How much water supply is available from rain? Calculation: CA(Rainfall)(0.623)=Collection Potential
Explanation: Your Collection Area (CA) is expressed in square feet. For example: 10 x 20 ft. Collection Area = 200 square feet. Your Collection Area is the footprint of your house or building independent of the roof pitch or shape. One inch of rain on one square foot of Collection Area equals 0.623 gallons of rainwater. For example, 1 inch of rain on 1000 square feet of Collection Area yields about 600 gallons of collectable rainwater. Back to Top
How does the system help protect the environment? The system helps protect the environment in many ways:
Implementing water conservation is beneficial towards reducing the need for new reservoirs and towards extending the useful life of existing water resources.
Rainwater run off can lead to localized flooding, the risk of which can be reduced through widespread installation of BRAE Rainwater Systems.
Reducing the demand on over-burdened municipal water supply and wastewater infrastructures thus reducing the need for new systems to be built.
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Can BRAE help my company gain environmental certifications and support our environmental policy? Yes, water conservation has a big part to play in supporting your company policy to reduce water consumption. Many companies are aiming to achieve LEED Certification, administered by the US Green Building Council and implementing a BRAE Complete Rainwater Solution can help you to achieve the water consumption reductions this certification supports. Back to Top
Are water companies supporting the work that you are doing to protect the environment? Water companies are as concerned as the rest of us about the amount of water needed by our increasing population and are supportive of any measures introduced to reduce the increasing need for water resources. BRAE Complete Rainwater Solutions not only assist water utilities by promoting water conservation, but also reduce storm water entering the treatment plants, which reduces the costs upon the utilities for processing storm water. A reduction in water supplied also helps the utilities to reduce the cost of increasing their infrastructure. Back to Top
What is the difference between rainwater and greywater? We specialize in the supply of rainwater recovery systems, which utilize rainwater collected from the roof area of the building. Grey water is not to be confused with rainwater and usually refers to water collected from the bath / shower, hand basin and washing machines. Back to Top
If we run out of rainwater, what happens? The system will automatically switch on the main's water back up, which will either fill the storage tank up to a level of 20% (allowing storage capacity for when it rains again) or continue to supply the header tank (if fitted). Back to Top
How do you filter the water? Filtration begins with gutters. We recommend screening the rainwater collection gutters to prevent large debris and leaves from entering downspouts. Recognizing that all gutters do not have this feature, BRAE offers a wide variety of Filtration products that work to prevent dirt, debris and unwanted trash from entering your water storage system. Rainwater enters your cistern through a calmed inlet which prevents disturbance of dirt particles that may have settled over time. Rainwater is pumped out of the cistern by a floating suction filter before being distributed to its intended use. Water Treatment packages are available that provide additional filtration and disinfection opportunities for your alternative rainwater supply. Back to Top
Do the filters need cleaning and how often? The system integrates multi stage filtration which does not require replacement filters, however the filtration does require occasional maintenance.
The pre tank filter is a mainly self cleaning stainless steel filter, which will require washing, advised on an average quarterly basis.
The suction filter (stainless steel) requires washing undertaken with an annual service. Back to Top
How much water should I store? Depending on the rainwater system application and average rainfall totals, we recommend storing a two to three months water use, to have adequate storage for dry periods without significant rain for 90 days. Back to Top
What size water storage do I need? There are several factors to consider:
How much water will we use?
What are my site limitations?
Supply = roof area x inches rain (per time) > = demand
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What information should be provided by customer? Besides standard contact and order information, it is recommended the purchaser consider the following factors:
1. What is the required (or desired) storage capacity?
2. Preferred diameter and height. Are there restrictions to size? Measure the area available for tank installation.
3. Specific project or delivery location information and instructions.
4. Desired schedule for delivery or completion.
5. Pipe sizes. Inlet, Outlet, Overflow and drain. and location.
6. Accessories. It's always more cost effective to purchase accessories at the same time as ordering the tank. Consider tank access manways and ladders, level indicators and controls.
7. Snow loading or special wind conditions.
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What about plastic tanks? For small capacity (under 1000 gallons) water storage, plastic tanks are very economical. They are inexpensive and convenient to install due to their light weight and they can be installed on almost any surface. Back to Top
Is there enough pressure to wash a car? Yes, all BRAE Complete Rainwater Solutions are designed to supply water pressure equal to or greater than municipal water pressures providing excellent pressure for washing cars and irrigating landscapes. Back to Top
Is the rainwater safe and clean? The system will supply clean, clear and odorless rainwater for non-potable supplies. Although the water may look clean, it will require additional treatment if it is to be used for any purpose that may involve human contact. Rainwater should not be used for human consumption. Back to Top
Can I install another manufacturers' replacement cartridge in your filter housing? While some other manufacturers' replacement cartridges may seem to physically fit in our filter housing, the quality and performance will not be the same. Only BRAE Filter Cartridges are made with a special process called Graded Density to ensure high quality and outperforms other manufacturers' filter cartridges. Back to Top
How do I know it's time to change my filter? While usually dependent on the quality of your incoming water, most dirt/rust/sediment filters should last between 6-12 months, or when you notice a pressure drop. This drop in pressure is a sign that your filter is becoming plugged. A chlorine/taste/odor filter should last between 4-6 months, or when you notice a change in your water pressure. Back to Top
How does UV disinfection work? Bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms are exposed to germicidal UV (UV-C) at a wavelength of 253.7 nanometers. Exposure to UV-C causes inactivation of the organism. This means the organism's reproductive capabilities are destroyed and are no longer able to cause disease or pose a threat to human health.
Ultraviolet disinfection systems channel water past submerged lamps that emit lethal doses of UV energy, destroying any harmful pathogens. Not only is it safe and very effective, UV does not alter the taste, color or odor of water. It only removes the risk of illness caused by microbial contamination, making water safe to use for residential and commercial applications.
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