Rainwater harvesting: Another clever way to save energy

Jan. 26, 2011 - PRLog -- Nowadays we all want to minimise environmental damage and reduce our energy bills. Houses fitted with solar panels enable you to save energy but at rather steep  prices. Here is another, cheaper way that may be even more efficient than traditional energy sources: rainwater harvesting.

Rainwater harvesting is one of the oldest methods of collecting water for domestic use. It simply involves the collection of water from a surface on which rain falls – e.g. a bucket or a tub that you put under the gutter of your French Property, removing any leaves or dirt (you could add a filter too). You just then store this water for later use.

The water can then be used both inside and outside the house:

In your garden, it can be used for watering plants and lawns, washing the car, and of course filling the swimming pool.

Inside, the water can be used to flush loos, run washing machines, do the washing up etc… Also, after analysis and filtration, it can be classified as eau potable, meaning you can drink it!

-> How do I install this system in my property?

Normally, the water is collected in rainwater tanks. If you can afford these huge containers and have enough land, you can store rainwater in large quantities. It is becoming more and more important to store and reuse rainfall because we are faced with increasing prices from water companies and requests for mains water that keep rising. By reusing rainwater, you can thus save hundreds of pounds on water bills. In France, the amount of water used on average per day is 175 litres per head – i.e. a household of four would have an average annual water bill of virtually €382 to €534 (£322 to £450). These prices include the highly priced water in agricultural regions such as Brittany, Normandy and even on the Atlantic coast where water reaches €4.70 (£3.95).

Rainwater also has several other benefits: its natural softness. Watering the garden will then require less fertiliser due to its natural properties. People with sensitive skin will find rainwater far milder and less irritating.

-> Be careful, this system is not ideal throughout France:

Logically, this system is better adapted for a property in a region with consistent rainfall, which obviously varies from region to region. For example, it usually rains less in the South West but more heavily than in the North. That’s why it is paramount to choose the right size reservoir to allow the system to function efficiently.

-> How you can benefit from rainwater harvesting:

If you install a rainwater harvesting system before the end of 2011 (by December 31st), you will receive a 40% tax rebate on any cost of installation and equipment up to a maximum of €5,000 (£4,200). So now is the time to install one!

Don’t forget to ask you Mairie if your town has any tax credits/grants available for this type of system which could help you even more..

# # #

Sextant Properties is a network of 160 offices in France.
We offer more than 7000 old stone houses and villa for sale, we also offer 200 new build and Leaseback properties in France.