Rainfall
is becoming
less predictable in our changing climate and so an important part of
sustainable garden design relates to the way we manage of rainwater.
Hosepipe
bans have become a common occurrence in the UK and can last for well
over six months in times of drought - whilst flash floods continue to
terrorise the nation.
When it rains, water from buildings and
hard surfaces is directed through downpipes, drains and gullies into
the drainage system. Some downpipes from the roofs of domestic
properties are directed into a soak-away and so return to the water
table naturally. However, in urban areas the water is taken away into
drainage systems.
The current water management system makes our
bills more expensive - with the need for constant repairs and new
drainage systems to cope with peak rainfall. It also causes groundwater
levels drop as the water doesn’t return to the water table, and so we
all suffer from water shortages.
The average house roof
apparently sheds 45,000 litres of water per year! This means that
nearly 25% of the water we currently use could be harvested from our
roofs.
Recycle grey water | Rain Gardens | Water conservation | Using water wisely | Hosepipe ban
