ENVIRONMENT FEATURE

INVEST IN RAIN, HARVEST IT AGAIN!

The Grand Regent takes a sustainability initiative through rainwater harvesting

By B. Sunil Kumar

B. Sunil Kumar

Manager – Maintenance & Projects The Grand Regent

Establishing a water management plan now will create a more sustainable growth plan for a hotel or a house.

Why do we need rainwater systems for hotels?

If we build a rainwater system for a hotel or restaurant, it is far more reliable than if we use municipal water.

Rainwater harvesting systems can be as simple as you choose, without making a dent in your wallet. It can be made more effective where guttering and downpipes can be installed to direct rainwater into tanks or ground.

Rainwater harvesting is the collection of rainwater from a catchment area, like a roof or open ground and car parking that can later be used for toilet flushing, washing machines, watering your garden or washing your vehicles. Absolute increase in acceptance brings water costs down and it is a good way to beat water scarcity. It is also an effective and easy way to conserve water.

Moreover, no scaling is the advantage for our plumbing and equipment.

Keeping rainwater on your property through a discharge well also helps to reduce the amount of pollutants, such as pesticides or fertilisers in your plot.

GROUND LEVEL

PCC FOOTING RECHARGE WELL

RCC SLAB

WATER IN FLOW

BRICK 230 MM

SAND

PEBBLES

SLOTTED RECHARGE BORE 150MM DIA

Here are some tips to get you started on your DIY water harvesting system: Rain Barrel System (from roof top)

Look for an optimum catchment area – The easiest way to begin collecting rainwater is to look for areas where it naturally flows off the roof or floor.

Choosing the barrel – There are many styles of rain barrels to choose from that you can find at your local hardware store.

Installing the barrel – Whichever barrel you choose should be placed on a flat and level surface. Place a tap or spigot at the bottom of the barrel (by-pass valve shall be added for water grounding) that will be used to release the rainwater whenever you are ready to use it. Attaching a mesh screen or pre filter to the top of the barrel should also be considered as it can act as a filter for bugs, leaves, and other debris.

Keep it clean – It is recommended that rain barrels are emptied and scrubbed once a year before the winter begins.

Recharge Well (from pathway and open ground collection)

In another known way we can collect water from the open ground from a catchment area by digging an earth hole, and finish it as a rainwater recharge well. Rain water collected from car parking, pathway and open ground will be routed to the earth, resulting in an increase of ground water as per the government guidelines.

No water clogging on the surface during rainy season is yet another advantage of this system. That’s why it makes tremendous sense to invest in rain, harvest it again!

708, Avinashi Road; Tel: 429 4455, 429 4444, 98940 44125 www.thegrandregent.com

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