Rainwater harvesting system

UV system could save 200,000 L pa

Grundfos Pumps’s head office, located in Regency Park, South Australia, has recently completed the installation of a rainwater harvesting system. The system comprises three 50,000 L tanks that collect rainwater from 1,500 m2 of roof catchment area.

The harvested water is disinfected using ultraviolet (UV) technology. A Grundfos High Line UV system was selected for the task. The High Line is a free-standing system developed to handle flow rates up to 17 m ³/h and features electronic intelligence (PLC) that integrates the control and monitoring features of the package.

The germicidal properties of UV are unique, in that it breaks down the genetic information contained in the DNA of micro organisms, preventing them from reproducing, which in turn makes the water safe for consumption. The main benefit of UV water disinfection is that no chemicals are used.

Once treated, the water is pumped using a Grundfos Hydro MPC-E Dual Booster system to all toilets and hand basins on the premises, as well as to all pump test tanks. It is estimated that the system could save around 200,000 L of water annually.

Grundfos’ Quality, Safety & Environment Coordinator, David Barber, explained, “The process of installing this system has been a learning experience for each of us involved. We hope that in the future we will be able to implement additional water conservation initiatives, with the ultimate aim of reducing potable water use by 50%.”