Rainwater , an available resource.
In Spain we have buildings and infrastructures created in the Classical Age that illustrate the importance of using rainwater in Mediterranean countries such as ours. Rainwater is an alternative resource for the supply of water in buildings and homes that is of special environmental and economic interest. Particularly where available water is scarce and/or where it already has a rate adjusted to its real cost, in accordance with the precepts of the Water Framework Directive.
There are many everyday applications that do not require potable water quality and for which rainwater is an effective and suitable alternative: toilet flushing, laundry, irrigation, cleaning. By applying these measures, water consumption in our homes can be reduced by 40%.
Rainwater collected, filtered and stored appropriately represents an alternative source of good quality water that can replace drinking water in certain applications and thus contribute to saving this resource.
Rainwater can be used for various applications, the most common being:
Interior of the buildings:
• Toilet cisterns
• Washing the floors
• Washing machine (when using rainwater for washing machines, treatment is recommended)
complementary, according to the manufacturer's specifications.
Exterior of the buildings:
• Irrigation of garden areas
• Washing the floors
• Vehicle washing
Industrial uses:
A study is recommended for each application, for example:
• Cleaning of industrial surfaces and vehicles
• Fire water storage tank
• Irrigation
Before entering the rainwater storage and recovery tanks , rainwater must be filtered to prevent dirt from entering the storage tanks, which could cause malfunctions in the system, worsen the quality of the stored water or lead to unnecessary maintenance costs.
There are three types of water filters depending on their location:
Water filters for installation in downpipes .
Water filters for installation in water tanks .
Water filters for individual installation (in manholes, buried or on the surface).
Regarding the operating principle, there are two basic types:
“Self-cleaning” dirt expulsion filters.
Filters with accumulation of dirt.
Basic criteria for rainwater collection tanks .
Water must be stored in the water tank , previously filtered and cleaned of all dirt. The water tank must be exclusively for this use, in a rainwater recycling system, and its material must not alter in any way the quality of the stored water.
For the best water conservation, it is advisable to protect the rainwater recovery tank from ultraviolet light and heat. This care must be taken in the case of surface water tanks outside. The most recommended solution in most cases is underground water tanks .
It is essential to maintain a register or manhole for entering the water tank , to allow for its inspection, cleaning and maintenance, as well as to ensure that access to unauthorized personnel is prevented.
