- Financial benefit through water savings.
- Meeting storm water management regulations.
- Access to potable water.
Frequently Asked Questions - FAQ
What are the benefits of Rainwater Harvesting?
The three main benefits for rainwater harvesting are:
The three main benefits for rainwater harvesting are:
An emerging movement to create more environmentally ethical and sustainable communities which are concerned with diminishing clean water sources are participating in the use, re-use, and recycling of water and energy resources. Rainwater harvesting can contribute to the overall goal of sustainable housing and community infrastructure. It can be part of a total package of sustainable home design, or a first-step toward participating in the green-lifestyle paradigm. As well, over time there can be a significant savings in cost of water and charges for storm water.
- Financial saving from water.
- A FREE source of water which is available to all from Mother Nature.
- A renewable, sustainable, and a high quality source of water.
- Soft water with a neutral in pH.
- Free from disinfection by-products, salts, minerals, and other natural and man-made contaminants.
- Result in a reduction of water bills including city storm sewer charges.
- Avoid municipal watering schedules, or watering bans in dry climates.
- Alleviate demand on aging municipal water supplies. The average Canadian uses 329 litres of water a day. In the summer months, water consumption doubles with 50% of treated water being used to irrigate lawns.
- Manage storm water by catching it and reducing the amount of flooding your foundation area
- A strategy to actively improve the environment.
- Store seasonal rainfall tfor use in times of drought and municipal water bans.
- A means to reduce erosion, property flooding, and contamination by capturing the majority of urban runoff from a house.
- Reusing water saves considerable amounts of energy. For example, 33% of the City of Toronto’s electricity use in a year is spent on water pumping and treatment.
What is the difference between rainwater, storm water, grey water, potable water, and other waters?
Rainwater
Fresh precipitation from the sky that has not touched a ground surfaces. A roof surface maintains the rainwater quality.
Stormwater
Rainwater from a rainfall event that has touched the ground surface and un managed at the source. This water must be managed further down the flow path by storm water systems.
Ground Water
Water present below the earth’s surface; i.e. aquifers, wells.
Surface Water
Water present on the earth’s surface; i.e. lakes, streams, rivers.
GUDI
Groundwater Under Direct Influence of surface water; i.e. shallow wells, foundation drainage.
Potable Water
Water safe for human contact (showers), consumption, and food preparation
Grey Water
Once used water discharged from washing machines, showers, bathtubs, bathroom sinks, etc. Grey water does not have fecal/urine contamination.
Black Water
Once used water discharged from kitchen sinks and toilets and may contain fecal/urine contamination.
What is Rainwater Harvesting?
Rainwater harvesting is the process of both:
- Collecting Rainwater
- Reusing Rainwater
Rainwater Collection
Accomplished using a rainwater storage systems that pre-filters and collects rain through catchment, conveyance, and storage. (Rain water must be from a roof surface, if it touches the ground it becomes classified as storm water and is much more contaminated then rainwater. Storm water can be reused but using slightly different technology , due to its high contamination it is more expensive to treat than rainwater.)
Rainwater Reuse
Accomplished using rainwater pumps, filters, treatment, and controls to get the rainwater where it is needed and to ensure it is safe for the intended use.
If planned correctly a rainwater harvesting system can supply all your water needs and be used for everything!. Rainwater harvesting systems are being increasingly integrated in urban settings around Canada to reduce water demand on community infrastructure. Rain harvesting can be as simple as a rain barrel at the end of a downspout or as complex as a multiple-end-use underground storage system. Harvested rain can be used outdoors for irrigation; indoors for toilet flushing and laundry; and if sanitized, as drinking water. The system scope, treatment method, and technologies will vary depending on end-use of the water. Cleanflo offers complete solutions form roof to tap and every detail in between.
What can Rainwater be used for?
Cleanflo Rainwater Systems are designed to be used for three different levels:
- Irrigation only
- Toilets,laundry, and irrigation
- Drinking potable water and human contact
Rainwater can be used for any purpose you may have for water.
What laws, regulation or guidelines govern rainwater harvesting?
Rainwater harvesting systems are governed buy the local building code in each jurisdiction.
Cleanflo Rainwater systems meet CSA standards for rainwater and storm water re-use. Cleanflo systems are engineered and qualify to meet permit local law, regulation and guidelines. Each municipality has its own guidelines. Cleanflo will ensure your project can be permitted and is successful.
- A comprehensive rain harvesting system that is plumbed into a building requires expert advice for the design of the system and assistance with seeking regulatory permission.
- When installing a rain harvesting system, ensure that there is suitable warning to ‘not cross connect rain harvesting lines with indoor potable lines’, and mark all pipes and faucets, both indoor and outdoor, as ‘non-potable supplies not suitable for drinking’.
- Connect your cistern or rain barrel to another storm water management system like a soak away pit to infiltrate excess water into the ground when the system is full.
How do I determine the potential volume of rainwater that can be collected from a roof?
The Gross potential volume of rain that can be harvested from your roof is based on two main factors roof area and rainfall. A single square metre (ROOF AREA) multiplied by 1 millimetre of rain (RAINFALL) equals 1 litre of water, is the rule of thumb.
The actual amount of rainwater harvested will be less due to loss from wind, roofing material, pre-filter and overflow events.
What is the best size for rainwater cistern?
Determining rainwater systems cistern size is based on three factors:
- Catchment area (roof area)
- Intended use and anticipated water needs (liters/day or rainwater required)
- Possible rainfall amounts (location)
Based on the optimal volume of rainwater available to collect, the user must determine if the anticipated water needs will exceed available rainwater. If the user requires additional water, this can be achieved by topping up the rainwater with a municipal water supply, or by incorporating the capture and use of grey water sources.
The Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation has published guidelines for rainwater harvesting systems which include tables for estimating the optimum rainwater cistern.
How will freezing impact my rainwater system?
Cleanflo rainwater systems can be used all year and WILL NOT freeze.
- Seasonal rainwater systems need to be decommissioned in winter months. A seasonal rainwater system uses a rainwater tank that is NOT heated or buried below frost line.
- Year -Round rainwater systems DO NOT need to be decommissioned in winter months. The rainwater tank is usually in a heated location or buried below frost line. As well the inter-connective piping is installed to meet Cleanflo requirements for Year – Round rainwater system installation.
Why Buy From Cleanflo ?
Our Vision
We believe every person on Earth should have access to safe, clean water.
Our Mission
To ensure all Canadians have access to safe, clean water.
Our Values
Safety, Quality, Honesty, Innovation, and Transparency
Our Strategy
Manufacture First Class rainwater harvesting, storm water, water treatment and fluid automation systems.
Our Strength
Our ability to design and manufacture the entire system under One Roof. From concept to production, from mechanical equipment to software to hardware and every detail in between.
What makes Cleanflo Water Technologies One of Canada's Leading Providers in the Industry?
- Experience: Cleanflo has been in business since 2012
- Professionalism: Cleanflo invests in customer satisfaction
- Knowledge: Cleanflo has a strong knowledge base
- Originality: Cleanflo is an industry innovator
- Suppliers: Cleanflo works with suppliers across Canada
- Product: Cleanflo’s products are industry standard
