Search

Insider view

Recycled water

Rainwater harvesting is the collection and storage of rain from roofs or from a surface catchment for future use. The water is generally stored in rainwater tanks or directed into mechanisms which recharge groundwater. Rainwater harvesting systems reduce mains water costs, reduce the volume of rainwater discharged to sewers and can contribute to reducing flood risk or improving river quality. Unlike grey water, for most non-potable demands rainwater does not require chemical, physical or biological treatment prior to use, making maintenance of rainwater harvesting systems generally easier and cheaper. Grey water is the non-industrial wastewater generated from domestic processes such as washing dishes, laundry and bathing. Grey water is usually clean enough for flushing the toilet with basic disinfection or microbiological treatment. For larger-scale systems, grey water is treated (e.g. biological methods, membrane filtration technology). The treated water is clear, free of unpleasant odour and contains little organic matter, allowing it to be stored.

Related terms:

• Adaptive buildings
• BREAM
• Code for Sustainable Homes (CSH)
• Construction Waste
• Design for the environment (DfE)
• Green roof (or eco-roof or living roof)
• Secured by design (SBD)
• Sick Building Syndrome (SBS)
• Social Inclusion
• Sustainable Sourcing
• Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SUDS )