Why Collect Rainwater

Every year, thousands of litres of rain fall onto the average UK roof — much of it lost to drains and runoff. Collecting that water gives you a free, independent supply for your garden, outdoor cleaning, and even indoor non-potable uses. With the right monitoring, you can stop guessing and start managing your water with confidence.

Environmental Benefits

Reducing your reliance on mains water has a direct environmental impact. Treated tap water requires significant energy for pumping, treatment, and distribution. By using rainwater for tasks that don't need treated water — like watering plants, washing cars, or cleaning patios — you cut demand on the system and reduce your carbon footprint.

• Reduce mains water consumption — outdoor tasks account for up to 50% of household water use in summer.
• Lower energy demand — mains water treatment and distribution is energy-intensive. Every litre of rainwater you use instead saves that energy.
• Reduce stormwater runoff — capturing rain reduces the burden on drainage systems and helps prevent local flooding.
• Protect groundwater reserves — less demand on boreholes and aquifers helps maintain local water tables.

Economic Benefits

For homes and businesses on a water meter, rainwater harvesting translates directly into savings on your water bill. Even without a meter, reducing your consumption makes financial sense as water prices continue to rise across the UK.

• Lower water bills — use free rainwater instead of metered mains water for gardening and outdoor cleaning.
• Protection against price rises — water companies in the UK have announced above-inflation price increases for the coming years.
• Reduced stormwater charges — some commercial properties can qualify for drainage charge reductions by demonstrating rainwater capture.
• Extend system life — better monitoring helps you catch leaks and inefficiencies early, saving on repair costs.

Resilience & Water Independence

Climate patterns are becoming less predictable. Prolonged dry spells and hosepipe bans are increasingly common, even in traditionally wet regions. Having a stored supply of rainwater gives you a buffer when external supplies are constrained.

• Keep your garden alive during hosepipe bans with stored rainwater.
• Maintain operations for smallholdings, nurseries, and agricultural users when mains supply is restricted.
• Plan with confidence — real-time tank level data tells you exactly how much water you have, not how much you think you have.
• Emergency backup — a well-maintained rainwater system provides a secondary water source for essential non-potable needs.

Better for Your Garden & Plants

Rainwater is naturally soft and free of the chlorine, fluoride, and other chemicals added to mains water. Most garden plants, especially acid-loving varieties, thrive on rainwater.

• Healthier soil — rainwater helps maintain beneficial soil microbiology that tap water can disrupt.
• Better plant growth — many gardeners report noticeably better results when using rainwater exclusively.
• Ideal for ponds and aquatic life — rainwater is free from the chloramines and phosphates found in treated water.
• Perfect for compost — keeping your compost moist with rainwater supports faster, healthier decomposition.

How the RainWater App Helps

Collecting rainwater is only half the story. Knowing how much you have, how much you're using, and whether your system is working properly is what turns a tank into a truly useful resource. The RainWater App gives you real-time visibility and control.

Become a RainWater Installer

Are you a plumber, landscaper, or rainwater harvesting professional? We're building a network of certified installers across the UK who can offer RainWater App–compatible tank monitoring as part of their services. Register your interest below and we'll be in touch.