Rainwater Harvesting

What is rainwater harvesting?

It is collecting the rainwater run-off from a structure like a building, in order to store it for later use. Traditionally, this involves collecting the rain from a roof. The rain will collect in gutters that channel the water into downpipes and then into some sort of storage vessel. Rainwater collection systems can be as simple as collecting rain in a rain barrel or as elaborate as harvesting rainwater into large cisterns to supply your entire household demand.

Why is it important?

It allows you to manage your water supply for the garden (and other things if wished) and thus reduce the need for using drinking-grade water on plants. LCKG would like to be self-sufficient in its water use, but even though we have storage for 5,000 litres, this is not currently enough to sustain us in a drought year.  With the aid of the weather station’s data on precipitation and on soil moisture we hope to be able to maximise the efficiency with which we store and use water.  East Kent is in the driest region of the UK and this, combined with the likely impact of more extreme weather due to climate change means both the storage and use of water are particularly pertinent.

How does it work?

All that is necessary to take advantage of this resource is to capture the free water falling on your roof and direct it to a rainwater storage tank. Rainwater harvesting systems can be configured to supply your whole house and/or your landscape needs. 

LCKG has a combination of large plastic storage tanks, recycled IBCs, an old metal water tank and a series of water troughs around the garden. The tanked water is able, with the aid of a pump (runs on solar), to connect to a hosepipe for watering by hand, or to irrigation networks (either drip or spray).  The troughs are suitable for dipping watering cans in and watering by hand.