What is rainwater harvesting?

Rainwater harvesting is a technique used for collecting, storing, and using rainwater for landscape irrigation and other uses. The rainwater is collected from various hard surfaces such as roof tops and/or other types of manmade above ground hard surfaces. The most common way of collecting and using rainwater via roofs and guttering is in water butts or containers and then use on the garden.

More sophisticated rainwater harvesting systems are not common in Dublin for the following reasons:

• The relatively high cost of the systems especially if retro-fitting.
• Domestic customers are not charged directly for water in Ireland, therefore there is no payback on the system.
• Concerns that the quality of the water may pose a health risk.
• Requires some technical skills to install and provide regular maintenance.

It is important to evaluate the potential savings before investing in a rainwater harvesting system.

Find out more about rainwater harvesting

Grey water reuse

What is grey water reuse

Grey water is the collected wastewater from baths, showers and hand basins. Personal bathing habits will influence the potential quantity available for saving mains water. The most common method of re-using grey water is to carry relatively clean water used for washing or rinsing outside and use on the garden.

At present more sophisticated grey water re-use systems are not common in Dublin for four main reasons:

• The relatively high cost of the systems especially if retro-fitting.
• Domestic customers are not charged directly for water in Ireland, therefore there is no payback on the system.
• Concerns that the quality of the water may pose a health risk.
• Requires technical skills to install and provide regular maintenance.