Rainwater Harvesting Systems

Galvanised water storage tank for rainwater harvesting for nurseries and garden centres

Harvesting a natural resource

Although there may be an initial infrastructure cost when installing a rainwater harvesting system, you can soon pay this back in reduced mains water charges.

Glasshouse roofs and metal framed buildings make an ideal rainwater catchment area, with a potential monthly yield, even in summer, of 60 litres of water for every square meter of roof catchment. A single 40m x 9m glasshouse roof could yield 21,000 litres of rainwater for recycling per month!

River and Lake Pump system for drawing irrigation from wells, rivers and lakes

Harvesting costs and water security

Commercial rainwater harvesting systems for nurseries and garden centres normally use above ground steel sectional tanks, which provide a large rainwater storage capacity at a relatively modest cost. In fact a covered storage tank can cost as little as £25-£35 per m3 of water stored. With mains water running at £1.50 per m3 in some areas, the tank and cover can pay for themselves in just 20 refills.

In addition, rainwater harvesting systems provide independence from the mains drinking water system. As drinking water supplies come under more strain, DEFRA and water companies are already starting to consider prioritising how drinking water should be used.

Rainwater hygiene

Good general nursery practice can help ensure that the harvested rainwater stays as clean as possible, minimising any health and safety issues. So, you should aim to keep all roof catchment areas and gutters clean, and clear away any leaves regularly.

Pre-filters to ensure that any large debris (typically about 0.6mm) is filtered to drain before entering the tank. Water is normally calmed on entering the tank to ensure that any sediment is kept undisturbed. Overflow skimmers ensure that any small, light particles, such as pollen, are skimmed off the surface. And we suggest adding a light proof cover to the tank.