Page 24 - November 2015 Green Builder Magazine

The Homeowner’s Handbook SIXTH EDITION

Anatomy of a

RAINWATER System

Harvesting rainwater from your home’s roof can lower your water bill and ensure that you always have a supply of
freshwater. Different systems clean water to varying degrees; the simplest systems use physical filters to remove debris
and sediment, so the water doesn’t clog pipes or fittings. Such water can be stored and used for irrigation or to flush
toilets. Chemical or UV treatment can bring water up to standards suitable for potable uses.

Capture
Though you can capture
rainwater from most roof
surfaces, some may leach
contaminants into the water. In
general, a metal roof is safest.

Non-Potable Uses Potable Uses Physical Filtering
Rainwater that has Rainwater that has Screens and filters can remove
not been treated been treated to potable up to 90 percent of the debris
beyond physical standards is suitable for and sediment that would
filtering can be all household uses. otherwise fill up your cistern.
used to irrigate
landscaping and/or Storage
flush toilets. Cisterns can be located
above or below ground, but
underground storage is out
of the way and maintains a
near-constant temperature.

Pump and Pressure Tank
These components ensure that
water is where you need it, and
at the correct pressure.