Don’t know where to place the rainwater collector? Start by avoiding these areas as the collection will become outdated or even contaminated.
Rainwater harvesting is an ecological AND economic practice that is spreading in France and with the rainy season approaching it is more relevant than ever! But before you get started, it’s worth knowing exactly how to use a water recovery tank… And above all, where to place it so that it effectively captures runoff rainwater.
Rainwater harvesting: the rules to follow in France
Rainwater recovery is defined by the French administration as “water collected downstream from inaccessible roofs (where water falls)”. This water it is not drinkable : its use is therefore regulated. May be used only for :
- Fill flushing the toilet toilets
- Wash them floors
- Wash it laundryprovided that water treatment equipment is used, which mainly ensures disinfection
- Outside the house: pro water, clean your car or wash the walls…
Finally, if your tank is connected to collective sanitary network, you must report its installation to the town hall.
As regards location of your collectorthere is no legal restriction or special imperative. You can install it anywhere you want, but to get the most water, it is better to avoid some areas and favor others…
Where should I install the rainwater collector for maximum efficiency?
Find correct placement your rainwater collector, just follow a few principles:
- The place must be easily accessiblewithout obstacles
- On the ground, absolutely flat and stable.
- Install it preferably near the roof or gutter network connected to the tank to allow for recovery all the water was running off the roofs.
Also, if your winters are harsh and/or summers are hot, consider equipping a tank protective equipment customized.
Rainwater recovery: places where you should definitely not install a tank
Finally it’s convenient avoid places at all costs which have the following properties for the installation of your recuperator:
- AT from the source of pollutionsuch as chimneys, parking lots, industrial zones… Collected water will also be polluted!
- Under the treewhere leaves and branches will obstruct the path of the rain, in addition, they will enter the tank and contaminate the rainwater
- On the floor unstable : make sure that the land where you want to place the skimmer is not subject to erosion or landslides.
- Also avoid areas owhere animals have easy access to your rainwater collector : they could come there to drink, which would reduce the capacity of the tank and you risk the presence of their excrement in the water.
Either you will reap less waterand more debrisor you risk it accidents and damage…