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There is a fabulous example of a carbon neutral home of the future in Wickham Market called Little Cottage. Energy efficient technologies were installed during this major renovation project. The cost of heating, lighting and hot water for this 120 sq.m property now costs as little as £340 a year. Rainwater harvesting was one of the main sustainable technologies put into this home. By installing the 4800 litre Graf Carat tank underground it makes sure that it is kept out of the way which also helps to keep the stored water cool and fresh. Before the rainwater from the roof downpipes enters the tank, a filter eliminates debris. A pump then takes the rainwater to where it is needed, whether that is supplying WCs, the washing machine and all outdoor use, and there is also a mains back up system to make sure that it switches to mains water if the tank runs out of water.

The cost of this system in August 2008 was £1800. This was solely for the equipment. As the installation took place during the major renovation, additional costs were kept low as the builders and plumbers were already on site.

Now mains water consumption has been reduced by around 50%, and the former water bill of £600 has reduced to about £300 which gives an amortization period on the investment of six years.

In addition, the owners can safeguard their stored rainwater for use in the garden should there be a hosepipe ban. If there is a drought, the rainwater normally used to supply WCs and the washing machine can be reserved for watering the garden.

The government is putting more and more pressure on to reduce the non-essential use of mains water, and it is now obligatory in new builds to integrate water conservation measures. The Code for Sustainable Homes (introduced in April 2007) set a target of reducing drinking water consumption per person per day from the current average of 150 litres to an optimum 80 litres. Level 3 of the Code is now obligatory for social housing (103 litres per person each day). Building Regs will change in April 2010 to set a 125 litre per day limit for all new buildings whether public or private. Local authorities favour planning applications which include water conservation measures.

Rainwater harvesting, along with a change in behaviour and the use of water-efficient appliances makes these limits attainable and, at an affordable price. Also, this gives added value to a home like Little Cottage as it has sustainable options such as rainwater harvesting.

Related posts:

1. Green Plumbing – Rainwater Harvesting and Tanks, Grey Water and Solar Hotwater Sytems – Melbourne, Australia
2. A Positive Outlook for Rain Water Harvesting
3. Top up Pools with Rainwater, not Mains Water
4. Using Rainwater instead of Mains Water can Cut School Costs
5. Rainwater harvesting yield