Though each installed rain water harvesting system will be different, and it may comprise of numerous rainwater collection systems, a standard rainwater recycling system will consist of the following elements:
- Water storage or holding tank is required to store the water received from the roof or other surfaces. The volume of this can vary depending on the area available and what it is utilised for. It can be concealed underground or at the side of the residence or building. For residential property, the tank will usually be fed by the trenches built along the house.
- A control unit is utilised to regulate the water level in the holding tank. Some rain water harvesting systems also provide extra information such as the temperature of the water, pump pressure and fault diagnosing software.
- A filter is applied to prevent debris in the water (such as leaflets and dirt) from invading the water tank. For most average-sized rainwater harvesting equipment, various levels of filtering are needed depending on the ultimate use of the collected water. For example, the water requires to be of higher quality if it’s being utilised for washing than if it’s being employed to maintain a garden.
- For systems that are concealed underground, a pump is required to get the water to where it necessarily will be put to some use. However, gravity-fed arrangements will not need a pump, instead, people use a raised storage tank to supply the water to points of use by gravity – though these are comparatively rare for domestic premises.
- A separate and distinct pipe system for your harvested water supply will be installed, connecting to spaces like your bathroom, bathing area or washing space. You'll need a backup water supply as well. As the rainwater collecting system will not meet or be suitable for all of your water demand, mainly drinking water, the building will nevertheless want to be connected to the mains supply.
- There will also be a need for backup piping that can cut in if the water tank runs dry, which occurs if you have small installation and a season of low rainfall.
