12 Steps to Creating a Complete Rainwater Harvesting System

While installing a water tank is the first step to harvesting rainwater, there is other hardware that should considered to improve the efficiency of the system. Installing these extra components also reduces water tank maintenance requirements.

Here are 12 steps to creating a complete rainwater harvesting system:

1. Check ROOF SURFACE is suitable for collecting quality rainwater.
2. Install GUTTER MESH to prevent leaves and debris from blocking gutters.
3. Fit GUTTER OUTLETS from the underside of the gutter to prevent obstruction of water flow.
4. Fit  leaf catchers such the Leaf Eater^® or Leaf Beater^® RAIN HEADS to downpipes to prevent blocking. Rain Heads deflect leaves and debris and keep mosquitoes out of pipes that hold water (‘wet’ systems).
5. Install FIRST FLUSH DIVERTER/S to help prevent the most contaminated rainwater from entering the water tank.
6. Ensure a TANK SCREEN is installed at water tank entry point to keep mosquitoes and pests out.
7. Choose a WATER TANK. Consider annual rainfall, roof catchment area and water usage when determining its size.
8. Attach INSECT PROOF SCREENS or FLAP VALVES to the end of all pipes to the tank screen to keep mosquitoes and pests out and ensure the tank is vented properly. Install an AIR GAP to TANK OVERFLOW OUTLETS to prevent stormwater backflow into your water tank.
9. Utilise a TANK TOP UP system (if required) to automatically top up the water tank with mains water when levels fall to a designated minimum level.
10. Select a PUMP SYSTEM (if required) to distribute water for use inside or outside the home.
11. RAINWATER FILTER. Fit a purpose designed rainwater filter after the pump to help reduce residual sediment, colour and odour.
12. WATER LEVEL INDICATOR. Install a Tank Gauge water level indicator to your rainwater tank to monitor your water level and usage.

Source: Rain Harvesting

The water tank is the backbone of any water conservation system; be sure to choose a good quality water tank from a well-known brand – this will ensure the water tank has a long service life and is safe for storing potable water. In South Africa we recommend rainwater tanks and water tanks manufactured by JoJo Tanks. Click on the links below to view the wide range of JoJo Tanks products available throughout South Africa.

JoJo Tanks South Africa offer a wide range of products such as plastic water tanks and chemical tanks to suit every household, business or agricultural need, including silo tanks and silo tank stands as well as other high quality JoJo Tanks products.  See JoJo Tanks’ VERTICAL TANKS, HORIZONTAL TANKS (transporter tanks), STEEL TANK STANDS and OTHER JOJO PRODUCTS and see JoJo Tanks’ NEW 6000 LITRE UNDERGROUND TANKS. Also see our FAQ and WATER TANK PRICES.