Hello everyone,
I think rainwater could definitely be used safely and effectively for the house. Using it as non-potable water for toilet flushing or for the washing machine would be ideal. Are there already systems available that treat the water for this purpose?
See you, Ganurin
I think rainwater could definitely be used safely and effectively for the house. Using it as non-potable water for toilet flushing or for the washing machine would be ideal. Are there already systems available that treat the water for this purpose?
See you, Ganurin
G
Gartenfreund3 Jul 2016 05:26f-pNo schrieb:
I’m not sure how much this varies from one local authority to another.
Our 10m³ (13yd³) cistern has an overflow connected to the sewer system (which, as we’ve seen this year, makes sense). Because of the overflow function/connection to the sewer, we still have to pay wastewater fees on the rainwater.
Unfortunately. I should have mentioned that here there is no longer any connection to the stormwater drain, and only in that case do you avoid having to pay the rainwater fee.
This "technology" has been around for 30 years but has never really become widespread. This is because it has not been financially attractive so far (technologies like this usually only catch on when it makes economic sense). Anyone considering installing a cistern for this reason should think carefully, as it can be quite expensive (starting at 2000€ and up). If you are going to install one anyway—which I would always recommend for a garden—it makes sense to simply choose a slightly larger one, which does not cost much more and only requires filters, a pump, and household connections. Keep in mind that inlet filters need space, so the cistern must be installed deeper, which increases the cost.
Every cistern needs an overflow, so if it is not connected to the sewage system, a soakaway pit—also called a soakaway trench—is required. This also costs money (a large, deep hole filled with gravel) and must be approved by the authorities. It requires soil that can absorb water and usually needs a flow regulator inside the cistern as well (which means the cistern has to be even larger). Overall, this is also an expensive undertaking. Otherwise, you will still have to pay the rainwater fee, but you can at least save on drinking water charges.
If you connect the system to toilets and possibly washing machines, you should be aware of some drawbacks:
- Initial investment costs
- Filter maintenance (must be done regularly; otherwise, the cistern may run dry or the pump can be damaged)
- The water is not free of microorganisms, which can cause deposits and/or odor
- Cistern cleaning (even the best filters won’t help if this is neglected)
- Older cisterns often developed leaks over time, reducing water storage capacity and making them insufficient for household needs. Modern monolithic (i.e., one-piece) cisterns are less prone to this problem.
Every cistern needs an overflow, so if it is not connected to the sewage system, a soakaway pit—also called a soakaway trench—is required. This also costs money (a large, deep hole filled with gravel) and must be approved by the authorities. It requires soil that can absorb water and usually needs a flow regulator inside the cistern as well (which means the cistern has to be even larger). Overall, this is also an expensive undertaking. Otherwise, you will still have to pay the rainwater fee, but you can at least save on drinking water charges.
If you connect the system to toilets and possibly washing machines, you should be aware of some drawbacks:
- Initial investment costs
- Filter maintenance (must be done regularly; otherwise, the cistern may run dry or the pump can be damaged)
- The water is not free of microorganisms, which can cause deposits and/or odor
- Cistern cleaning (even the best filters won’t help if this is neglected)
- Older cisterns often developed leaks over time, reducing water storage capacity and making them insufficient for household needs. Modern monolithic (i.e., one-piece) cisterns are less prone to this problem.
Exactly!
If someone wants to do something for the environment, they are welcome to do so, but financially it is not worthwhile. Additionally, it would be more environmentally sensible to use the water in a cistern to irrigate the garden, as it would not end up in the wastewater treatment plant. However, a much more eco-friendly approach is to reduce water consumption meaningfully.
PS: Sorry for the spelling, I am on vacation and can only write using my smartphone.
If someone wants to do something for the environment, they are welcome to do so, but financially it is not worthwhile. Additionally, it would be more environmentally sensible to use the water in a cistern to irrigate the garden, as it would not end up in the wastewater treatment plant. However, a much more eco-friendly approach is to reduce water consumption meaningfully.
PS: Sorry for the spelling, I am on vacation and can only write using my smartphone.
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