The line, which was opened in 1876, was threatened with closure in the 1980s, but was saved following a campaign led by the Friends of the Settle-Carlisle Line.

Of the eight original water towers that were dotted along the 72-mile route and used to feed the passing steam trains, only one remains. It is now being converted into a character-filled two-bed, three-storey, home by Mark Rand and his wife.

Mark, who is also Chair of the Friends of Settle to Carlisle Line, describes the state earlier this year of the Grade II listed building as, “superficially poor, but structurally sound. It was there, and unloved, and there was only one sensible use for it.”

Sustainability has been embraced by Mark and architect Stuart Green as a major part of their vision for the build. Along with rainwater harvesting, which was included following a recommendation from plumber, Les Hobson, the Water Tower will also benefit from heat-recovery ventilation and a lot of insulation.

Because the building was little more than a shell when work started, with nothing in the way of internal plumbing or electrics, Les was able to install a fully-integrated rainwater harvesting system, to supply a range of non-potable appliances within the Water Tower. Kingspan Water’s Envireau system will be providing rainwater to flush WCs, supply the washing machine, and feed outside taps for watering the one-third of an acre garden, as well as for washing vehicles.

The property is metered so the amount of mains water saved is expected to realise significant
financial savings as well.

The majority of the rainwater will be captured within the building’s enormous 43,000 gallon roof-top water tank. The tank has now been fully restored and will pass the water through the Water Tower’s original downpipe, into the Envireau’s underground storage tank. Additional rainwater will be gathered from the subsidiary roof of a newly-built annex, from where it, too, will pass into the storage tank.

The water will then be pumped to a header tank and used to feed the washing machine, WCs etc. If rainwater supplies are exhausted, or if electrical power is interrupted, mains water back-up will feed the applications.

The system was sized by Kingspan Water’ technical team in line with the British Standard for
Rainwater Harvesting, BS 8515, which takes into account a range of factors, including the number of appliances to be fed, occupancy, roof size, rainfall levels and the risk of flooding.

Mark says: ”The Envireau has been easy to install and a Kingspan Water representative has been a regular visitor to site over the last few months to advise and check on progress. I’m very pleased with the trouble-free way things have progressed so far, and how responsive and supportive the company has been during the build.”

Adrian Gatford, National Account Manager for Kingspan Water, adds: “It’s nice to see such an important part of Britain’s railway heritage being sympathetically restored and given a new lease of life. Rainwater of course, has always been an important element of this building’s historical employment and it’s somehow fitting that it’s going to be an integral part of its future use.

He adds: “Being brought on board very early in project planning has allowed us as a manufacturer to help design and configure the system to best meet the project’s needs. Unfortunately, all too often this consultation only happens when the plumbing is already part-complete – and this can mean costly rebuilding work to reconfigure the system.”

The restoration work is being closely followed by Channel 4, for their Restoration Man programme, to be aired in February 2012.

Particular excitement and interest is expected to be generated by the company’s new retro-fitted systems which are attracting enormous interest from schools, retailers, government buildings.

The advance of retro-fit is an important milestone for the industry, despite the fact that it has not yet become viable for domestic settings.

Until now, harvesting rainwater has been mainly the preserve of new build developments, largely due to the need for extensive groundworks. Now, the advent of above-ground tanks alleviates the need for any groundworking, thus providing buildings and facilities with relatively quick access to recycled water. The potential is such, that it is now attracting serious interest from water companies.

Another important development for the industry has been the recommendation within the government’s recent white paper, ‘Water for Life’, identifying rainwater harvesting as a key part of a wider strategic approach to alleviate predicted drought conditions across the country. Taken as a whole, it is clear that our attitudes to water are likely to change sooner rather than later.

“It seems the floodgates have finally opened for this technology,” says Adrian Gatford, Kingspan Water’s National Sales Manager.

“Concerns about severe water stress across the UK caused by global warming and rising population pressures, have proved how important it is to reduce our reliance on mains water. Our leading portfolio of rainwater harvesting systems provides some of the most advanced products on the market, above and below ground, for commercial and domestic applications. It’s a relatively low-cost, but very versatile technology and as a consequence we are now finding ourselves specifying systems for a wide variety of applications – from aircraft hangers to offices, schools, and now into the high street.”

For the second year running, a working model of a Kingspan Water rainwater harvesting system will also be on display at the Practical Installer demonstration area.

Adrian continues: “Our experts will be on hand at EcoBuild to talk through our full range of systems. We are delighted to have been invited to once again demonstrate our systems in their Practical Installation demonstration area. Come along and find out how easy it is to install and commission our systems!”

To support the growing demand for its technology, we have partnerships with many UK training colleges to develop the next generation of confident and certified installers. Architects and specifiers, meanwhile, have the chance to sign up for the company’s Continuous Professional Development (CPD) sessions.

What’s more, anyone who brings their building plans to our stand can get an on-the-spot system specification from one of our experts. We can advise on the type of system to employ, the size of the tank, and advise about the installation and maintenance of the system.

Ecobuild 2012, takes place at the ExCel centre in London, 20-22 March 2012. Kingspan Water will be located both on Stand N2565 and on the Practical Installer Stand. For further details call Kingspan Water Technical Advisory Service on +44 (0) 28 3836 4477, or visit our website http://www.kingspanwater.com.

Visit the team on Stand 695 Row R for more information on our product ranges and for details on special offers we will be running for the duration of the show.

Kingspan Environmental will be displaying the Titan Environmental, KingspanWater and Sensor Systems range of products.

* Titan Market Leading range of Oil & Fuel Storage

* KingspanWater FarmRain – Rainwater Harvesting for Farms

* Sensor Systems Telemetry and Monitoring Systems

For further information on all our product ranges visit our website www.kingspanenv.com

The geographical location, annual rainfall, the area and type of roof or collection surface, and intended applications (now and in the future) are all considerations to ensure full compliance with BS 8515. The BS also describes how it is possible to use an increased sized rainwater harvesting tank which incorporates an attenuation volume with the correct sized run off outlet for flood water attenuation, to lessen the chances of flooding. 

Siting the tank.  It is more cost effective and practical to site the underground tank in a garden area at the front or the rear of the building.  Siting the tank in a driveway, for example, can add cost to the project and the tank would also require the use of a heavy duty access frame and cover as well as a concrete slab over the tank to manage any vehicle traffic loading to be placed upon it.  

Securing the tank.    Some manufacturers advise using peagravel to back-fill a tank in dry site conditions, which is a cheaper and easier option than concrete.  However, if the system has been installed to reduce surface water run-off, it is likely to be sited on impervious soil.  If the tank is surrounded by peagravel, surface water will filter down through the peagravel and collect there.   Once commissioned, the tank is unlikely to be full for any long period of time so any surrounding water will create a buoyancy issue.  To avoid any issues always backfill with concrete in areas of high surface water run-off.

During the back-filling process dirt can get into the tank.  To avoid ingress the neck of the tank should be covered, for example by plastic covering, and the access frame and cover should then be put in place, with the cover grouted in with cement.   The plastic covering can be removed before the surface is laid. 

Compliance with Water Fitting Regulations.  Plumbers are advised that when installing rainwater harvesting equipment it brings with it new levels of Water Regulations requirements which are vital to protect the public water supply.

1. Many of the regulations revolve around three principle requirements for rainwater harvesting equipment to comply with:
2. Marking and colour coding of the plumbing to ensure that pipes carrying rainwater are not connected into in future to satisfy potable water requirements.  Rainwater harvesting pipes are black with green stripes – which are now available through merchants.  Potable water pipes by contrast are blue.   The pipework must also be labelled every 500 metres internally and an air gap is a requirement.  The requirement for a Type AA or AB air gap in the system is necessary to avoid any cross-contamination between the rain and mains water supplies.
3. Notifying the Local Water Authority.  If a system incorporates a back-up supply from the public mains eg a gravity system, then a plumber must notify their Local Water Authority.    The minimum requirements are a site plan, a schematic drawing of the plumbing layout and details of what is proposed.  The Local Water Authority must inspect at first fix and second fix stages.

 Connecting pipework.  There are several outlet pipes on the underground tank.  The builder or civil contractor is advised to follow manufacturer’s guidelines to ensure that the correct pipes are connected.  Misconnecting the pump for the tank to the wrong pipe will mean it is operational, but not pumping water. 

Locating the control panels.  It pays to make an early decision on the location of the control panels for the rainwater system.  Houses built to Code Level 5 or 6 are likely to have a number of energy-or water-saving technologies installed, including air source/ground source heat pumps, or solar panels, all of which have control panels.  To ensure there is plenty of space for control panels, identity a location where it can offer easy access to all panels. 

More information

You can find out more by watching our video about rainwater harvesting systems installation http://www.kingspanwater.com/download-centre/video.htm.

Kingspan Water also offers training for builders working on large contracts bringing people together from groundworks, site manager, plumbers, electricians. 

To discuss any aspect of installation and best practice, please contact the Kingspan Water Technical Advisory Service on +44 (0) 28 3836 4400, e-mail: enquiry@kingspanwater.com

There are a number of influences being brought to bear to reduce our reliance on mains water, most particularly building assessments, such as the BREEAM rating and the Code for Sustainable Homes.  Both schemes require a reduction in mains water consumption in order to achieve an excellence rating.  And it is expected that Part G of the Building Regs, which incorporates water conservation for the first time, and the likely growth in household water metering will provide strong impetus for the wider specification and installation of water-saving systems such as rainwater harvesting.

In fact, sales of rainwater harvesting systems in the UK are growing rapidly, with market volume increasing by almost 850 per cent in the last 5 years (source: MTW research 2010).

This is helped in part by the fact that rainwater harvesting also has a role to play in reducing surface water run-off in areas at risk of flooding by storing the water from roof areas in large tanks.  The collected rainwater can be used for a variety of non-potable uses such as flushing loos, washing clothes, cleaning vehicles etc.

Specifiers are now regularly incorporating rainwater harvesting into new design developments and most mechanical and electrical (M&E) consultants see rainwater harvesting as a routine addition to their new projects.   After the specification and purchase the final phase for consideration is the installation process carried out by builders, plumbers and electricians.

Installation Process

Installing a rainwater harvesting system is a relatively simple process but requires different skilled trades at different stages of a build.   During the build project rainwater harvesting installation takes place before the plumbing stage.  The builder or civil contractor will excavate a hole for the tank to be located and lower the tank into the ground and backfill as necessary.  They will incorporate the rainwater underground pipework into the build.

The next stage requires a plumber to connect the internal plumbing and connections to the header tank if it’s a gravity system.  Part of the final stage requires an electrician to connect the wiring of the control panel and the pump, then the system can be commissioned and it’s finalised.  As long as manufacturer guidelines and regulations are adhered to, there should not be issues with any part of the installation, commissioning, or safe working of a system.  Maintenance is also very simple; much of it will be a simple visual check of the pumps and filters, with very little mechanical input.

More information

You can find out more by watching our video about rainwater harvesting systems installation http://www.kingspanwater.com/download-centre/video.htm.

Kingspan Water also offers training for builders working on large contracts bringing people together from groundworks, site manager, plumbers, electricians.

To discuss any aspect of installation and best practice, please contact the Kingspan Water Technical Advisory Service on +44 (0) 28 3836 4400, e-mail: enquiry@kingspanwater.com

The system, a Kingspan Water Envireau, will collect rainwater from the roof of the Centre via the guttering and store it in a 3000-litre underground storage tank, before passing it into the bathrooms to flush all its WCs.   If, at any point, there has been insufficient rainfall to meet demand, the Envireau will automatically default to using mains water, ensuring total continuity of supply. 

The aim is to reduce the Centre’s reliance on mains water, through estimated savings of up to 85 per cent of mains water usage each year.  But there is also wider focus at the Centre on educating the next generation on the importance of sustainable living.

Donna Neseyif, the Centre manager, says: “Young people are attracted to Ferny Crofts by the outdoor activities available such as Zip Wire and High Ropes. While they are on-site we promote caring for the environment and sustainability.

“We have the workings of our ground source heat pump and solar panels on display behind a glass panel in the ‘Outdoor Classroom’.   Rainwater harvesting is another exciting step for us and we are hoping to include it within this educational display.”

Adrian Gatford, Kingspan Water’s National Sales Manager, says: “The Envireau rainwater harvesting system comes with filters, underground storage, and the opportunity to pass the rainwater captured safely back into a building for a variety of non-drinking uses including flushing loos and washing vehicles.

“But lowering individual water consumption means more than simply investing in the latest equipment.  It means changing mindsets and behaviours: educating the adults-of-tomorrow to value a resource that earlier generations have too often wasted.” 

The Centre purchased the Envireau system from The Graham Group in Southampton.

For further details about rainwater harvesting systems call Kingspan Water Technical Advisory Service on +44 (0) 28 3836 4400, or visit our website http://www.kingspanwater.com.

This is not a new problem.   Record temperatures and water shortages are recurrent discussions, and point to the impact being felt on our shores as a result of global warming.

It’s not surprising, therefore that we are being collectively prepared for a life where individual mains water consumption will be reduced significantly and the construction industry is playing a significant role in helping to achieve this.  Most notably, perhaps are the two building assessments, the Code for Sustainable Homes and BREEAM rating, which have already had a major influence in supporting a sustainable water programme.  Both schemes require that limits are imposed on mains water consumption in order for a development to achieve an excellence rating; in reality this means installing sustainable water devices, such as water-saving taps and water-efficient appliances.

The assessments also support a growing trend towards rainwater capture and harvesting.  Indeed it is estimated by The Environment Agency that as much as 80 per cent of the mains water used by commercial and industrial buildings could be replaced by harvested rainwater. Given that the price of mains water is likely to rise, a rainwater harvesting system could provide significant savings. Which is another reason why specifiers are now incorporating rainwater harvesting into new design developments and why most mechanical and electrical (M&E) consultants now see rainwater harvesting as a routine addition to their new projects.

But it’s not just about mains water conservation.  Rainwater harvesting systems can also reduce the risk of flooding in a heavy downpour, by capturing rainwater and storing it on site, rather than allowing surface water to overwhelm our Victorian drainage system.  And under SUR1 of the Code, developers are required to reduce surface water run-off if the ground conditions require it, or risk being zero-rated.  This makes the argument for rainwater harvesting pretty compelling. 

What’s more, the nature of the installation work required ensures that the rainwater harvesting systems must be installed by a qualified plumber, which is going to create significant opportunities and additional future revenues for plumbers going forward

Rainwater Harvesting Systems – how they work

 The operating principles for UK rainwater harvesting equipment are broadly the same.   Once the rainwater has been collected from roof of the building, usually via the guttering, it is filtered before entering either an above or below ground rainwater holding tank.  While there are a number of different options available to the mechanical designer, the system can broadly be configured in one of three different ways.

 Gravity System

This system is designed to pump the collected rainwater from the main holding tank to a high level header/break tank within the building. The tank will then service the non-potable appliances as per normal.  Mains water back-up is also delivered to the header/break tank, independently of rainwater, but these systems are configured to introduce mains water only if rainwater supplies are exhausted or if electrical power is interrupted.

Assuming that a high level header tank can be installed, this would generally be the preferred option.

Direct System

In a direct system, the rainwater is delivered directly from the main holding tank to the point of use.  In this instance, and following water regulation requirements, the mains water back-up would be directed straight into the main holding tank.

Booster System

Booster systems are a combination of both gravity and direct systems.   Here, the collected rainwater is delivered from the main holding tank to a surface-mounted break tank and booster system. This option gives the combined benefits of both the direct system (particularly useful in larger applications) and the gravity system, in that the mains water back-up is directed to the break tank.

Installation of Rainwater Harvesting Equipment

Installation should always be undertaken by a qualified plumber and should be a relatively simple task.  For example, with the Envireau system, the non-standard, specialist parts are supplied in the package; any other required components are industry-standard fittings and pipework.

You should be aware that rainwater harvesting equipment brings with it new levels of Water Regulations requirements which are vital to protect the public water supply.

 For further information and advice, we recommend going to the Water Regulations Advisory Service (WRAS) website (www.wras.co.uk).

Many of the regulations revolve around two principle requirements for rainwater harvesting equipment to comply with:

1. Marking and colour coding of the plumbing to ensure that pipes carrying rainwater are not tapped into in future to satisfy potable water requirements
2. The requirement for an air gap in the system, which is necessary to avoid any cross-contamination between the rain and mains water supplies

 The correctly specified equipment will be designed to work in harmony with the rest of the building’s plumbing system. Envireau, for example, is manufactured in the UK and Ireland and so it will comply to buildings in this country when installed according to our simple-to-follow specification.

 Commercial users should familiarise themselves with the requirements of HSE booklet ISBN 9780717617726.

Maintenance

 Much of the maintenance will be simply a visual checking of the system, with very little mechanical input.  As a guide:

• All rainwater harvesting equipment will have at least three filters spread through the system. The main pre-tank filter should self-cleanse during normal working conditions however we advise a visual check every six months to ensure that no debris has become trapped
• The pump filter and control panel filter in standard equipment only require visual inspection periodically to ensure no blockages

We supply a full maintenance manual with Envireau and, assuming a qualified person is on site, a service should only take a couple of hours.

Training

Installer training is recommended and widely available through our customer network and training academies.  

To find out more, or to discuss any aspect of installation and best practice, please contact the Kingspan Water Technical Advisory Service on +44 (0) 28 3836 4400, e-mail: enquiry@kingspanwater.com or visit our website http://www.kingspanwater.com/domestic_rainwater_harvesting.htm.

CASE STUDY

Efficient Heating and Plumbing Solutions

Simon Egerton, General Manager, Cotswold Efficient Energy Centre, who installs rainwater harvesting systems alongside other sustainable building and energy products such as solar thermal and heat recovery systems says:

“We’ve been installing rainwater harvesting systems for the last three to four years; usually as part of a new build project, or where a building is undergoing substantial renovation work.

“The systems are extremely easy to install, given that the groundworks and the guttering is usually done by the builder, and the systems only need plastic pipes.  Really, you just need to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines and apply common sense.  Maintenance is also straightforward as it is, by and large, just cleaning and checking filters. 

“Envireau, which we have installed in our showroom is an example of a great little system.  One of its great advantages is that if there’s a power cut which knocks out the pump, it switches to the mains supply automatically, as it does if there’s a drought.

“For plumbers, offering rainwater harvesting systems represents another string to the bow and a lucrative potential income stream.”

Even in the UK, which is viewed by many as a ‘wet country’, global warming and rising populations are placing significant stresses on our existing water resources.  

There are a number of influences being brought to bear to reduce our reliance on mains water, most particularly, building assessments, such as the BREEAM rating and the Code for Sustainable Homes – the latter was drawn up by the UK government under its Sustainable Buildings Strategy.  Both schemes require a reduction in mains water consumption in order to achieve an excellence rating. 

Largely as a consequence of this, sales of rainwater harvesting systems in the UK have grown rapidly, with market volume increasing by almost 850 per cent in the last 5 years (source: MTW research 2010). The captured rainwater can be used, with or without the addition of a header tank, for a variety of non-potable uses such as flushing loos, washing clothes, cleaning vehicles etc.

In fact, within a few years, every new build domestic house built to the Code for Sustainable Homes in the UK will have rainwater harvesting installed to ensure they achieve Code Levels 5 and 6, reducing mains water consumption from a daily average of 154 litres per person, to 80 litres by 2014 for public sector housing and by 2016 for private sector housing (WAT1 and WAT2 of the Code). 

Furthermore, most new-build schools, colleges, offices, government buildings, multi-residential and retail buildings should all now be designed to meet a high Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method (BREEAM) rating – reducing their reliance on mains water will contribute to a higher rating.

In future, it is expected that both the recent review of Part G of the Building Regulations, which now incorporate water conservation within them for the first time, together with the likely growth in household water metering, will provide strong impetus for the specification and installation of RWH systems in the UK.

POTENTIAL WATER SAVINGS

The amount of water that can be saved through rainwater harvesting obviously varies across the country, and varies according to the size of the roof etc.

Taking South East of England, Kent as an example, a detached three-bedroom house for five people has a roof area of 60m².  The roof of the house can yield an average of 88 litres of rainwater per day (based on annual rainfall figures for Kent).  A householder installing a KingspanWater Envireau integrated rainwater harvesting system will therefore be able to meet 50 per cent of their water requirements to service applications such as toilet flushing, laundry washing, watering the garden or washing the car. 

AVOID RISK OF LEVEL ZERO-RATING

The Code also recognises that rainwater harvesting has an important role to play in lowering the risk of flooding; a risk which remains a very real threat in many areas of the country.

This is covered under a section dealing with surface water run-off in the technical guide to the Code.  The section, known as SUR1, advises the installation of rainwater harvesting as a first option if the ground conditions require it in order to reduce surface water run-off. 

If issues around surface water run-off are not addressed, a development risks being rated Level Zero, so the consequences of ignoring it are far-reaching for builders and developers.

IS THE SYSTEM FIT FOR PURPOSE?

Choosing a system that is fit-for-purpose has become easier with the introduction of the British Standard for rainwater harvesting, BS8515. 

Your supplier should be able to advise on the size of the system and storage tank in accordance with BS 8515 and the Code.

The geographical location, annual rainfall, the area and type of roof or collection surface, and intended applications (now and in the future) are all considerations to ensure full compliance with BS 8515. The Standard also describes how it is possible to use an oversized rainwater harvesting tank for flood water attenuation, to lessen the chances of flooding. 

We would always recommend bringing your supplier on board at the start of project planning to assess your best options and provide advice.  Unfortunately, all too often this consultation happens when the plumbing is already part complete – and this can mean costly rebuilding work to reconfigure the system. 

Kingspan Water has published downloadable guides on rainwater harvesting: visit http://www.kingspanwater.com/download-centre/downloads/KSW_SUR1_NOV%202010.pdf or call our Technical Advisory Service on +44 (0)28 38 36 4400

Representatives and senior executives from businesses and organisations across the UK heard presentations from, among others Noel Crowe, managing director, Kingspan Group’s Environmental & Renewables division, and David Anderson, director, Kingspan Environmental, who is heading up the new Service Network.  The audience also heard from Robin Weiss, managing director, Alro Services who spoke about “specialist, expert service available locally” on behalf of the main installer partners – all of whom were represented at the event.

All the speakers emphasised the value, high-quality of service, and convenience on offer for customers contracted to the new Network.

The National Service Network offers the complete package of maintenance, servicing, installation, design and consultancy for businesses with premises depentent on off-mains drainage arrangements, such as septic tanks and sewage treatment plants.

For further information, email info@kingspanenvservice.com, call 0844 6565 658 or visit our website www.kingspanenvservice.com.

National Service Network Partners receiving their certificates from Noel Crowe, managing director, Kingspan Group's Environmental & Renewables division

Kingspan Water, which is featuring a working model of a rainwater harvesting system on the Plumb Center sponsored Practical Installer demonstration area, will be showcasing their systems and the ease of how the Sensor Control Panel improves the commissioning process. 

Kingspan Water works to establish strong relationships with national merchants like Plumb Center, but also with many training colleges across the country to help installers become confident and certified installers of rainwater harvesting systems. 

For architects and specifiers there is the chance to sign up for the company’s Continuous Professional Development (CPD) sessions.

What’s more, anyone who brings their building plans to the Kingspan Water stand can get an on-the-spot system specification from one of the company’s experts.  The experts will be able to advise on the type of system to employ, the size of the tank, and advise about the installation and maintenance of the system. 

Adrian Gatford, Kingspan Water’s National Sales Manager, says: “Thanks to the emphasis on sustainable water management in the building industry, specifiers and mechanical and electrical consultants are now routinely incorporating rainwater harvesting into new developments.  The sector is a growing commercial opportunity, not just for plumbers, but across all aspects of the industry.  Training is a key element to ensure the correct installation of systems and the delivery of the many benefits such systems can provide the end-user.”

Unsurprisingly, the UK rainwater harvesting sector is highly regulated to protect the public water supply, with systems and equipment now having to comply with British Standards (BS 8515) to ensure they are fit-for-purpose.  Rainwater harvesting is also a hot topic as a method to meet criteria for The Code for Sustainable Homes.  Plumbers now recognise the need to diversify to help “future proof” their installations.

Ecobuild 2011, takes place at the ExCel centre in London, 1-3 March 2011.  Kingspan Water will be located both on Stand S1455, and on Practical Installer, Stand N1530.   For further details call Kingspan Water Technical Advisory Service on +44 (0) 28 3836 4400, or visit our website http://www.kingspanwater.com.