Water is precious and we are very lucky that in Ireland we have a great amount of it. The concept of Rainwater Harvesting has been around for some time and has recently become accessible to homeowners. Rainwater Harvesting tanks can be easily incorporated into a home.
Untreated rainwater can be used for:
* Washing machines
* Irrigation
* Showering and bathing
* Washing vehicles
* Flushing the toilet
Rainwater harvesting has many advantages:
* Rainwater harvesting can reduce water bills saving up to 50% of mains water usage (statistics taken from Bord na Mona website, 2009)
* It adds value to your property.
* Soft rainwater creates no lime scale.
* Rainwater harvesting improves sustainability and is therefore better for the environment.
* A rainwater harvesting system is low maintenance.
* The tank can be stored underground and out of sight.
* Rainwater is thought to be better for plants than mains water.
Untreated rainwater – no definitely not.
* Untreated rainwater easily becomes contaminated when it comes into contact with a surface.
Specially treated rainwater – yes!
* Specially treated rainwater is thought to be safe to drink. This is good news for homes in Ireland which are often supplied with unsafe drinking water. A specially designed UV light unit can be fitted to a home rainwater harvesting system. One study conducted in 1995, which took place in Hawaii, found the unit to be 99.9% effective in removing harmful bacteria (Fujioka et. al. 1995 noted by John Gould). Another study conducted in Western Australia in 2001, found that drinking rainwater compared to mains water was not a cause of gastroenteritis in children. The light can be run from solar powered energy too. Good news for the environment!
According to some holistic practitioners, rainwater, because of its slight acidity can help reduce symptoms of arthritis, assist the kidneys in removing toxins from the body and also can help prevent gallstones. However, I am under the impression that scientific research has yet to prove this.
Jillie is the editor of Mind Body and Soul Ireland an online resource for alternative therapies and natural remedies in Ireland.www.mindbodyandsoul.ie
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