Rainwater Harvesting

1. Rainwater Harvesting CORK GLASS LTD

2. Introduction • Cork Glass have 8 machines that use either fresh or recycled water as a coolant as part of the production process. • This created a demand that outweighed the public supply. • Harvested rainwater can be used for all non drinking water uses.

3. Water Intake

4. Water Intake • The downpipes are connected to a bank of storage tanks. • Each tank has an 1100 litre capacity. • Capacity can be varied by the number and size of tanks. • These tanks are supported by steel girders on block on flat columns.

5. Water Intake

6. Overflow system • An overflow pipe discharges excess water to the storm water drainage system.

7. Pressure • By positioning tanks up off the ground, a pressure can be maintained. • This is sufficient to flush toilets, feed showers, sinks, irrigation units. • We use a small pump to increase pressure to 3 bar.

8. Cost benefit analysis • Water charges are based on “water-in water-out” at a cost of approximately €2 per Cubic Meter of water. • Water is metered as it comes into a building and therefore charges also apply to dispose of it. Harvested rainwater by-passes this system as there is no charge for disposing of it.

9. Set-up costs • All labour and installation was performed by our staff so costs were kept to a minimum. • Tanks €2500 • Plumbing materials etc €1000 • Total cost €3500 • Due to the simplicity of the system, there are little, if any maintenance costs.

10. Environmental Benefits • Every litre of tap water we use adds to our own carbon footprint. • This water must be treated, pumped and transported great distances just to be flushed away. • It makes sense, where possible, to use the natural resource on our doorstep.