Save water and save the roses

We should probably have paid particular attention to the beautiful flowers in gardens around the country this summer.

With the impending water charges, it might be the last time we can enjoy such a flamboyant abundance of colour. To ensure I can sustain my beloved blooms, I have just installed a water butt. Since its arrival and connection to a small gutter on my garden shed, it has remained full, despite regular use to water the garden.

In the last few years I have been asked to investigate the cost of rainwater harvesting by most of our clients who were planning a substantial renovation or extension. However, as it is at about €4,000 to install depending on the size of the house, it was often one of the first items to be omitted to reduce costs.

Now, with water charges a reality, this decision might be more carefully assessed as the system should result in approximately 50 per cent less mains water being used. It is still a substantial outlay for many households, though.

However, there are much less expensive options that can easily be retro-fitted.

The first is a very neat slimline rainwater tank and collection system that can be easily installed in a confined space. It is so slim that it fits neatly in a side passage without blocking access. The system is a lot less expensive than traditional underground tanks.

It is simply bolted to the external wall of the house, making it an ideal retro-fit solution for installation by a contractor or those experienced in DIY.

Another option is an on- ground system that can either be installed in a shallow excavation or under decking.

The tank does not require a concrete base and an integrated sump enables the most efficient use of the mains’s top-up feature. This system is ideal if you do not have a side passage, making it the perfect choice for urban locations.

These products are manufactured by Halsted and are supplied by a number of companies in Ireland. We get so much rain here, yet as soon as I had installed the water butt, I found myself hoping it would rain to see how well it worked.

Perhaps with the installation of these kinds of rainwater systems, we will become less depressed by the weather forecast as the rain will at least be put to good use.

Take cues from our neighbours on the continent where water charges have been in place for years. Simple updates can be made in our homes to reduce water usage. For example, fitting aerators to taps will reduce water flow to just 4.5 litres a minute, helping you keep a handle on both your water charges and your energy bills.

An instant water heater on your kitchen sink means you don’t have to let the water run while it heats up – this will reduce both heating and water costs for your home.