What is “rainwater harvesting”?
Rainwater harvesting is simply a method of capturing, channelling and storing rainwater for use later.
What are the benefits of harvesting rainwater?
Harvested rainwater provides many benefits, including:
- Access to water when your mains water supply is interrupted or restricted,
- Reduction of mains water consumption, thus saving you R1000s off your annual water bill,
- Rainwater can be used for many household purposes, including: irrigating your garden, refilling your swimming pool, flushing your toilets, drinking, washing your car, cloths and dishes,
- Rainwater can be consumed, when filtered correctly,
- Rainwater is best for watering your garden and plants, as it contains no chemicals nor contaminants,
- Reduction of drainage problems on your property,
- Reduction of stormwater runoff which could cause flooding and erosion,
- Reduction of strain on municipal water supply and dams.
What can I use harvested rainwater for?
Rainwater can be used for a wide variety of household water usages, including:
- Watering lawns, gardens, vegetables and houseplants,
- Washing vehicles, driveway, house and windows,
- Replenish swimming pool, ponds and water features,
- Water for toilet flushing, laundry and general cleaning,
- Water for pets and livestock,
- Water for drinking, cooking and rinsing vegetables when filtered correctly.
What capacity water tanks are available?
Typical rainwater storage tanks have a capacity of 1000, 2500 and 5000 litres. Smart Rainwater Harvesting provide vertical water tanks in many capacities ranging from 500 litres to 20000 litres.
What capacity water tank is right for me?
For the maximum benefit, you should invest in the biggest tank which fits within your budget and the space available. Remember, you can never have too much water!
What capacity water tank is right for my house?
For every 1mm of rain, 1m2 of roof will collect 1 litre of water, therefore a typical double garage will collect about 40 litres of water during a light shower. With this in mind, we suggest:
- A 2500 litre tank if your roof is 50m2 to 100m2, i.e. a small-sized house,
- A 5000 litre tank if your roof is 100m2 to 400m2, i.e. a medium-sized house,
- A 10000 litre tank if your roof exceeds 400m2, i.e. a large-sized house.
How much rainwater could I harvest in a year?
This depends upon the size of your roof, average annual rainfall and the rainwater harvesting system used. For example, a house with a 100m2 roof multiplied by Joburg’s average annual rainfall of 790mm multiplied by 80% harvesting efficiency, the volume of water harvested shall be 100 x 790 x 0.8 = 63’200 litres.
What colour water tanks are available?
Vertical water tanks are available in green and brown, however we can paint your water tank any colour you desire.
From what material are the water tanks made?
Our water tanks are manufactured from a high-quality polyethylene in accordance with SANS 1731-2017 specifications, which ensures long lifetime usage within our harsh Southern African climate. The outer layer of our tanks is resistant to sunlight and ultraviolet radiation, and a special inner coating prevents algae growth inside the tank.
What is the physical dimensions of the water tanks?
Are the water tank, materials and installation guaranteed?
Our vertical water tanks are guaranteed for 8 years from date of manufacture, and our other materials and workmanship are guaranteed for 12 months from date of installation.
Does the water tank require a strong and solid base?
Yes. 1000 litres of water weigh 1 ton, therefore a water tank must be installed on a smooth surface which is strong enough to withstand the weight of a full water tank. Paving is generally sufficient, however we can provide a concrete slab if there is no existing suitable base.
What additional optional extras are available and why do I need them?
Can I drink harvested rainwater?
Yes, however the water must be filtered properly prior to consumption.
How do I harvest rainwater if my house has no gutters and downpipes?
Smart Rainwater Harvesting can install a gutter and relevant down piping if your house currently has none.
Can I connect multiple tanks?
Yes, and this may be an ideal solution if you wish to capture a lot of rainwater but have insufficient space available for a large tank.
Does a rainwater harvesting system require maintenance?
Our water tanks require no maintenance, however other components of the installation may require occasional attention. These include: removing excess leaves, bird droppings and dead insects from your gutters; trim overhanging branches to prevent excess leaves and bird droppings falling into your gutters; empty leaf catcher and tank mesh filters to ensure free flow of rain water; empty first flush to ensure good capture of new leaves, bird droppings and dirt. Remember that an uncluttered water harvesting system is efficient and will collect more rainwater. Remember, that every drop is precious!
What services are available?
Gutter Cleaning | Remove leaves, twigs and bird droppings from your input gutter, pipes and pre-filters, thus ensuring that water capture is maximised and clean, |
Tank Cleaning | Remove dirt and sludge build-up from inside your tank, thus ensuring that water is clean and contains no contaminates, |
Executive Cleaning (Gutter and Tank) | Combination of gutter, pre-filters and tank cleaning services at a discounted price. Includes full integrity check of entire system, any required maintenance plus cutting of any overhanging branches. |
What service contract lengths are available?
3 months, 6 months and 12 months.