In the face of declining water resources exacerbated by climate change, Rainwater Harvesting emerges as a pivotal solution, especially in urban settings like Perth. As Western Australia increasingly relies on seawater desalination and groundwater, tapping into the vast potential of rainwater can reduce our dependence on mains water, offering a sustainable way forward.
Rainwater can be used for drinking or cooking and for other household activities like showers, to flush toilets or in the laundry.
Watering of the garden by hose or through automated reticulation systems.
No disruption to your daily, normal routine or lifestyle during drought or strict water restrictions, for eg you can still top up your pool and water your garden.
Save on your water bill
Better choice for the environment and eco-friendly - sustainable, renewable leading to smaller footprint.
Rainwater Harvesting systems can also be set up to use both rainwater and mains water supply. The Mains Water system bypass works during low rainfall periods or drought. The mains water supply acts as a top-up system and feeds the rainwater tank as needed for continued usage in the home.
When rainwater and mains water supply are connected, the mains water supply must be separated from the rainwater system by a suitable backflow prevention device or a visible air gap, as required by the Plumbing Code of Australia.
Most mains backup devices already have a backflow prevention system appropriate for use with above-ground tanks. If mains water is for an underground tank system, a testable backflow prevention device must be fitted on the mains water supply to the house. It normally needs to be tested annually.
Rainwater Harvesting together with water efficient appliances (low flow showers and dual flushing toilets) is by far the easiest way to reduce water wastage in the household. It is also a cost-efficient way to cut down on water usage from mains water supply.
Myth Busting!
Will Rainwater make me sick?
It has been proven that rainwater does not make you sick! According to tests and research done by Dr Peter Coombes, rainwater is similar to mains water supply and will not make you sick. In fact, rainwater is considered safer than mains water supply.
Keeping my rainwater tank full is a good thing?
It is actually recommended to use your tank water as often as possible. This allows the treatment train/microbiome inside the tank to work at its best. The ideal way to maintain your tank is to use the water inside! So connect your tank to all your household appliances/taps to make the most of your rainwater harvesting.
It might come as a surprise to you but Rainwater harvesting systems require minimal maintenance. Taking the following simple measures at the beginning of each season, every few years or as required should ensure your rainwater harvesting system keeps running and supplying healthy water to the whole family:
It might come as a surprise to you but Rainwater harvesting systems require minimal maintenance. Taking the following simple measures at the beginning of each season, every few years or as required should ensure your rainwater harvesting system keeps running and supplying healthy water to the whole family:
At Beyond Reticulation, we are members of Rainwater Harvesting Australia. We have qualified Rainwater Harvesting installers as well as a licensed plumber to get the job done to the highest standards. This will ensure the safety of your family and other users.
For more information, follow the links below:
Rainwater harvesting works most effectively when integrated with both landscaping and irrigation systems. By combining efficient garden design, plant selection, and a properly designed reticulation system, harvested rainwater can be used effectively across the entire landscape.
We help homeowners across Perth suburb make better use of rainwater through practical harvesting systems designed for local properties, gardens and outdoor water needs.
Whether you’re looking to install a rainwater tank, connect rainwater to your irrigation system, or create a more sustainable water setup for your landscape, our team can recommend a solution that suits your property and how you use your outdoor space.
Rainwater harvesting is useful in Perth because it can reduce reliance on mains water and groundwater while making better use of rainfall when it is available. It can also help support gardens, lawns and landscaped areas during drier months, especially when connected to an efficient reticulation system.
Yes. Rainwater harvesting systems can be set up with a mains water backup or top-up system. This allows the property to use stored rainwater when available and switch to mains water during low rainfall periods. Where rainwater and mains water are connected, suitable backflow prevention or a visible air gap is required to keep the systems separated safely.
Rainwater can be used for garden watering, reticulation, topping up pools, toilet flushing, laundry, showers and some household activities, depending on the system design and treatment level. If rainwater is intended for drinking or cooking, suitable filtration, disinfection and plumbing advice are important. Rainwater harvesting can also be planned alongside landscaping and reticulation to create a more efficient outdoor water system.
Many rainwater harvesting systems use a pump to move water from the tank to the house, garden or reticulation system. The right pump depends on the tank position, water demand, pressure requirements and whether the system is supplying irrigation, household fixtures or both.
Yes. Rainwater systems usually need some level of filtration to help keep debris, sediment, insects and contaminants out of the tank and plumbing system. Common options include leaf guards, gutter protection, tank strainers, first flush diverters, screen filters and, for indoor use, additional cartridge filtration or disinfection.
A rainwater harvesting system should be checked regularly, especially before and after wetter seasons. Maintenance may include cleaning gutters and leaf guards, checking downpipes, cleaning the first flush diverter, checking the tank strainer, listening for pump issues, inspecting filters and arranging tank de-sludging every few years. We recommend de-sludging every 3–5 years and servicing or replacing the pump around every 10 years.
Rainwater harvesting can help reduce mains water use, which may lower water bills depending on how much rainwater is collected, how the system is connected, and how the water is used. The biggest savings usually come from using rainwater for high-use areas such as garden irrigation, toilets and laundry.
Request a Rainwater Harvesting Consultation