rain to flush toilets and water gardens.

They can save up to 50% of mains water usage in the home and up to 80% in commercial / industrial installations.

Save the RainTM is calling on the Government to introduce legislation to make Rainwater Harvesting systems compulsory on all new buildings.

The systems collect rain from the roof into an underground storage tank, then pump it for use in toilets, outside taps and sometimes for washing machines.

Rainwater Harvesting can also play a vital role as part of flood management by holding back stormwater run-off at the point of falling during periods of heavy rain.

As integral part of Sustainable Drainage Solutions (SUDS), rainwater harvesting can be considered as contributing towards discharge control consents for local planning purposes.

"Undeniably, global warming is leading us to experience the extremes of flooding and drought in equal measure.

Our memories are short: - This time last year Britain was in the grips of drought orders and hosepipe bans," says Chris Williams, spokesman for the Save the Rain campaign.

"Demand for Britain's water is increasing at a rate of 1% a year, and there is less water available for each UK resident than for many European countries - even the hottest and driest ones.

Our consumption levels are not sustainable and the need to take a long-term view has never been more pressing.

Rainwater re-use seems to offer an obvious solution".

"Rainwater harvesting is a simple technology used widely in other countries.

We believe if enough homes and buildings had rainwater harvesting, we could dramatically reduce demand on Britain's mains water supplies.

Save the Rain campaign is urging people to show their support for the campaign by signing a petition to the Government at www.savetherain.info.

Save the Rain is also campaigning for grants or other financial incentives for homeowners to install rainwater harvesting in existing properties.

Says Chris Williams: "The Government's Code for Sustainable Homes has gone some way to encouraging housebuilders to install rainwater harvesting through the code's 'star rating' system.

The code also encourages energy efficiency to reduce our carbon footprint.

But the code is only voluntary at present and we believe the Government needs to go one step further to make rainwater harvesting mandatory on all new buildings." "We also believe that rainwater harvesting will add value to any property in which it is installed," added Chris.

In a recent survey conducted by Save the Rain in association with British Water, one in three homeowners said they would be more likely to buy a house if it had a rainwater harvesting system already fitted.

Chris Williams is managing director of Hydro International, a manufacturer of rainwater harvesting systems who are sponsors of Save the Rain: "We have a technology which we know could make a tremendous difference to water demand management in the UK.

It's our duty to shout about it from the rooftops!".

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