Despite the UK experiencing the wettest 18 months on record, the country faces a risk of summer water shortages.
Developers and consultants are being urged to install rainwater harvesting systems in new builds and commercial developments.
The callout comes from Wilo, following the news that there will be a predicted deficit of almost five billion litres of water a day by 2050, more than a third of the water currently put into public supply. The efficiency-first pump manufacturer is encouraging all stakeholders who have influence on a new construction’s building services to explore methods of rainwater harvesting to reduce reliance on potable water.
Wilo highlights that rainwater harvesting systems that collect and pump rainwater around buildings, while not mandated, can significantly lower water bills while improving a building’s green credentials in a time where sustainability and costs are of high priority. The rainwater, for example, can be used for flushing toilets in offices and student accommodation.
The pump manufacturer also flags that rainwater harvesting systems are not as complicated as some may believe, with systems often only requiring a few pieces of equipment. This includes a rainwater storage tank, a rainwater pump, and low-maintenance filtering and cleansing solutions. distributing water at a suitable pressure to specific outlets throughout a building.
Developers and consultants considering rainwater harvesting systems should speak to manufacturers that can help with the feasibility study. Steven Walker, Technical Sales Manager at Wilo UK, points out some key factors that will determine the specification of the rainwater harvesting system. These include the location of the building and expected rainfall, intended uses for the rainwater, building occupancy, and the size and material of the building’s roof.
Steven Walker said: “Rainwater harvesting is becoming ever more critical. Water shortages, hose pipe bans and unpredictable rainfall patterns are all news items that the UK has become all too familiar with in recent years. With these trends likely to continue, it’s clear that we need to harness rainwater as a sustainable option.
“With the National Drought Group recently reiterating the importance of planning and investing for all weather events, we must look beyond potable water supply and consider the opportunity presented by rainwater harvesting systems. Such solutions crucially help to increase the green credentials of any building, and the developer, contributing to a better BREEAM score through efficient water consumption.”
The latest innovative rainwater harvesting pumps include the ability to automatically replenish tanks with potable water, if the external storage tank is running low following insufficient rainfall, ensuring sufficient supply whatever the weather. Alongside this, optional controls and a simple-to-understand touchscreen means building managers can monitor and adjust the pump easily, according to the needs of the occupants in the building.
Steven continued: “Within the coming years, rainwater harvesting systems are going to become a necessity rather than an option. Wilo’s experts are on hand to guide developers and consultants throughout the process of specifying a rainwater harvesting system.”
For more information on the Wilo-RainSystem AF 400, visit the Wilo website.
