1.1 What is rainwater harvesting? It is the collection from roofs and storage of rainwater that would otherwise flow down gutters into the drain or a septic tank. Rainwater is stored in tanks ranging from 200 litres 20,000 litres, with the most popular for detached family houses at 6,500 litres. The rainwater is not considered potable by the UK Building Regulations but the state-of-the-art filtering provides clear water which is used for drinking in many parts of the world. Water can get brackish if stored above ground where it is subject to summer warmth; digging the tank in underground where the water stays clear, is therefore essential for rainwater to be used in the house for flushing toilets and washing clothes. Your tank kit typically comes with filter, pump and other standard equipment to keep collected water clean. The larger the tank you have, the more money you will eventually save and the more protection you will give your garden during droughts and possible hosepipe bans.

1.2 What can you use rainwater for? Rainwater can be used for all outdoor uses: watering the garden, washing cars, cleaning patios, drives and windows, topping up swimming pools, ornamental ponds and hot tubs. With some plumbing alterations, it can also be used inside the house to flush WCs and feed clothes washing machines. Besides saving on drinking water use, rainwater use encourages less build-up of calcium deposits in appliances. The diversion of rainwater to the storage tank can in many situations attenuate flooding.

1.3 Why should I use rainwater? Each person in the UK uses about 160 litres of drinking quality water a day. Nearly half of this amount need not be drinking water. It seems crazy to bring in drinking water from miles away via your water board to water your garden or clean your car when you could provide water directly from your own roof. It is now recognised that the south east of England in particular is short of water (London has less water available per capita than Madrid or Istanbul). April 2007 was the driest on record, but then June 2007 was the wettest on record. That's when the wags started asking when the hosepipe ban would start! The more water you can collect in wet spells, the more you will have when it's dry.

1.4 Is rainwater better than drinking water for outdoor use? Your garden will prefer rainwater to tap water because it does not contain the chemicals needed to make tap water drinking quality. And when using a cleaning agent, you will need to use much less, again because there are no chemicals and the water is softer.

1.5 How will rainwater harvesting help me during a hosepipe ban? In 2006 many areas had hosepipe bans banning watering gardens and cleaning cars. New legislation will give water boards the right to prohibit using hosepipes for other outdoor cleaning purposes such as washing boats, patios, drives and windows, and also for filling swimming pools, ornamental ponds and hot tubs.   Back to top

1.6 Will I save on my water bill if I have rainwater harvesting? You can save on your water bill if you have a meter. Government reports estimate that 70% of customers see their bills reduced with a meter by 10 to 15% because of the user's awareness that mains water costs money. Most water boards have ready-reckoners on their websites to help you decide whether a meter is a good idea. Currently only around 23% of households in the UK have meters, but they are obligatory in new builds. You water board is also obliged to fit you one if you request it.

1.7 If my water is not metered already, can I ask to have one installed? Yes, all water boards have to install a meter at the request of the householder. Installation is free, and some boards provide the meter as well. Some water boards insist on installing a meter with change of ownership, and sometimes, in tenancy of a property.

1.8 Will I save on my water bill if I have rainwater harvesting? Typically half your water bill is for mains water supply and half is for drainage. Most calculation of rainwater use for flushing toilets and washing clothes shows that water consumption can be halved. This would therefore knock about 25% off your water bill. In august 2008, 10 water boards applied for price increases that could lead to a 40% rise within 5 years; savings will become more significant.

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 2. Planning my rain water harvesting system

2.1 Does the tank have to be underground?
For domestic water use, yes. You should weigh up the arguments for and against digging your tank into the ground…
1) in favour of digging the tank in:
a) No unsightly equipment in the garden, especially if you are installing a tank bigger than 200 or 360 litres
b) Suitable for a small garden or where the space is otherwise restricted. For example, our stronger tanks can be installed under a drive way if suitable supports are constructed over the tank
c) Less risk of brackishness (discoloration due to bacterial action at 12 degress C and above) in summer due to warming of the leaf debris at the bottom of the tank.
d) Negligible risk of frost damage to tank, piping and pumps in winter. Take into account the prevailing temperature conditions in winter where you live; if your pond or water trough freezes up seldom, and if the layer of ice is only a few centimetres thick at worst, then your rain water harvesting tank and equipment are unlikely to be damaged.
2) in favour of situating the tank above ground:
e) Ease of installation and lower installation costs
f) Easier to maintain in case of change of scenario or pump failure
g) Suitable for farm, outhouse, equestrian, market garden and other installations where the visual and aesthetic criteria are less important.

2.2 Do I need a large roof area to provide an adequate supply of water?
A surprisingly small roof area will give a lot of rainwater: a typical terraced house with a 6 by 8 metres roof area could give 30,000 litres a year depending on the area of the country you live in. Check the tank size calculator and UK rainfall figures shown on that page.

2.3 How long would the water last in a drought?
Check the tank size calculator. You can calculate from the size of your roof and average rainfall figures in your area (available on our web site) how much water will come off you roof in a year. The same calculator works out how long the water will last in a drought from a) your garden size, b) how much water you want to give to your plants, and c) the size of your tank. Aim for between 1 and 4 weeks drought protection and a tank size which
also suits your budget.

2.4 What else do I need besides a tank?
The filter installed in the pipe to the tank is essential for larger tanks where water may be stored for a longer time. It will help prevent water becoming smelly and discoloured by removing leaves and other debris. This also reduces the sludge accumulating at the bottom of the tanks, and reduces clogging of tap outlets, hoses and watering-can heads. High quality filters (such as in the turret of the tank) separate debris out and flush it down the drain or soakaway. Some downpipe filters eject debris straight out the side, while cleaned water goes into the tank. Both kinds are easy to maintain.
For even cleaner water, an overflow siphon collects smaller particles such as pollen which can accumulate after filtering on the top layer of rainwater. The integrated u-bend stops vermin getting into the tank through the overflow outlet. Where the rainwater flows into the bottom of the tank, a calming device prevents the flow from stirring up any silt on the bottom. A floating intake to the pump takes water from the cleanest place, a few centimetres below the surface. A pump maintains a good pressure and flow of water round the house and garden. Pumps (such as the Forta Duo and similar pressure-sensitive pumps) turn on automatically when you turn on a tap or flush a toilet. It stops on its own as well. Other less expensive pumps will only stop when the water level in the tank is too low for it to work any longer. Although some pumps do have their own filters, they perform much better if the rainwater has been filtered already by an exterior filter.     Back to top
 

2.5 Why is it a good idea to install a filter and pump if I am only using rainwater for the garden?
A filter installed in the down-pipe to the tank, or in the top of the tank itself, is a good addition for all tanks but is particularly to be recommended for larger tanks installed above ground where water may be stored for a longer time. It will help prevent water becoming smelly by removing leaves and other debris. This also stops sludge accumulating at the bottom of the tanks, and tap outlets, hoses and water-can heads clogging up. Some filters separate debris out and send it on down the drainpipe. Other filters eject debris straight out the side, while cleaned water goes into the tank. Both kinds are easy to maintain. A pump makes distribution from the tank easier by maintaining a good pressure. Quality pumps (such as our Forta Duo pump) with a pressure-sensitive switch turn themselves off when water flow is not needed; when using a spray-head, you do not have to run in to turn pump off: it will stop when you click the spray-head to off. Other less expensive pumps will only stop when the water level in the tank is too low for it to work any longer.

2.6 What is the best kind of pump to use?
Pumps which switch off when no water is being drawn (such as our Forta Duo pump) and which can be used both in and out of the tank are the best. These allow you, for example, flexible watering. When using a spray-head, you do not have to run in to turn pump off: it will stop when you click the spray-head to off. Other less expensive pumps will only stop when the water level in the tank is too low for it to work any longer. If you order a system with a rain management system which turns the power on and off to the pump (such as some versions of the Rain Director) then the 800W StrongArm is our choice.

2.7 What size pipes should I use?
a) Butts and tanks 1000 litres or less, do-it-yourself systems:
It is tempting to use a small diameter pipe (hosepipe or 25mm (one inch) diameter from the collector-filter to the tank. However it is worth the effort to use 32mm pipe to the tank. A narrow pipe will collect the bulk of water from light rain and drizzle, but during the critical period of collection, i.e. the summer, you need to be able to catch the available water which typically falls in sudden storms at that time of year. So give yourself a chance by fitting the biggest pipe possible. In our experience, 32mm is the best. Try to buy usually Spiroflex or a similar pipe which keeps its shape (transparent tubing from a DIY shop twists and caves in, restricting water flow, so avoid it). You can get Spiroflex from any aquatic or fish pond supplier, often in the back of your garden centre, or order it from us. The connection kits are available separately on request.
b) Tanks larger than 1000 litres and all underground tanks, professional systems :
Rigid drain-pipe is recommended, in either of the two 75mm or 100mm diameter standard sizes, so that the flow is unrestricted and so that the weight of earth or backfill does not collapse the pipe. Installations of this sort would normally be installed by your contractor or plumber.
In both cases, make the pipe from the tank to the appliances or garden taps as wide as practical, certainly not less than one inch (25mm) diameter. 32mm is preferable to maintain a good flow rate and pressure for garden sprinkling. Use MDPE pipe with push fittings; use black pipe not blue to indicate that the rainwater is non-potable under the UK Building Regulations. Ensure that the output pipe from a submerged pump is flexible enough to allow the user to draw the pump out of the tank (using the cord) for filter cleaning. Back to top

2.8 When do I need to use a filter?
A filter is recommended in every Rain Water Harvesting installation and essential if the rainwater is going to be used in the house. It is most critical when leaves often fall on the roof being used, such as a low roof with trees nearby.

2.9 What is the best filter to use?
RainWaterHarvesting.co.uk sells three types of filter.
1) The down-pipe filter/collector takes the water feed for your tank through an outlet in the side; the leaves or other debris continue down the existing down-pipe from your gutter. Use this next to the house when adapting an existing down-pipe. When the tank is full, excess water flows on down the down-pipe.
2) The leaf extractor filter (e.g. Rainus filter) pushes leaves or other debris out of the side of the filter and the clean water continues down the down-pipe. Use this type on out-houses, garden garages, stables etc when the down-pipe goes straight into your harvesting tank and when you don't mind leaves being pushed out the side. 3) Underground tank kits come with a professional self-washing filter, like the Optimax Pro, fitted in the turret of the tank. Leaves are pushed by the water flow out into the waste pipe.

3) Underground tank kits come with a professional self-washing filter, like the Optimax Pro, fitted in the turret of the tank. Leaves are pushed by the water flow out into the waste pipe.

2.10 Is there a risk that the down-pipe filter will cause a back-up spill over the gutter?
Both down–pipe filters and leaf extractors have overflow capacities as big as the original down-pipe to which they were fitted. You might get back up of water and overflow at the level of the gutter, but only in such extreme rain fall that you would probably have had gutter overflow anyway.

2.11 Why do I need a siphon?
The siphon skims small particles of dirt off the top of the water by creating a more rapid water flow from time to time. This is rather like the flush of a toilet but on a smaller scale. It keeps the water in the tank cleaner than a plain overflow pipe.

2.12 Can I use a small butt near the house feeding a larger tank elsewhere?
Yes. You can have a small water butt (say 200 litres) collecting rainwater off the house down-pipe. As it fills, an automatic level-sensitive pump sends the water through an above-ground or buried hose-pipe or 1 inch pipe to a much bigger storage tank underground or elsewhere on your property. You should plan for a soak away to handle excess water at the storage tank.

2.13 What is the best way to distribute water from the storage tank?

You can:
1) Fill a watering can from the tank,
2) Use hose or tricklers fed by gravity from the tank.
3) Use a level-sensitive pump which stops when the level in the tank drops to a pre-determined level.
4) Use a pressure sensitive pump which turns off when it senses back pressure in the pipe it's feeding, e.g. when you close the sprinkler or tap with which you are doing the watering.

2.14 Can I use a lawn sprinkler with my rainwater harvesting tank?
Yes, but you'll empty the tank rather quickly. A normal movable sprinkler can use 1,000 litres per hour, so a 200 litre tank would be empty in 12 minutes! We recommend the use of a drip feed system (such as those from Gardena and Kar) where water is directed to the roots of the plants at night, controlled by a time switch. The lawn should be watered with mini sprinklers for a few minutes daily if required, i.e. consider fitting a soil humidity gauge.

2.15 Am I obliged to put my water butt on a pedestal to get the watering can under the tap?
No, if you are going to use a pump. And even without, attach a short length of pipe to the tap and water will flow into a watering can or bucket until the level of the water in the butt is lower than the level you want in the can.

2.16 Does all rainwater harvesting equipment come with all the right connectors?
In a word, no. We have been surprised at how lacking in diligence most of the manufacturers have been in this respect. Here at RainWaterHarvesting.co.uk we make every effort to inform buyers what they're getting and we'll source and provide any extra bits needed. If you buy hose, try to use 32mm spiral reinforced (25 or 32mm black MDPE for domestic supply). Flow is better and connectors easy to get. Back to top

2.17 Can I use rainwater in my pressure cleaner?
Yes but with a suitable pump. Most pressure cleaners, like the Karcher, need a certain amount of pressure and flow rate of the water at arrival. We have found that the small pumps in the £30-£50 range do not deliver enough pressure, but better ones like the Forta Duo work fine. Look for 500 to 1100 watts in power and 3 to 5 bar pressure. Such cleaners use a lot of water so check the tank level before use (normally by lifting the cover and looking).

2.18 Can I use rainwater to fill a swimming pool?
Yes. Use an underground rainwater harvesting tank, pump and filters to ensure that the water being fed to a swimming pool is well clean. The Building Regulations are interpreted differently by different council inspectors: generally it is understood that rain falls into a swimming pool anyway, so using rainwater properly filtered provides an even better quality of water. Some inspectors like to insist on an Ultra-Violet filter which we can also supply. Check your alkali level and other water factors after filling with rain water.

2.19 What tank size?
You can download the tank size calculator from this web site at  or email us the details and we'll do it for you. We would need to know the roof area of the building, its location in the UK, how many people in the house, how many toilets and washing machines and whether the water will also be used in the garden

2.20 What advantages do we get under The Code for Sustainable Homes?

The Code for Sustainable Homes now puts pressure on builders to install rainwater harvesting in new-builds. A rating against the Code for Sustainable Homes, which measures nine categories of sustainable design including energy, water and waste, will be required for all new homes. Homes which exceed the sustainable standards in existing Building Regulations will be awarded up to six stars. Those homes that have not been assessed against the Code will score a nil-rating. Many councils are now giving planning permission only if the development scores between 3 and 5 against the Code. If you would like to get a Sustainability Code assessment please register here and include in the notes section "Sustainability Code assessment please.

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3. Using rainwater in the house: domestic systems
 

3.1 Can I use rainwater in the house?
RainWaterHarvesting.co.uk supplies all the equipment for domestic rainwater use. Select one of the kits which include the tank, filter, pump and accessories needed for such systems. Use of rainwater in the house requires you to plumb pipes to feed rainwater to the toilets, washing machine and one or more garden taps. The UK Building Regulations classify rainwater as non-potable so use in showers, baths and in the kitchen is not permitted in the U.K. - even though people in many countries of the world use stored rainwater for drinking. Do please check with local authorities about any other regulations that might apply.

3.2 What size tank do I need?
This depends on five factors; 1) where you live (amount of rainfall a year), 2) the roof area from which you can collect water to your underground tank, 3) the number of toilets and people in the house, 4) the amount of water you want for your garden and 5) how much drought protection you want. The tank size calculator on this website will help you work out your needs and RainWaterHarvesting.co.uk will check your calculations for you on request. The majority of tanks sold by us for a family house are 6500 litres in volume, i.e. the biggest of the Graf Carat range. If you're fitting a tank, why not fit the one which gives the best drought or hosepipe ban protection?

3.3 If I use rainwater in the house, what happens when my tank runs out?
The automatic mains backup switches in, so you can go on flushing toilets and washing clothes without interruption. But you would not be allowed to water the garden when there is a hosepipe ban if the mains water is flowing. Remember to specify one of the three mains water backup options;
a) float switch and solenoid valve on the mains pipe (a tundish (air gap) is needed to conform with Building Regs.) (cheapest option),
b) a "rain manager" from various manufacturers with mini header tank and pump in a large console in your utility room, and
c) The Rain Director with microprocessor-controlled roofspace header tank for minimal electricity use, less pump wear, water during a power cut, auto flush and holiday modes. Back to top

3.4 What is the power consumption of the "rain managers" like the Power Rain C or Graf's Silencio?
Nominal working power consumption is 550w with a surge in power consumption each time the pump starts. The Rain Director uses about one eighth of the power because it lets the header tank empty by gravity before filling it again.

3.5 How loud are rain managers like the Power Rain C?
74 decibel unshielded or 70 decibel shielded. A dull hum. The Rain Director, on the other hand, makes no noise in the home because the pump stays submerged in the underground tank.

3.6 Can I collect grey water with a rainwater tank?
Yes but... Grey water is waste water from the house (from basins, showers, baths, washing machine and dish washer) but not toilet wastes and food wastes derived from garbage grinders (called "black water"). It's mostly a question of personal taste
whether to use grey water to water the garden, but if you are not a heavy detergent user, then, yes. Grey water should not be used to fill swimming pools and it might give a smeared finish when washing cars. You should consider a specialist treatment plant (http://www.greywater.com) and you should also check any applicable regulations. We do not recommend putting grey water in your rainwater tank. If you have a big roof and plenty of rain you might choose not to bother with collecting grey water.

3.7 Is it better or easier to use rainwater than grey water?
Rainwater is better than grey water as rainwater contains less detergents, soaps, chemicals and bodily dirt. But in times of severe water shortage you should try to store grey water for garden use.

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4. All about Tank installation

4.1 What are the specifications and dimensions of the typical tanks?
The vast majority of our sales are of the biggest Graf Carat tank which has a capacity of 6500 litres. You can see the tank manufacturer's brochure by clicking here

 

You can see an engineering drawing of the tank with its dimensions by clicking here (or substitute the tank size for 6500 if your tank is other than 6500 litres):
 

4.2 Why install underground?
a) the low ambient temperature underground in summer prevents the water getting brackish and discoloured. For this reason it is not suitable to provide rainwater in the house from an overground tank.
b) the tanks are big and ugly... not what you want in the garden from an aesthetic point of view.

4.3 If I buy a kit, what is included?
The best way to purchase rainwater harvesting equipment is in kit form, i.e. with all the parts supplied to make a complete system. Our domestic water kits include not only the pump and filters but also one of the three types of mains backup;
a) float switch and solenoid valve on the mains pipe,
b) with a rain manager with built in pump and mini header tank in one unit and
c) our new Rain Director® with smart header tank and computerised control panel. More Rain Director® information can be downloaded here or a Rain Director® manual here.

4.4 What is not included in the kit?
Your contractor needs to supply the piping to connect
a) gutter to tank (usually 4 inch gutter down pipe),
b) the piping from tank to the house (MDPE black 32mm (1.25 inch) with BSP push fittings) and
c) the internal piping to the appliances.

4.5 What building regulations are applicable?
The client is responsible for complying with applicable regulations which can be interpreted differently in parts of the country. Most building regs for domestic use of rainwater require that a device must be fitted which prevents backpumping of rainwater into the mains system such as a tundish at the outlet of the mains to the tank.

4.6 Where should the tank be?
The tank should be located convenient to a point where the downpipes from all four sides of the building can be brought together in one 110 mm drain pipe. This is usually the lowest point in the grounds if there is any slope. The pump will then draw water from the tank up to any point in the building. It should join the internal rainwater piping network in a utility room or the point where the mains water arrives in the building.

4.7 Can we use water off the drive and patio?
We would not recommend using water off the hard standing or patio because oil spills or other waste could enter the water destined for washing clothes and flushing toilets. Some clients use a separate tank for run-off (and grey water) and this water is used on the garden only. Back to top

4.8 What are the installation requirements for a large underground tank?
a) It is essential you follow the manufacturer's instructions for fitting or the guarantee will be void. The installation instructions of a typical kit may be downloaded here

b) If the ground where the tank is to be installed is well drained and has a low water table, back filling with sharp sand, earth or pebbles is OK. You are advised by the tank manufacturers to provide a concrete base of 150mm under the tank.
c) If the ground is habitually wet or the water table is high, there must be a beam or concrete to prevent the tank when empty from popping up out of the ground. Yes, it happens. Alternatively, drain the area directly around the tank with a pump if needed.
d) MDPE tanks are not normally strong enough to keep their shape in compression so the tank must be filled with water as you proceed with backfilling.

4.9 I have a low-lying garden where water collects. Can I get it drained?
Yes, use a dirty water pump with float switch from our range. Make a culvert or manhole at a low point in the garden into which surface water will flow. The pump starts automatically when water is present; you can route the outlet pipe up to a drain or soakaway.

4.10 Our rainwater tank is going to be so low that the overflow and leaf output have nowhere to go. What do I do?
It is vital that the rainwater flows smartly over the filter in the turret of the underground tank so that leaves and debris are flushed away. If the top of the tank is lower than the drain then you need one of two solutions. 1) Make a soakaway with enough capacity to take both the excess water off the roof (tank full) and the leaves and debris. 2) Make a manhole beyond the outlet into which leaves and debris will flow. Use a plain mesh filter to keep the leaves on one side so that you can manually extract them from time to time. Beyond the mesh your soakaway absorbs the excess water. An optional pump in the clean side of the manhole starts automatically when water is present; you can route the outlet pipe up to a drain or soakaway.

4.11 How do I get the submerged pump out for filter cleaning and maintenance?
Ensure that the pump has been installed with its cord (supplied with most pumps) attached both to the pump and to a point at the top of the tank. Ensure also that the output pipe from the pump is flexible enough for you to be able to pull it out of the tank. If the pump is fitted with a basket filter, clean it out. There are no other serviceable parts

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5. Use of rainwater in the garden

5.1 Does my tank provide enough water to sprinkle the lawn?
In a word, no. A sprinkler uses about 1000 litre an hour, so even if you use a large 6500 litre tank, it would be empty in a morning. We recommend the use of a trickle feed, soaker hose or irrigation system

5.2 What Irrigation system should I use?
If you are watering flower beds and individual plants, then a leaking or soaker hose is the most water efficient. The water goes straight into the ground where it is needed. A typical leaking pipe uses 1 to 10 litres per metre per hour depending on whether it is 4mm or 12.5 mm diameter. Drippers (trickle feed) are water efficient also, directing water exactly to where water is needed. Fixed rate drippers use 4 litres an hour per dripper. Mini-sprinklers can be directed to specific areas and plants typically vary in range from 1.5 m, 2m and 3m, and use on average 55 litres per sprinkler per hour. For example, a 40 sprinkler kit covering 750 m2 would use @ 2200 litres an hour. A typical spray sprinkler covering 240 m2 may not cost very much (eg £12.99) but is not water efficient, using @ 1000 litres an hour. To water 750 m2 would therefore use @ 3000 litres an hour, nearly a third more than the mini-sprinkler system.

5.3 How much water should I use and how often during a drought?
The Royal Horticultural Society says that “up to 24 litres per square metre every 7-10 days will be sufficient to maintain plant growth” (ie 2.4 litres a day) or “2.5 cms of water per plant every 10 days during dry spells”. For example, running a sprinkler system for 2 or 3 minutes every 24 hours should be enough during a dry spell. This is only a guideline as the water need will vary with the size of the plant.

5.4 Can I attach a hose to the pump in the underground tank?
In principle yes, but we recommend that the hose off the pump is a one inch (25mm) or larger pipe as far as a connector or stand pipe tap. This is because water flowing in the constriction of a half inch hose means that you do not get sufficient pressure and flow rate at the far end.
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6. Maintenance

6.1 Do I have to clear the leaves out of the filter?
No. The Graf Optimax filter in the turret of the underground tank, and those from other manufacturers which are not basket filters, feature a nearly-horizontal mesh filter from which the leaves are washed away by the arriving rainwater. Ensure when installing the tank that the debris outlet (which doubles as the tank's overflow) has enough drop to ensure a good flow of water away from the filter towards the soakaway or drain.

6.2 Doesn't leaf debris or sediment get into the stored water?
As small amount, yes. Most tanks accumulate a millimetre or two a year, but there are 3 further devices in our kits which ensure clean rainwater in the home.
a) The calmed inlet prevents arriving water from disturbing and silt.
b) The siphon on the overflow sucks dirt of the surface of the water
c) The floating intake takes rainwater for the house from just below the surface of the water, where it's clean.

6.3 Should I clean the sediment out?
The tank manufacturers mostly say you should inspect the tank for silt build-up every couple of years, but it can be much long before any intervention is required. To get the silt out, lower a dirty water pump to the bottom of the tank when it's nearly empty and pump out the silt with the remaining water. A hose or pressure washer could also be useful.

6.4 Are the tanks guaranteed?
The Hercules and Carat tanks from Graf are guaranteed 15 years.

6.5 Does the pump need maintenance?
The pumps in the £200 range are strong and long-lasting. They require no maintenance and, being submersible, there are no user-serviceable parts. In the case of breakdown the pump can be pulled out with its cord (the top of which is attached to the inside of the tank turret at installation) and replaced. Check with your supplier about the guarantee involved.

6.6 Is there a way of reducing pump wear?
Yes. It seems un-necessary for the pump to start off pumping every time a toilet is flushed, especially because a disproportionately high amount of electricity is used when the pump starts, and because the pump, in simple installations, goes on pumping for some time after it stops supplying water. The Rain Director solves these problems. Its microprocessor-controlled roofspace header tank uses about 8 times less electricity, wears the pump less, provides water during a power cut, and has auto flush and holiday modes.

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7.1 Can I make my rainwater into drinking water and what about council approval?

The UK Government's requirements are at http://www.opsi.gov.uk/SI/si2000/20 003184.htm. It's quite a read.

The WHO's recommendations are at http://www.who.int/water_sanitation _health/dwq/gdwq3rev/en/index.html

In practice, it is vital to get water tested if the users or authorities want to be certain of its quality. There are testing companies all over Britain and one can identify them locally when required. Most council inspectors will want to see test results and a confirmation from a supplier that the equipment will handle whatever might be polluting the water. The most common pollutants and their remedies are as follows:

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