Heavy rainfall and long periods of rainfall can lead to problems with flooding, as has been witnessed by recent flooding episodes in Cumbria and Boscastle. To reduce the likelihood of flooding the Building Regulations require all rainwater from new developments to be discharged by means other than mains drainage. This can include soakaways, storage tanks or into watercourses.

The most common form of rainwater disposal is directly into the ground through soakaways, but storage tanks are becoming more popular as a form of rainwater harvesting.

Rainwater Harvesting is the collection of water that would otherwise have gone down the drain, into the ground or been lost through evaporation. Large surfaces such as roofs or driveways are ideal for rainwater harvesting and can provide up to 100m3 (100,000 litres) of water per year from a medium sized area. This water can be used to flush toilets, water gardens and even feed the washing machine. Rainwater harvesting systems can be installed in both new and existing buildings, and the harvested water used for purposes that do not require drinking water quality. Rainwater harvesting has the potential to save a large volume of mains water and therefore help reduce the pressure on water resources.

If your property does not discharge any rainwater into the mains sewers then you may be eligible for a reduction on your water bill. For further information see the Severn Trent website.

For further information on rainwater and rainwater disposal / storage use the following links: