As we face a world increasingly impacted by environmental challenges and the effects of climate change, our responsibility to conserve resources has never been more critical. One resource that is both precious and fundamental to life is water. One source of water that is free for all is rainwater, and to make rainwater harvesting possible one needs to be able to store rainwater in a container.
In the early 1980’s Jan Joubert revolutionized the making of large vertical storage tanks when he experimented with polyethylene plastic and pioneered the roto-moulding of large containers. The JoJo vertical storage tank became an integral part of rainwater harvesting systems large and small. This made residential rainwater harvesting affordable, as the tanks are lightweight and easy to install.
Our South African-made vertical water storage tanks offer a space-efficient and cost-effective solution for rainwater storage, making sure that every drop of rain is conserved for your use, whether you’re topping up your swimming pool, irrigating your garden or ensuring a backup water supply for your home.
However, the benefits of rainwater harvesting systems extend beyond residential applications. At commercial and factory buildings, great volumes of rainwater harvested can be stored, and used for businesses to improve sustainability and save costs. The impact of rainwater harvesting at a business goes beyond the actual costs savings but serves to educate employees in the importance of rainwater harvesting.
5 Advantages of Rainwater Harvesting
Here are some of the most beneficial impacts of rainwater harvesting:
- Financial Savings: By harvesting rainwater, you can drastically reduce your reliance on municipal water and in turn, save on your monthly water bills.
- Environmental Conservation: Rainwater harvesting reduces demand on existing water resources and minimises the impact on local waterways from stormwater runoff.
- Water Security: In times of water restrictions or in areas with limited access to a reliable water supply, your harvested rainwater serves as your personal, secure water reserve.
- Better for Your Garden: Rainwater is naturally soft and free from chlorine, lime and calcium, making it perfect for watering your plants and garden.
- Promotion of Sustainable Living: Using a rainwater harvesting system helps to promote a culture of sustainability and environmental responsibility.
In this blog post, we’ll delve deeper into the potential and benefits of our vertical water storage tanks, why rainwater harvesting is definitely worth it, and how to go about it.
Understanding Rainwater Harvesting
Rainwater harvesting is more than just collecting rain; it’s about taking advantage of a natural and renewable resource that can significantly improve our water security and sustainability. A rainwater harvesting system consists of several key components: a catchment area (usually the roof of a building), a conveyance system (like gutters and downspouts), a storage system (like our vertical water storage tanks), and a treatment or filtration system to ensure the water is safe for its intended use.
The benefits of rainwater harvesting are numerous. Firstly, it provides a sustainable, off-grid water source that can be used for various non-potable purposes, such as gardening, flushing toilets, washing clothes, and even for potable use with appropriate treatment. Secondly, rainwater harvesting can help you save money on your water bills, especially in regions where water is expensive or where usage is metered. Moreover, harvesting rainwater reduces the load on our municipal water supplies, giving us all a more resilient and sustainable water future.
When it comes to storage, water tanks play an integral role. A high-quality, durable water tank is essential for any successful commercial or residential rainwater harvesting system. It needs to be able to withstand the elements, be easy to install and maintain, and have a sufficient storage capacity for your needs. Vertical water storage tanks, for example, are a great solution when space is at a premium, as they have a smaller footprint than horizontal tanks, yet still offer substantial storage capacity.
Despite the clear benefits, there are some challenges associated with rainwater harvesting. These include understanding how much water can be collected, the initial costs of installing a system, and ensuring the stored water remains safe for use. At JoJo, we work tirelessly to help you overcome these challenges, making rainwater harvesting accessible, straightforward, and cost-effective. Our vertical water storage tanks are a testament to this dedication.
The Importance of Rainwater Harvesting: Highlighting Environmental and Financial Benefits
We can no longer ignore the importance of rainwater harvesting, particularly in our current era where water scarcity is a growing issue across the globe. Water is an essential life-sustaining resource, but it’s also a finite one. By capturing and utilising rainwater, we reduce our reliance on municipal water supplies and groundwater sources, preserving these precious resources for future generations.
Rainwater harvesting is not only good for the environment, but it’s also advantageous for your pocket. Collecting rainwater can significantly reduce your water bills, especially in areas with high water rates. By using harvested rainwater for non-potable uses like garden irrigation, car washing, and toilet flushing, you can significantly decrease your household’s mains water consumption.
Additionally, rainwater harvesting plays a crucial role in reducing the impact of heavy rainfall events. By capturing rainwater, the strain on our stormwater drainage systems is lessened, reducing the risk of flooding and soil erosion in our communities and in and around factories. This, in turn, mitigates the damaging environmental impact that these events can have.
Our JoJo vertical water storage tanks are perfectly designed to support you in your rainwater harvesting efforts, offering both an environmentally friendly and cost-effective solution to water conservation. These tanks, manufactured right here in South Africa, are not only a testament to our commitment to sustainability but are also an easy and practical way for you to join the cause. Remember, every drop counts!
Rainwater Harvesting Using JoJo Tanks: How JoJo Tanks Address the Challenges of Rainwater Harvesting
Our approach at JoJo to rainwater harvesting is not only to provide a high-quality storage tank, but offering a range of high-quality products that addresses the challenges of pre-filtration, adapting pipework with reducers, adapter and elbows, and a range of lids. We know that our clients desire a system that is not only easy to install and maintain, but that also provides a safe and reliable source of water.
The challenges of finding the right capacity and footprint for your storage solution are solved by our range of tanks which are available in a multitude of sizes, providing a perfect fit for any property size or water usage requirements.
Our rainwater harvesting solution utilises tanks designed specifically to optimise the collection and preservation of rainwater. One of the primary challenges faced in rainwater harvesting is ensuring the quality of the collected water.
The quality of the stored rainwater is determined by the quality of the rainwater captured. JoJo tanks have a food grade inner lining, which will ensure that harmful chemicals do not leach into the rainwater from the plastic of the tank. The black inner lining ensures that no light penetrates the tank, which will cause algae growth.
It is recommended to use a prefiltration system to improve the quality of the water captured. A JoJo rain head and first flush will ensure that organic debris does not enter the tank. We also have a range of pipe adapters and elbows to make the installation easy to install.
Vertical Water Storage Tanks: Unique Features and Advantages of JoJo Vertical Water Storage for Rainwater Harvesting
When it comes to selecting the best storage solution for rainwater harvesting, the bigger the vertical storage tank, the more rainwater will be able to be harvested. Our largest vertical storage tank is 20 000liters, making it ideal for rainwater harvesting at commercial properties and factories.
However, space is often a constraint. Therefore JoJo has a range of vertical water storage tanks that offer unique space saving advantages. The JoJo Slimline range is specifically designed for small spaces. The 750lt vertical slimline tank can fit through a door, ensuring that you can access small spaces. The JoJo Superslim is the slimmest tank in the market at only 400mm wide, it can fit into very tight spaces. These tanks are designed with a smaller footprint, making them an excellent choice for properties with limited space. They fit well against a wall, allowing you to maximise your rainwater storage capacity without sacrificing valuable property space.
In terms of durability, our vertical tanks are UV-resistant and are designed to withstand the harsh South African climate. The JoJo warranty is 10-years on all our vertical storage tanks. The high-quality polyethylene material used in the construction of our tanks ensures a long service life, offering excellent value for your investment.
Lastly, the installation of our vertical tanks is simple, requiring only a solid, level base. With our network of accredited installers, setting up your JoJo rainwater harvesting system is as easy as deciding to make a positive environmental impact.
How Much Water Can Be Saved by Rainwater Harvesting?
One of the most remarkable aspects of rainwater harvesting is its potential for significant water savings. In South Africa, with our varying levels of rainfall, the quantity of water you could collect can be quite astounding.
For instance, just 1mm of rainfall on a 1 square metre roof surface can yield 1 litre of water. So, imagine how much water you could save with a larger roof and a good rainy season? For a modest-sized home with a roof area of 200 square metres, a rainfall of just 10mm could result in 2000 litres of water harvested.
Taking into consideration the average rainfall and the size of your roof, it’s been estimated that a household can meet up to 86% of its water needs through rainwater harvesting. The impact on your water bill and on the environment is well worth considering.
At commercial building and factories thousands of litres can be harvested and stored. At the JoJo Klerksoord factory 3 x 20 000lt JoJo tanks provides water to the ablution blocks of the factory for 10 out of the 12 months, making the rainwater harvesting system worth it.
Installing Your JoJo Tank for Optimal Rainwater Harvesting
When it comes to setting up your rainwater harvesting system, it’s important to position your JoJo vertical water storage tank in the right place to achieve optimal efficiency. Generally, placing your tank close to the downpipes of your home and areas of water usage is most beneficial. A well-thought-out system can help to maximise water capture, reduce evaporation, and minimise the need for lengthy pipe runs.
Of course, installing a tank isn’t just about placing it and forgetting about it. You’ll need to consider additional accessories for a fully functional rainwater harvesting system. These might include filters, pumps, diverters, and connectors, all of which are crucial components to ensure optimal operation. We’ve designed a range of accessories with ease of use in mind, to make sure you get the maximum benefit from your system. For more guidance, we recommend checking out our list of certified installers.
In Conclusion
Through harnessing the power of rainwater, JoJo Tanks and our vertical water storage solutions are revolutionising the way we think about and use water. Our systems not only address the environmental and financial benefits of rainwater harvesting, but also provide a reliable and practical solution to water scarcity.
We encourage everyone to consider the importance of rainwater harvesting and to take action towards creating a sustainable water future. With JoJo Tanks, you can be a part of the water-wise revolution, reducing your impact on municipal water resources and saving money in the process.
Whether you’re planning for residential or commercial use, rainwater harvesting using JoJo Tanks is a choice that not only benefits you, but also contributes significantly to the broader environment. Invest in a JoJo vertical water storage tank today and start enjoying the many advantages of rainwater harvesting!
For more information about our range of products and solutions, please feel free to contact us at any time. We’re here to assist you in your journey towards a more sustainable water future.
