benefits of rainwater harvesting
When we harvest rainwater, everyone wins. Homeowners can use water liberally – even during droughts – and still save on water rates. Many even get a rebate on their rainwater tank. Farmers are more productive.
Consumers enjoy lower prices. Dam-water goes further. Our creeks, water habitats and organisms suffer less stormwater damage.
And, of course, rainwater is chemical-free, which is gentle on clothing and the vegetable garden.
In other words, every rainwater tank takes us one step closer to long-term sustainability.
ideal use of rainwater
Ideally, we’d use rainwater for everything. There’s no reason why most households shouldn’t be using it for toilets, laundries and gardens. That alone would reduce mains water consumption of a typical household by 70%. Throw in hot water systems, and consumption is reduced by up to 85%!
Many government authorities certainly feel rainwater should be more widely used. Some already require all new homes to have rainwater supplied toilets, laundries and gardens, and many offer rebates to homeowners who install rainwater tank systems into new or existing dwellings.
rainwater quality
Rainwater is the cleanest, softest water available. Unlike dam-water, it’s fit for human use the moment it falls from the sky – no need for extensive treatment processes.
And when it’s stored in a properly designed, well maintained rainwater tank, nature takes care of contaminants, itself. (Naturally occurring biofilms line the inner surfaces of the tank, creating a continuous decontamination process.)
sustainability and environment impact
Most of the world’s water is un-usable. Only 3% is fresh, and 99% of that’s frozen. That equates to just 1 teaspoon of usable water in every 100 litres!
Yet still Australians use 1 million litres each, per year, a quarter of which goes down the toilet!
And our population is growing fast; it’s predicted to increase by 45% in the next 30 years. If we don’t start using it wisely, we may actually run out of water before we run out of fuel. In fact, UNESCO says water shortage will be a world-wide problem in just over 10 years! And water shortage means food shortage and – eventually – health crisis.
Fortunately, we can make a difference. If every household installed a properly designed, well maintained rainwater tank, we could reduce our reliance on reservoir water by up to 85%, freeing up rainwater supplies, so water is available where it’s most needed.