South Africa can be described as an arid country. Our rainfall varies considerably throughout the various regions. Rainwater is a free and untapped resource of water and when harvested correctly it can significantly reduce the water consumption of a business or household.
In areas with very high rainfall, rainwater harvesting is an option to significantly reduce the use of municipal water option. Instead of letting the water run down the roof and gutter it can be harvested and stored effectively and used as an alternative to the municipal supply. Our article on the beneficial impact that urban rainwater harvesting can have on a coastal town in Kwa-Zulu Natal show just how big the opportunity can be for rain harvesting in these areas
In dryer regions rainwater harvesting is a still a very good option and a protection against periods of drought. The design of systems in dryer regions differ significantly from areas with high rainfall. Here the focus is on maximising recovery during the short period of rain and increasing storage space so that water can be used continually in the dryer season.
Installing a rainwater system can also protect consumers against the variability of supply. Recent events in South Africa where there were periods of severe water and power interruptions have highlighted the benefit of having localised water stored withing an house or commercial premises.
It is therefore now the ideal time to investigate and consider doing rainwater harvesting.
