Is it time we all took rainwater harvesting seriously?

THE huge demands put on water supply due to the recent drought has certainly helped place the conversation about water harvesting back on top of everyone’s agenda. It’s a topic few of us ever take seriously given the high amount of rainfall we get for most of the year. But this has proven to be misleading.

Rainwater harvesting is something that can be achieved on a small or grand scale. From the domestic home owner, to the commercial and agricultural sectors – we all need to consider some measure of water harvesting. Demand for water is estimated to rise by over 50 percent by 2030, while the average person in Ireland is estimated to use over 15 litres of water per day. When you consider that thousands of litres of rainwater is wasted every year from the roofs of sheds, houses and buildings it begs the question ‘should we be doing more?’

The recent weather suggests that we should most definitely be doing more to take the pressure of the public supply. Water for domestic use is one thing, but if you have a garden or like to wash your car every week, than some kind of remedial action needs to be put in place. Attach water buts to down pipes around your home and shed; collect water and store it in larger plastic drums or tanks for when a dry spell hits. Something as simple and low cost as this can make a huge difference.

There are companies nationwide who can take the idea of rainwater harvesting a step further depending on cost and scale of use. If you’re into gardening in a big way, or have livestock, then you should consider having underground tanks installed. They will store a sufficient amount of water with its own overflow system built-in.

Rainwater is a primary source of water supply and the recent heatwave has exposed the crisis that emerges when secondary sources of water in rivers and lakes comes under pressure to meet public demand. We can make a collective contribution to water conservation by engaging in what are minor individual choices. Recent weather conditions demand that we at least explore water conservation options. KILFLYNN is a picturesque village with all local amenities included and this property at No. 4 Fearan Flainn is a great opportunity to savour the tranquil pace of village life. It is on the market with a price tag of €125,000, which represents great value for someone looking to live in the countryside but is a 10 minute drive from Tralee and Listowel.

This end of terrace house comes with 3-bedrooms and 3-bathrooms and it has a well-proportioned interior that is both bright and spacious.

This property offers exceptional value in what is a quiet, very friendly and peaceful village. It has a large south facing rear garden, ensuite bedrooms, and oil fired central heating. It’s just a minute’s stroll from the local primary school, shop, church, post office and pubs. Also a few paces away is St Columbus Community Centre, formally a 19th Century church that still forms the centerpiece of this idyllic country village.

It’s also a few minutes’ drive from Lixnaw and Abbeydorney villages, making it an ideally positioned property for someone wanting to live in north Kerry but who works in Tralee. This property is well worth viewing to appreciate the space it offers. For more information contact Daire McCann directly at 066 7121073 or email daire@whgiles.ie