Recycling rainwater

WITH global warming and the recent shift in global weather patterns, it is likely that rainfall patterns will continue to change, bringing shorter but heavier bursts of rain, causing flash floods and soil erosion.

In the last five years, some parts of Malaysia have shown a marked increase in this new pattern. Commercial and household water consumption has been increasing steadily for the last century, and as the climate warms, other usages will increase.

New ways will have to be found to reduce, reuse and retain water.

We can no longer assume that there is an endless supply of water even in a country with a high average of rainfall per year like Malaysia. This is already evident from the occasional water rationing as well as price increase of municipal water supply.

This is where rainwater harvesting and recycling come into the picture. With water charges at the present level, the payback time on such a system is typically 10 to 20 years.

If you consider commercial properties with large roof areas and high consumption of non-potable (non-consumption) water, the payback time can be much shorter.

However, the benefits are much greater than just financial; the environmental aspects of rainwater recycling are also very great.

Collected and filtered rainwater can be safely used to flush toilets, water the garden, wash clothes and the car, and for general cleaning.

Rainwater is “soft” and chlorine-free. It is kind to washing machines, plants and skin. It can also be used to clean surfaces and does not leave behind unsightly scales and stains.

Advantages of rainwater

With a rainwater harvesting system, we can contribute towards a sustainable future.

A rainwater harvesting system can provide water for non-potable purposes.

By substituting municipal water with rainwater for non-potable usage alone, we can halve the amount of municipal water used. Thus rainwater collected can make an important contribution to our dwindling municipal water supply.

Roof rainwater can be of good quality and may require minimal treatment before non-potable usage. As rainwater may be contaminated bacteriologically, it is often not considered suitable for drinking without prior treatment.

Rainwater harvesting reduces your water bills.

It can provide an alternative source of water supply during rationing or interruption.

Rainwater harvesting enhances the value of a property and can satisfy the water requirements of various levels of certifications for a sustainable home.

Rainwater harvesting can form part of the rainwater management scheme by reducing storm-water runoff, thus reducing or mitigating the possibility of flash flood.

Rainwater is naturally soft. It is ideal for washing machines as it reduces the amount of detergent required and the build-up of lime scale.

Being chlorine-free, it is excellent for watering the garden and filling ponds.

Bacfree ventured into the rainwater harvesting industry in Malaysia in 2007. In 2009 they were appointed the Malaysian and Singapore partner of the industry leader in rainwater harvesting – WISY AG of Germany.

They provide clients with rainwater harvesting systems that comply with Malaysian and international best practice guidelines.

All their Rainwater Harvesting Systems are designed in compliance with the following Rainwater Harvesting System Design Guidelines:

Department of Irrigation and Drainage (DID) Malaysia British Standard BS 8515:2009 Rainwater Harvesting System – Code of Practice

For product and design enquiries, contact Bacteria free Water Engineering (M) Sdn Bhd at 03-5633 8281 or log on to www.rainwaterharvesting.com.my