Rain water harvesting and recycling
WITH global warming and the recent change in global weather patterns, it is likely that changing rainfall patterns will continue to bring shorter but heavier bursts of rain that have a high chance of causing flash floods and soil erosion.
Rainfall recorded in some parts of Malaysia has shown a marked increase in the last five years. Commercial and household water consumption has been increasing steadily for the last century.
As the climate warms, other usages of water will increase.
So new ways to reduce, reuse and retain water must be discovered. A person can no longer assume that there is an endless supply of water even in a country with high average rainfall per year like Malaysia.
The situation seems already evident from the occasional water rationing as well as considerable price increase of municipal water supply.
This is where rainwater harvesting and recycling come into the picture. Water charges increase the cost of living, therefore, recycling and rainwater harvesting can assure a return of investment over time.
However the benefits are much greater than just financial, the environmental aspects of rainwater recycling are also very great.
Advantages of harvesting rainwater
- With a rainwater harvesting system (RWHS), society can contribute towards a sustainable future.
- A rainwater harvesting system can provide water for non-potable (non-consumption) purposes, such as flushing toilets, washing laundry, watering the garden and washing cars.
- RWHS enhances the value of a property and can satisfy the water requirements of various levels of certifications for a sustainable home.
- Roof rainwater can be of good quality and may require minimal treatment before nonpotable usage.
- Rainwater harvesting reduces water bills.
- It can provide an alternative water supply during water supply rationing or water supply interruption.
- RWHS 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 and gentle. It is ideal for washing machines as it reduces the amount of detergent required and reduces 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, and was appointed the Malaysian and Singapore partner of leader in rainwater harvesting, WISY AG of Germany in 2009.
Bacfree provide clients with rainwater harvesting systems that are fully compliant with Malaysian and international best practice guidelines.
All Rainwater Harvesting Systems are designed in compliance to the Department of Irrigation and Drainage (DID) Malaysia and British Standard BS 8515:2009 Rainwater Harvesting System code of practice Rain Water Harvesting System Design Guidelines.
• For details, contact Bacteria Free Water Engineering (M) Sdn Bhd at 03-5633 8281 or visit www.rainwaterharvesting.com.my