Introduction:
Rainwater harvesting is a process of collecting, filtering and storing the rainwater from the catchment areas. The harvested rainwater can be utilized for the various purposes like gardening, washing and many more. In this process of rainwater harvesting filters play a major role in maintaining the quality of the harvested rainwater. The filters remove all the dust and debris from the rainwater that comes from the catchment area. Which avoids the accumulation of silt, dust and debris in your storage tank ensuring only the clean water is stored in the storage system. Further let us know more about rainwater filtration, components and its types.
Understanding Rainwater Filtration:
Rainwater is one of the purest forms of water but as soon as it comes in contact with the catchment area it gets combined with the dust and debris on the catchment area, there is a need of filtration in rainwater harvesting process. Filtration is a process of removing all the external dust and debris from the rainwater. There may be various kind of contaminants in rainwater like external substances, dust, organic debris and many more. Utilizing various kind of filters according to the requirement is also important.
Components of rainwater harvesting systems:
1. Catchments: Catchments are the surfaces where the rainwater is collected. If the catchment area is maintained clean then we can reduce the chances of contamination in the harvested rainwater.
2. Conveyance system: Gutters, downspouts and pipes that transport the rainwater from the catchment areas into the storage tanks.
3. Pre-filters: These are the devices that act like first flush diverters that removes all the dust, debris and pollutants from the rainwater before entering into the main filtration system. Ensuring all the external substances are removed and only rainwater will be entering the main filtration system.
4. Filters: These filters can be sand and gravel filters, mesh filters or other type of filters which are designed to remove the impurities from the harvested rainwater, making the rainwater
fit to use.
5. Storage Tanks: Containers that hold the water for the later use. Depending on the rainfall and intend of use the storage tanks can be customizable.
Types of Filters:
1. Mechanical Pre-tank Filters: These filters prevent the contaminants like dirt and debris from entering to the storage system. It removes all the dust and debris ensuring only the clean water will be entering the storage tank.
2. Chemical Filtration: Methods such as chemical dosing, reverse osmosis (RO) or Ultra-Violet (UV) light treatment are used to purify rainwater. However, RO systems can be expensive and may result in the wastage of water.
3. Sand and Gravel Filters: These filters are made using bricks filled with the layers of pebbles, gravel and sand to remove impurities from rainwater.
4. Carbon Filtration: Carbon filters effectively removes the organic compounds, chlorine, pesticides and certain chemical substances from the rainwater.
5. In-Tank Filters: These filters are installed within the rainwater storage tanks and are designed to filter the water as it enters the storage tank.
Conclusion:
Rainwater harvesting is a sustainable practice which offers numerous benefits by utilizing the natural resources efficiently. In this process, filters play a major role, ensuring the purity of the collected rainwater. By removing dust, debris and pollutants, filters prevent the contamination, by safeguarding the quality of the stored water. Rainwater filtration reveals the necessity of removing the external contaminants to maintain the water quality. Various components of the rainwater harvesting includes catchments, conveyance systems, pre-filters and storage tanks, contribute to an effective rainwater harvesting system. There are different types of filters available to cater the specific purification needs, implementing a comprehensive rainwater harvesting system with suitable filters maximizes efficiency, conserves water resources and promotes sustainability.