Buy a Rainwater Harvesting System to Avoid Running Dry

Whenever anything at all is offered at no charge, people flock to avail themselves of the opportunity to acquire something for nothing. Why not react similarly with one of Nature’s ultimate blessings, without which no form of life can be sustained? Why let spare rainwater escape, run-off, and ultimately drain into the ocean, when it’s so desperately needed on thirsty terra firma?

 

Free, Gratis, Mahala

Harvested rainwater, a precious resource, is totally free, gratis, mahala. It doesn’t cost a cent, unlike the rising cost of water that flows from your tap. Late October or early November is the perfect time to buy a rainwater harvesting system before summer rains arrive in earnest. If you’re new to rainwater harvesting, investigate what’s available before you go out and buy a water storage tank, unaware that alternatives with additional beneficial features may be available.

 

Semi-Arid Sunny South Africa

Ideally, look for a practical, user-friendly setup that has been designed by professional folks, who also attend to the entire tried and tested rainwater harvesting installation. A tankful of free extra water that might otherwise go to waste, unused, is invaluable in a water-scarce country like sunny South Africa, which is classified as semi-arid.

 

…. While the Rain Falls

There are a few important, relevant factors to take into account. Firstly, there’s the unpredictability of rainfall, even in the rainy season, so it’s vital to gather and store water, and “make hay while the sun shines” or, put more appropriately, .… while the rain falls.

 

Tankful During Outages

Secondly, one must remember that much of Gauteng’s municipal water delivery infrastructure is old, prone to developing leaks, worn-out valves and burst pipes, resulting in temporary outages – no water. Everyone normally served by a now faulty pipeline is left high and dry, unless they have a tankful of harvested rainwater to use as an interim supply.

 

Pay for Every Drop

Thirdly, there’s the cost of municipal water. Previously, the City of Johannesburg offered a specified basic water allocation free of charge to all residents. However, since mid-2017, only registered indigent persons may qualify for this concession - the rest have to pay for every drop, unless it’s harvested, free rainwater.

 

Three Step-Up Harvesting Systems

Windy Willows offers three easy-to-use systems, stepping up progressively from the basic unit.

 

Basic Unit

• Cement base to elevate and accommodate the tank.
• 1 000-litre or 2 500-litre tank connected to a gutter downpipe and fitted with a leaf/debris catcher.
• Ball valve on the tank – for non-pressurised water outlet.

 

Intermediate Unit

• As per the Basic Unit, standard with a 2 500-litre tank.
• Piping from the municipal mains feeds the tank as a top-up measure when it’s not raining.
• Electronic float valve to select the adjustable level of municipal feed and keep the tank full.

 

Advanced Unit

• As per Intermediate’s features, with one important addition: Pressure pump to drive a garden irrigation system with a 50 l/min output.

 

Optional Addition

• A system enhancement to the last option, which feeds tank water back into the home’s taps during an outage. Tank water should be filtered for potable use but is suitable as is for washing and bathing. Fill a watering can or bucket from the tap to flush toilets.

 

Rainwater harvesting makes a significant contribution to one’s lifestyle, sense of water security, and convenience. It’s great for the environment, your garden, and your budget because this water is on-hand and free.