Rainwater Harvesting: A Practical Guide to Smarter Water Use

Rainwater harvesting is a simple, effective way to collect and reuse rainwater. It helps reduce reliance on mains water, lowers surface water runoff, and supports sustainable water management across domestic, commercial, and public settings.

At Eco Trade Counter, we supply a full range of systems, components and accessories for rainwater harvesting - from compact garden tanks to professional-grade filtration and pumping equipment. Whether you're planning a basic setup or a complete system, we make it easy to build a solution that works.

Why Harvest Rainwater?

Rainwater harvesting is about making use of a free resource that would otherwise go to waste. By collecting and reusing rainwater, you can:

• Reduce mains water consumption for tasks like irrigation, cleaning or toilet flushing

• Manage stormwater onsite and reduce pressure on drainage systems

• Cut down on water bills in both residential and commercial settings

• Support sustainability targets with a low-energy solution

• Stay functional during hosepipe bans or restrictions

It’s especially useful where water demand is high but quality requirements are low — for example, watering lawns, cleaning equipment, or flushing toilets.

A Complete Range of Rainwater Solutions

We’ve grouped our rainwater harvesting products into three key categories: Storage, Accessories, and Pumps & Controls. Each section offers practical, well-tested solutions suited to different levels of use.

1. Rainwater Storage

This is the starting point for most systems. Rainwater is collected from roofs via downpipes and directed into a storage tank for future use. We supply tanks in a range of sizes and styles to suit different sites - from wall-mounted water butts to underground tanks with large capacity.

[View Rainwater Storage Products]

Key options include:

• RainCatcher 750L Tank
  A compact, freestanding tank ideal for garden irrigation or exterior cleaning. Easy to install and compatible with filter diverters and pump kits.

• RainCatcher 200L Wall-Mounted Tank
  Designed to fit narrow spaces, this slimline unit mounts flush to exterior walls. A good option for properties with limited ground space.

• Flat Tank Systems (3000L or 5000L)
  Complete rainwater storage packages that include pedestrian lids, filter baskets, pump kits, supply pipe and fittings. Designed for underground installation and suitable for high water table areas.

All tanks are available in black or green, made from tough, weather-resistant materials and designed to work with UK rainfall patterns.

2. Harvesting Accessories

A system is only as good as its components. Our range of accessories supports clean collection, secure storage, and straightforward use of harvested water.

[View Harvesting Accessories]

Typical accessories include:

• RainCatcher Filter Diverter
  Mounts to your downpipe to divert clean water into the tank and block leaves or debris. Includes interchangeable filters and hose connectors.

• Internal Filter Kits
  Available with calming inlets, overflow siphons and rodent barriers - for use with larger underground tanks.

• WRAS-Approved MDPE Pipe
  Black and green 25mm supply pipe for safe, compliant water distribution.

• Rondo Watering Pillars
  Makes it easier to use stored water around the garden - complete with tap fitting and ground spike.

• Rainwater Labelling Kits
  Clearly marks rainwater systems to ensure compliance and safe usage.

All accessories are chosen to help you build systems that are robust, efficient and easy to maintain.

3. Pumps & Controls

To move stored water to where it’s needed - whether that’s a garden tap, toilet cistern or irrigation system - you’ll need a reliable pump. We stock options for small garden use through to full home systems.

[View Pumps & Controls]

Featured products:

• DAB Divertron 650 Pump
  Suitable for general garden use - delivers mains pressure to taps and hosepipes automatically, turning on and off as required.

• DAB Divertron 900 Pump
  Higher flow rate and pressure, capable of feeding multiple outlets at once. Suitable for toilets, washing machines and garden irrigation.

• Floating Extraction Units
  Used with Divertron X models to draw cleaner water from the top of the tank, reducing sediment intake and improving pump lifespan.

All pumps are submersible and equipped with dry run protection. Compact design makes them easy to install in both new and existing systems.

Support with System Design and Installation

Not sure where to start? We offer a full range of rainwater harvesting services - from consultancy and system design to feasibility studies and commissioning.

Our team works with:

• Architects and developers

• Schools, colleges and community projects

• Homeowners and self-builders

• Local authorities and housing associations

We offer site-specific advice to help you choose the right setup, meet UK standards (including BS8515 and BS EN 16941), and make the most of your site’s rainfall.

Conclusion

Rainwater harvesting is one of the most practical and accessible ways to reduce water waste. With a well-designed system, you can lower your reliance on mains water, reduce your environmental impact and take better control of your water use.

ETC’s rainwater harvesting range includes everything you need to get started — from tanks and filters to pumps, pipes and accessories. Whether you’re planning a small garden setup or a fully integrated building system, we can help you build it right.

[Browse Rainwater Harvesting Collection]