19
Jul, 2022
water

How To Install A Rainwater Tank?

At present, it is important to have a rainwater harvesting system. On the one hand, it is a major advantage for preserving the ecology because it reduces the risks of flooding, erosion, and degradation of the water table. On the other hand, it is a profitable investment, allowing to reduce the consumption of drinking water.

Among the most popular rainwater harvesting systems is the rainwater tank, also called rainwater harvesting. In this article, we’ll take a look at how to install this system. So, without further ado, let’s dive into this blog and learn some of the things you need to know about installing a rainwater tank.

Choose a rainwater cistern model

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The choice of a rainwater tank model depends on the quantity of water you wish to collect and its use. There are 2 main models.

1. The aerial model 

It corresponds to the need for gardening and occasional cleaning. It is installed on stable ground and can be put under cover. It is equipped with anti-UV protection and a tap placed at the bottom to facilitate the drawing. Its connection is provided by a collector, which is equipped with a filtering system to block leaves, insects, etc. Currently, their manufacturers offer more aesthetic models with a wide variety of colors.

2. The buried model

It allows for the storage of a large amount of rainwater, but this depends on the volumes (water storage up to 25,000 L) and ranges available in the market. It is very discreet, as only its cover remains visible, and it is easy to maintain and does not require emptying in winter. It can also keep an invariable water temperature.

Its other major advantage is that it can be connected to the sanitary system of your home to facilitate your household chores such as laundry and cleaning the floor. However, the cost of its installation is more expensive than that of an overhead model. Moreover, its installation is more complex because if it is installed on wet soil, a concrete invert is required, and if it is installed on clay soil, drainage is necessary to evacuate the water around the cistern.

Choose the material for your rainwater tank.

Rainwater tanks can be made from polyethylene, PVC coating, or concrete. The polyethylene tank is effective for all seasons. It is durable (at least 20 years), recyclable and translucent (which avoids the presence of particles in the water). It is also treated with high-definition anti-UV.

The tank with PVC or polyester coating is robust against water pressure, despite its fragile appearance. It is completely closed, which prevents water evaporation and guarantees its purity. Its shape can be customized according to the shape of your land.

The concrete cistern has the power to soften and neutralize the water that is stored for a certain period of time. It requires to be completely closed to prevent the penetration of external debris and the development of pathogenic micro-organisms. It is also durable and unbreakable.

Determine the right location for the tank

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The cistern should be placed close to your house, near the downspout, and in a clear area. The surface of this area should be horizontal, flat, and level.

Prepare your land

Mark off the general area of your property where you will place your tank. Remove all loose items that can puncture the liner, such as rocks. Lay down a bed of sand about 10 cm thick and spread it with a rake.

Set up the tank

Unroll your tank liner after delivery. For good ventilation under the liner, shake out each corner and lift it up at once (at least 4 people). Then, install your water tank in its final location.

Connect the tank to your sanitary system

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Locate the connection points by first attaching the collector on the tank side to the top of the rainwater pipe, to stop the water collection when the tank is full automatically. Then, drill the gutter, install it and connect it to the tank. Then connect it to the pump at the other end. Finally, attach the safety overflow.

Sound off in the comments section below and tell us what you want to read next and if you want to read more about rainwater tanks.

25
May, 2022

Water, Wastewater, and Sanitation: All You Need To Know

We tend to think of water as something abundant and taken for granted when it is not. Before water flows into your tap, it has gone through several operations, treatment, and delivery stages. Turning on the tap is a familiar gesture, a daily habit, but if you are aware of the work done to obtain this comfort, you will have more respect for the planet. Want to know more about the steps involved in supplying drinking water? The rest of this article tells you everything.

The Source

Drinking water for human consumption finds its source in groundwater and open surface water (river, lake, etc.). It can be loaded with micro-organisms and mineral particles that are harmful to health in its natural state. After pumping, water treatment is therefore essential.

Water companies also use other sources such as rainwater and seawater. The more homogeneous the particle concentration, the more complex the treatment. Hydrologists always find the most suitable solutions to preserve the source and ensure water distribution.

Exploitation

Open surface water draws from underground reserves. Drilling and pumping are therefore mandatory steps to exploit a spring. Many individuals decide to drill private wells to take advantage of a free water source. The exploitation phase includes the hydrogeological study, the search for the water table, the drilling, and the pumping. Administrative procedures are also mandatory. After the exploitation comes the most delicate phase: “the treatment”.

The treatment

The water is only drinkable after treatment. The pump transports it to a station where the treatment occurs in two successive stages: decantation and filtration. Decanting consists of letting the water rest until the solid particles settle at the bottom of the tank. This stage can last from a few hours to a few days, depending on the purity of the water. After settling, the liquid is filtered by an osmosis machine and sent to a tank. Its purity will then be checked before sending it to the distribution pipes.

Distribution

A pressurization pump ensures water distribution. When you turn on your faucet, the pressure is released, and the water flows into your sink. However, consider installing an osmosis unit after the meter to remove micro-pollutants. To install a water distribution and evacuation network in a building, the intervention of a plumber is necessary. Only a plumber can install the piping system in a proper way. You can find plumbers near you in the yellow pages.

Free photos of Splash

Sanitation

You have used your water wisely. You’ve used it to shower, cook, water the garden, and do the laundry. Now you know where your tap water comes from.

After comfort comes responsibility, sanitation means treating wastewater before it is released into the environment. A building in the city must be connected to the primary sewer system, while isolated houses (in the country or the mountains) require an autonomous sanitation system. In both cases, the treatment steps are similar. The wastewater is collected in a pre-treatment tank, then poured into a spreading bed. Environmentally harmful particles will be retained before the water is returned to nature, its source.

This cycle of operation and treatment is repeated and does not present any real danger to the ecosystem. Our responsibility is not to neglect specific steps such as treatment before consumption and sanitation.

13
May, 2022
water

Water Tank For Restaurants: The Regulations Governing It

Rainwater harvesting has developed a lot in the last few years, especially in remote areas of the city. However, this practice remains more or less marginal due to a lack of knowledge about the standards that apply. Thus, we have elaborated this article to share with you the operating mode, as well as the regulations to know about rainwater harvesting. They will be very useful, especially if you run a restaurant.

Rainwater harvesting through the roof

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In order to effectively collect the rainwater that runs off your roof, it is recommended that:

    • Your roof is sloped to limit the impurities and organic matter that accumulate on a flat roof.
    • Your roof should be sloped to limit the impurities and organic matter that accumulate on a flat roof. You should prefer slate or tile roofing to avoid possible contamination of the water by synthetic materials.

Furthermore, you should know that with more roof surfaces projected on the ground, you will be able to collect important quantities of water in your cistern via the gutters.

Good to know about rainwater storage in a cistern

In order to avoid the risk of overflowing onto your roof, we advise you to opt for an underground concrete cistern. Moreover, since rainwater tends to be slightly acidic, storing it in a concrete cistern will help it mineralize. However, you should know that installing an underground cistern requires some work, often requiring a high budget. However, it is always advisable to install it during the earthworks in order to save on the cost of the work.

However, if the option of burying your tank is not possible, don’t be discouraged, as you can always have an open-air polyester tank installed. However, keep in mind that an open-air tank is only recommended for occasional and moderate use. That said, for your garden maintenance, cleaning, toilets as well as housekeeping.

Using filters to improve water quality

There are three main stages of filtration:

    1. Placement of a leaf filter (primary filter) before the water enters your tank. This pre-filter is a simple sponge filter in an inspection chamber. It is generally used to collect tree leaves and large impurities. It also prevents small animals from falling into the tank.
    2. Filters of at least 20 microns at the pump outlet retain fine particles to perfect the water for the toilet. An additional 1 to 9 microns filter will be necessary to ensure that the water can be used for washing and cleaning without damaging your plumbing.
    3. For the rainwater to become potable, you need to add to that:
    • A microfiltration system of less than 1 micron, through a ceramic or activated carbon filter, will remove all impurities from the water.
    • Or a reverse osmosis system, through a trickle filtration through a membrane, so that the water is both drinkable and low mineralized.

What the law says about rainwater harvesting

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According to the law, you are free to use and dispose of the rainwater that falls on your property. However, it is important for you to know that the use of rainwater must only be for “non-food and non-corporeal” use according to the regulations. Thus, you are not allowed to cook food for your restaurant with reclaimed rainwater.

In addition, the regulations require those who use rainwater harvesting systems to maintain them regularly. This includes cleaning the filters and the bottom of the tank with a high-pressure cleaner. Last but not least, you have to declare the installation of a rainwater harvesting system to your local city hall. Indeed, the law states that if you discharge the rainwater into the sewerage system, you should be billed for it.

Sound off in the comments section below and tell us what you want to read next and if you want to read more about collecting rainwater.

6
May, 2022
sustainable

Is The Installation Of A Lift Pump Mandatory?

As you probably already know, the flow of water depends on gravity. However, there are certain conditions that cause the water level to be lower than the ground level. In this case, it may be necessary to use devices such as a lift pump.

How does a lift pump work?

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As the name suggests, a lift pump is used to raise water to a certain height. It, therefore, provides additional pressure for the water to flow into the pipes provided for this purpose. It can be used in different cases, namely:

  • For the evacuation of wastewater
  • To provide a greater flow of water,
  • To empty water from a pond or a swimming pool

A lift pump consists of 3 main elements: a storage tank, a lift pump, and a control system. In some cases, its installation can be part of your plumbing work. To operate, the system is immersed in the liquid to be drained.

The control system, usually sensors, detects the level of water to be drained. The pump then starts an automatic process. The pump itself, which is equipped with an electric motor, will then suck up the liquid and discharge it into a discharge pipe. Note that the type of installation depends on the viscosity of the water. Indeed, pumps of different power will be necessary to evacuate clear water and water loaded (with mud, soil, sand, etc.).

When is it mandatory to use a lift pump?

You are responsible for the installation of the sewage disposal system from your property to the city sewage system. If the level of your land (and therefore of your pipes) is below that of the municipal sewerage system, you will probably need a lifting pump. There are certain cases where it is essential to use a lift pump to ensure the circulation of water.

The objective is to bring additional pressure to bring water to the pipes. As you may know, the force of gravity is often insufficient to “lift” the water. This device is also useful for evacuating wastewater from a room located in the basement of your house.

If you do not have a sewage treatment system, you will need a pump with sufficient capacity. On the other hand, if you already have a non-collective sanitation system, you can invest in a much less powerful device. Note that a lift pump needs maintenance. Otherwise, the storage tank may malfunction and overflow.

In what other cases can the sewage pump be used?

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In addition to the removal of heavy wastewater, the sewage pump can also help in other situations.

Draining a pool

Of course, there are different ways of emptying a pool. You can use a garden hose or a siphon, but you can also use a lift pump. When you immerse it in the water, the device will automatically empty it from your pool. The water can then be evacuated into the rainwater collector or into the sewer system. However, you should know that authorization is required to empty a pool.

Draining after a flood

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The lift pump is an interesting equipment to evacuate the water accumulated after a flood. Indeed, it will allow you to suck up all the water and evacuate it elsewhere quickly. You can always opt for submerged models. However, keep an eye on your pump so that it doesn’t run dry, which could damage the motor. If the water is muddy, use a dirty water pump. If the water is muddy, use a pump to clear the water.

Sound off in the comments section below and tell us what you want to read next and if you want to read more about pumps.

21
Apr, 2022
sustainable

Canadians And Quebecers Still On Top Of Water Consumption

In 2000, Canada was the second-highest per capita consumer of water (400 L per capita/day) among the 29 OECD countries. Now, despite a clear shift (down to 300 L per capita/day), Canadian and Quebec water consumption is still as high as ever (650% higher than the international average). This article explains how the country got to this point and the consequences of this overconsumption. As a bonus, tips on how to reduce your water consumption.

What are the reasons?

The Sustainable Development Goals Through the Perspective of the Bible and Christian Faith

Canada is one of the 9 “water powers”. The volume of renewable fresh water in the country is approximately 2,902 km3. This is enough to supply all OECD countries. However, this abundance of water has created wasteful behavior among Canadians.

Indeed, despite the fact that there are only a few million inhabitants and that there is no lack of drinking water, Canadians do not deprive themselves. Just to mention residential pools or spas. For example, more than 50% of domestic water consumption is used for cleaning (dishes, linens, household, car) and running toilets.

The explosion of water consumption in Canada can also be explained by the high use of water in agriculture. This sector is a key component of the Canadian economy. Agriculture alone consumes 1.6 km³/year of natural sources. Moreover, a small proportion of the water withdrawn by the sector is returned to the source.

What are the consequences?

The waste of drinking water and its overconsumption leads to many consequences, especially for the environment. Indeed, when freshwater sources are depleted, they take longer to renew themselves. This is why some groundwater is drying up. More than a quarter of Canadian municipalities experienced seasonal water shortages between 1994 and 1999.

Furthermore, it is important to understand that wasted drinking water becomes wastewater. And it is the latter that returns to the source. As a result, the quality of water from natural sources is altered. Fortunately, the Canadian and Quebec governments are now committed to sustainable initiatives, of which water conservation is a part, to protect the environment.

How to limit your water consumption?

Do you want to reduce your water consumption, but more importantly, do you want to become an eco-responsible citizen? Remember and apply the following two tips:

Have water-saving habits

If domestic water consumption is very high in Canada, this implies bad habits. Most of us, for example, continue to drink bottled water when Canadian tap water is known to be very healthy.

Also, we have a habit of leaving the water running while we soap up. It’s no wonder that the bill is high. That’s why it’s important to change our behavior. Here are a few things you can do on a daily basis:

    • Turn off the tap when you are finished
    • Prefer showers to baths
    • Wash your clothes in cold water in the washing machine
    • Use a bucket instead of a hose to wash your car.

Harvest rainwater

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Canada has a fairly high annual rainfall. It would be a shame not to use it. You can wash your car, water your plants with it, or even use it to flush your toilet. By doing so, each resident could save up to 20% of their domestic water consumption.

But to do this, you need to use a recovery method. The best alternative would be to equip your home with a gutter. However, installing gutters is not an easy job. You need to have the necessary zinc tools and some connection know-how to successfully install gutters yourself. So don’t take unnecessary risks and rely on the expertise of a professional craftsman.

Sound off in the comments section below and tell us what you want to read next and if you want to read more about water consumption.

14
Apr, 2022
electricity

Electricity: An Indispensable Attribute In Our Daily Life

Electricity occupies a prominent place in today’s society. It is present in many areas of activity. In each area, electricity is used for various purposes. Given the usefulness of electricity in our lives, some people say that we could not live without it. If you are in that category of people who think otherwise, you are in the right place. Find out in this article how electricity is an indispensable attribute of our daily lives.

Electricity is used to light buildings

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This is one of the reasons why electricity is indispensable to our daily lives. Indeed, electricity allows to light the buildings. Electricity companies have several electricians who are experienced in the task and who will put their know-how at your disposal. Note that it is necessary to contact an electricity company for any electricity-related work within a building.

You know that at nightfall, it is dark. The light provided by electricity through lamps allows people to go about their business. Indeed, some take advantage of it to read and others to work. This same lighting guarantees the safety of the inhabitants of a house. Thanks to the light, it is possible to see the thieves in the flagrante delicto.

Imagine a world without lights at night. It would be just awful. A day will end with the disappearance of daylight. It will have a huge impact on the economy. Many companies will go bankrupt. Indeed, companies will only be able to work during the day. Port handling will only be done during the day. Restaurants and bars will only be functional during the day.

Electricity promotes access to drinking water

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Here is another reason why electricity is an indispensable attribute of our daily life. Indeed, electricity favors access to drinking water for the population. There is no doubt that you know water’s role in the human body. It is often said that water is life. Some studies have even proven that man cannot live long without hydration.

Electricity allows the world’s population to access this precious commodity, that is water. Indeed, drinking water is generally obtained by two methods. Either by dredging groundwater or by treating sea, lagoon, or river water. Both methods require the use of electricity-based equipment.

Once the water is ready for consumption, it is injected into the various local water networks. Thus, all the populations have access to drinking water. This is possible thanks to electricity. Here again, electricity-powered equipment is used.

Electricity drives industry

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The fact that electricity drives industries are also a reason to make it an indispensable attribute. You may not have known it, but everything is industrialized these days. From the toothpaste you use to brush your teeth to the gadget you are reading this article with, everything is industrialized. Even the pillow you sleep on is industrialized.

Take a tour of the factories, and you’ll be amazed at the number of items that are produced every day. It’s really huge. To gain efficiency, these items are not produced by men. Instead, they are built by robots. These robots require electricity to operate. This is how factories work today.

You are no doubt aware of the importance of industry in the daily life of man. Indeed, if we move (cars, motorcycles, etc.) it is thanks to industries. If we eat (rice, spaghetti, etc.), it is thanks to industries. If we dress (shirt, jeans, etc.), it is thanks to industries. The factories being indispensable and running on electricity, the latter is also indispensable.

We will retain that electricity is indeed an indispensable attribute to our daily lives. Indeed, it is useful for several things like lighting, access to drinking water, etc.

Sound off in the comments section below and tell us what you want to read next and if you want to read more about electricity.

16
Dec, 2021
Sustainable Development: Arguments Against the Going-Green Philosophy

3 Ways to Filter Rainwater

Water makes up 75% of the human body. It is essential to obtain it naturally. By harvesting rainwater, you can use it all the time. Here’s how to turn it into drinking water. Rainwater filtration is a great way to extend freshwater supplies, which can be used to irrigate plants or for other purposes around your home. With our ice caps melting and our freshwater sources and supplies depleting, rainwater may be the future for obtaining fresh water. So, without further ado, let’s learn more about rainwater filtration and the benefit of filtering water.

 

1. Microfiltration

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This process aims to eliminate all micro-organisms, micro-particles, polymers, and some viruses with the help of a filtering membrane. It retains part of the viral contamination. Under the effect of pressure, the liquid to be treated passes through a semi-permeable membrane of defined porosity. Particles with a size more significant than the pores are retained. Note that the size of a pore is between 0.1-10 µm. It is a physical separation technique of elements. The membranes can be organic or mineral, and this method is used in food, pharmaceutical, and other industries.

2. Ultrafiltration

It differs from microfiltration by the size of the particles. It separates particles with a size of 0.001 to 0.1 µm. Therefore, it is designed to remove all viruses, macro-proteins, antibiotics, and harmful organic substances in the food and beverage industry. Impurities are removed through this filtration system. After passing through the activated carbon filters, the water will pass through the ultrafiltration membrane. Like a very fine sieve, this membrane filters out all organic macromolecules, colloids, and nitrogenous pollution to obtain healthier water.

3. Reverse osmosis

The reverse osmosis machine filters water of the order of 0.001 µm. As it passes through the membranes, the pressure exerted by the pump forces it to pass through a semi-permeable wall. Some minerals such as calcium and magnesium, and water are retained. This membrane rejects the sewer, the one that does not pass through. Even if reverse osmosis consumes more water due to the rejection, it filters it better.

The advantages of rainwater harvesting

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There are several reasons to reclaim this abundant gift from the sky. If you collect rainwater, you can store it in a water tower and use it to wash cars or water the garden. With 6 liters of water, you could water 50 minutes of vegetable gardens. To supply the toilet and washing machine, you would need to store up to 9000 liters per year. Nowadays, water is becoming more and more scarce. That’s why we need to preserve these natural resources. Adopt an ecological action by collecting rainwater. You will avoid runoff and flooding on your property. In addition, say goodbye to the tax credit because you will realize real savings. Its moderate use reduces your annual bill by 1/3 to 1/2.

Since rainwater is naturally soft, it reduces the use of soap and other cleaning products. Its non-calcareous property increases the life span of resistance heating appliances. Rain is a dermatological ally for your skin. It alleviates dermatological problems such as shingles, eczema, or psoriasis. Both thirst-quenching and detoxifying, rainwater is better than bottled water. Its consumption has many virtues for your health if it is well filtered.

Do you already have a rainwater collection system? There are companies out there that manufacture gutters and eavestroughs made of galvanized sheet metal integrated into the exterior of your building. Its products are made of resistant materials. This way, you no longer have to turn the tap to get water. All it takes is for the rain to fall, and you can have it. Be the change you want to see in the world and start to collect and filter rainwater.

8
Sep, 2020

6 Habits to Adopt for a More Sustainable Life

Our daily life choices affect the environment, the climate, and other species. From what we choose to consume to our family size, we can do a lot to “choose nature” and help decrease our footprint’s negative impacts and leave room for a more sustainable life.

1) Think Twice Before You Shop

“Reduce, reuse, recycle” may sound archaic, but it’s just as relevant today as it was when the term was coined. Each product we purchase has an enviromental footprint, from the materials we use to make it to the pollution released when the packaging goes to landfill. So before you buy, ask yourself if the product is necessary. If it is, consider buying a used product rather than a new one, and aim for minimal packaging and transportation.

2) Go Plastic Free

Billions of pounds of plastics are now found in the swirling convergences that make up about 40% of the world’s ocean surfaces. Annually, thousands of seabirds, sea turtles, seals, and other marine mammals are killed after being entangled in plastic. You can begin reducing your plastic waste by following these simple steps: use reusable bags when shopping, avoid single-use water bottles, bags, and straws, and avoid products made or packaged in plastic as much as possible (for example, choose unpackaged products at the grocery store, shop locally, reduce online shopping).

3) Grow Your Own Products

By growing your own fruits and vegetables, you can ensure that no pesticides or other harmful substances that contribute to water and air pollution are utilized. This will also cut down on the quantity of fossil fuels used to move products to supermarkets.

4) Don’t Waste Water

Avoid drinking bottled water. Bottled water companies try to sell tap water, even if it usually be free. Many city water products have won quality and taste tests compared to branded water. The extraction of water and the manufacturing of all these plastic bottles is a known detriment to communities and wildlife. Conserving water is also vital, primarily because our growing population is placing an increasing demands on the country’s water sources, and we are experiencing more droughts than ever before. You can save water by taking shorter showers, repairing leaky toilets, and choosing low-flow, water-efficient appliances. You can also consider xeriscaping your yard, a landscaping technique that uses native plants adapted to drought conditions, require less water and maintenance over time, and provide habitat and food for birds and bees.

5) Choose to Have a Small Family

Now is the time to talk about the rapid increase in the human population, the species extinction crisis, and the type of future we need for wildlife, the planet, and ourselves. With more than 7.5 billion people globally, and more every day, our need for food, water, land, and fossil fuels drives other species to extinction. Thus, having fewer children would be a wise choice. We can achieve an environmentally sustainable population in a way that promotes human rights; reduce poverty and overpopulation; raise our standard of living; and allow plants, animals, and the protected to thrive.

6) Drive Less

By altering your driving habits, you have the power to lower your carbon footprint. Walk, bike, carpool or use public transit whenever possible. Combine classes to make fewer trips. Participate in car-free days or organize car-free days in your neighbourhood. Keeping your car in good condition through regular tune-ups and tire inflation is also crucial. Regular tune-ups can improve your fuel efficiency by 4-40%, and if people keep their tires inflated, fuel consumption can be reduced by 2% across a country.

By following these simple habits, you can make a big difference!