Almost all homeowners love a bit of rain. It keeps the plants watered and provides some welcome respite from the harsh Australian sun, especially during the summer months. Over the past two decades, collecting rainwater for household use has become popular across the country, especially in drought prone areas.
From gardening and irrigation to flushing toilets and even drinking water, the potential uses of rainwater are vast. However, rainwater cannot be used safely for everything without the proper precautions. You will need to make sure that it’s safe for home use first by filtering it.
Here at the Irrigation Shop, we’ve assembled this hand guide for homeowners considering installing a rainwater filter at home. We'll delve into the reasons to install a home rainwater filter, the types available, and how to choose the right one for your needs.
Why Install a Home Rainwater Filter?
Rainwater is generally considered safe for non-potable uses like watering plants or washing cars. Many households already save money and have reduced their reliance on the local water supply by using rainwater like this. However, the golden question for many people when they consider installing a filter is often, "Is rainwater safe to drink?".
Using rainwater for drinking or cooking without proper filtration can pose health risks. Rainwater can pick up contaminants as it falls through the atmosphere and collects on various surfaces. These contaminants may include dust, dirt, pollen, bird droppings, and even airborne pollutants.
Without treatment, these impurities can compromise the quality and safety of your harvested rainwater. Installing a home rainwater filtration system addresses these concerns by purifying rainwater and making it suitable for a wide range of household applications, including drinking and cooking.
Home rainwater filtration systems come in various types, each designed to remove specific contaminants from rainwater. Here are some common types and their primary uses:
Sediment Filters
These filters are designed to remove solid particles such as dirt, sand, and debris from rainwater. They are often the first stage in a filtration system, preventing larger particles from clogging subsequent filters.
Carbon Filters
Activated carbon filters are effective at removing chlorine, organic compounds, and some chemicals from rainwater. They can improve the taste and odor of the water, making it more palatable for drinking and cooking.
UV Sterilization
UV (ultraviolet) sterilizers use UV light to disinfect rainwater by destroying bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms. This is a crucial step if you intend to use rainwater for drinking or cooking.
Reverse Osmosis (RO) Systems
RO systems are highly effective at removing a wide range of contaminants, including heavy metals, fluoride, and minerals. They produce exceptionally pure water but may also produce wastewater in the process.
Whole-House Filtration Systems
These comprehensive systems combine multiple filtration methods to ensure that all the water entering your home is clean and safe. They are ideal for households with various water needs. The Irrigation Shop provides an excellent range of these whole filtration house systems.
Checklist For Selection And Purchasing a Filtration System
When choosing a home rainwater filtration system from the Irrigation Shop or any other reputable provider, you should follow this checklist to help you make an informed decision:
Determine Water Volume
Calculate the amount of rainwater you plan to harvest and use. Ensure that the filtration system you choose has the capacity to treat the required volume (usually measured in liters per hour)
Identify Contaminants
Assess the quality of your rainwater and identify the specific contaminants you need to address. This will help you select the appropriate filters and treatment methods.
Budget
Determine your budget for the filtration system, including installation costs if applicable. Keep in mind that investing in a high-quality system can lead to long-term savings on water bills and maintenance.
Maintenance Requirements
Understand the maintenance needs of the filtration system you select. Regular maintenance is essential to ensure it continues to operate effectively.
Certifications
Look for filtration systems that meet industry standards and have the necessary certifications for safety and performance.
Complete Home Rainwater Filtration Systems
The Irrigation Shop has a range of quality home rainwater filtration systems for people who are looking to get the most use out of their rainwater. We also stock products for rainwater harvesting and products for rainwater purification. Contact us if you have any questions about installing rainwater filters in your home.
