Industry and agriculture are utilising the roofs of their buildings to capture rainwater. The water is diverted from the gutters via a filtration unit for storage in large tanks. Given the UK gets an average of 33 inches of rain a year, the potential to accumulate thousands of gallons is well within reach. Experts estimate that for every inch of rain that falls on a catchment area of 1,000 square feet, you can expect to collect approximately 600 gallons of rainwater. Ten inches of rain falling on a 1,000 square foot catchment area will generate about 6,000 gallons of rainwater.

Of course, the rainwater collected is not suitable for drinking unless it is further filtered and exposed to UV treatment. However, given the demand by industry for water for cleaning and processing, rainwater harvesting can go a long way to reducing the colossal consumption. Many industrial processes use a staggering amount of water from start to finish. It takes about 270 gallons of water to produce £1 worth of sugar; 200 gallons of water to make £1 worth of pet food; and 140 gallons of water to make £1 worth of milk.

Another powerful reason to consider rainwater harvesting are the current building regulations which encourage sustainable performance in buildings. Reducing the use of water within a building will earn credits that count towards reaching the BREEAM standard.

Kirton Water Treatment Services has gained considerable expertise over the years in producing rainwater harvesting systems currently in use on poultry farms and vehicle wash installations.