ABSTRACT
ABSTRACT: This paper reports on the comprehensive monitoring of a rainwater recycling system installed at domestic properties in the UK. The unit evaluated is a direct feed system, which uses rainwater for toilet flushing, washing machine usage and supplying an outside tap. By using state of the art metering, data logging and remote retrieval technology, the rainwater and water supply systems at two homes were closely monitored. The data collected enabled an accurate and daily water balance to be produced, including estimates of rainwater harvested. Rainfall data collected from a nearby rain gauge station were used to compare the rainwater harvested with volumes that could have potentially been collected during the exercise. With such detailed knowledge of the whole process available, it has been possible to model the performance of the recycling system for all years between 1995 and 2000, inclusive. The forecasts have been used to estimate typical annual savings, pay back periods and the potential impact on future demand.
