Spring is the best time to give your rainwater harvesting system a thorough cleaning. We have a helpful spring cleaning checklist to make sure you don’t forget a single step!
Especially in rural areas of New Zealand, many households have residential rainwater collection systems. However, regular maintenance of the rainwater collection system is essential to protect the water quality and protect you and your loved ones from water-borne diseases such as E Coli. Consequently, it will reliably provide you with clean potable drinking water only when your rainwater catchment system is in good condition.
First, regular inspection and cleaning of the entire system (gutters, rainwater collection tank, water filters) will reduce the likelihood of contamination by harmful substances and microorganisms. Thus, it is beneficial to understand what you need to know to keep your rainwater catchment system in proper condition. Our team at Aqua Works is always available to answer your questions. We have long-term experience in residential rainwater catchment systems in NZ and helping our customers enjoy safe clean drinking water. We have prepared a checklist for you to make your spring clean easier. This way, you can get your rainwater harvesting system ready for spring and the upcoming summer season within a few days.
Gutter maintenance of your rainwater harvesting system
If your home has a rainwater harvesting system, the gutter is the connecting piece between the roof, where rainwater is collected, and the water supply tank, where the rainwater is stored. Therefore, regular gutter cleaning is vital to ensure its proper functioning. Eventually, all sorts of things accumulate on the roof: Leaves, moss, branches, even birds’ nests get into the gutter, causing it to clog and overflow. Even though the gutter screen holds back coarser debris, small particles will still get into the gutter and thus into your rainwater system.
The collected roof water runs into the water storage tank via the gutter. Dust, pollen, debris, and dead insects, rodents, and even faeces from birds or possums washed off the roof are flushed into the tank. Even with cat whiskers, gutter foam, mesh on gutters or leaf catcher baskets and leaf slides above the downpipes, you cannot prevent contamination entirely. Aqua Works has a pre-tank filter called a Maelstrom which filters all the water into the tank down to 180 microns. Clean your gutter at least once a year to ensure its proper functioning.
Make the most of spring clean and call Aqua Works if you need help with this job!
Cleaning your rainwater collection tank
While coarse contaminants can be filtered relatively easily, organic microorganisms inevitably remain in the water. Algae, bacteria and viruses, and lime deposits can grow in stagnant water, which considerably impairs the water quality and may cause a health threat. This is why proper cleaning of the water tank plays such an important role. Only if you regularly give your rain water tank good clean pathogens and other harmful contaminants will be eliminated. This way, you prevent them from multiplying and spreading further in the tank.
Cleaning and desludging a rainwater tank can only be done from the inside. Over time, sediment builds up at the bottom of the tank. As soon as it has reached a point where you can’t see the bottom of the tank, it is time for a proper clean. First, you must empty your water tank using a pump. After that, you can scrub the accumulated sediment and debris away from the bottom.
This is a professional job in a very confined space that poses a risk to health and safety. Call Aqua Works, and we will recommend the best professional in your area.
Testing water quality of your rainwater catchment system
Pipework and old water treatment equipment can also affect your water quality. On its way through the household plumbing system, your drinking water passes through many pipes and fittings. This way, pollutants such as heavy metals but also bacteria can contaminate your drinking water. Old pipes and fittings made of lead or copper and taps releasing nickel into the drinking water quickly, thus becoming a health risk.
In addition, bacteria (including pathogenic E.coli and coliform germs) can be found in the pipes or faucets, washed out with the drinking water and then consumed. Bacteria can become a health risk – especially for small children, the elderly and immunocompromised persons. Therefore, for general disease prevention, it is crucial to have your drinking water tested.
With Aqua Works water analysis, you will get a comprehensive picture of your water quality. Based on this, our expert team will recommend the best suitable water treatment solution for your individual requirements.
Regular UV filter service of your rain water collection system
UV water filtration is a fantastic way to purify your rainwater and make it safe for human consumption. But like any water treatment method, a UV purification system needs frequent service. The most important aspect of maintaining a UV water filtration system is to replace the lamp annually. A UV lamp is the heart of your UV filtration system. Only if you retain the UV system well it removes harmful viruses and bacteria from your drinking water.
However, over time, the UV lamp reduces its lightwave intensity to about 60 % of what a new one provides. This point is usually reached after one year or 9000 hours of continuous use. Therefore, it is essential to replace the UV lamp every year. New lamps will produce a UV light dose of almost 60 mJ/cm2. For one year, the UV light dose will drop to about 30 mJ/cm2 – the minimum dose required to kill bacteria effectively.
UV manufacturers recommend that professionally trained technicians service UV filters. Aqua Work’s annual UV filter service will take care of your water quality when maintaining your entire water supply system. We also keep records of your system and contact you annually. One less thing for you to think about.
Annual water pump service of your rain catchment system
Water pumps only work efficiently if you look after them. Manufacturers recommend carrying out regular checks to ensure maximum longevity and efficiency to reduce costs for optimal performance. There are several things to consider ensuring that your water pump delivers the intended peak performance. The best a homeowner can do is to use your ears and eyes. Listen to the pump working and make a note of any rumbling or high pitched noises. Look at the water pump and suction line and make sure there are no leaks at any joints.
However, a professional should be engaged when it comes to annual water pump maintenance. Our trained service technicians have long-term expertise in the field of pump service and repairs. Firstly, they will check whether the bearings are running correctly and listen for pump wear. Secondly, the technicians also perform an electrical test, as well as a vibration test of the water pump. Consequently, it ensures that the motor runs perfectly and delivers the appropriate performance. Ultimately, our service team will replace or repair defective parts.
Get your trusted water pump service with Aqua Works. Our service team has a long experience with all leading brands in the industry. Thus, we can usually help you immediately, no matter what kind of pump you have or need.
Aqua Works – your competent partner for the spring cleaning of your rainwater harvesting system in NZ
Get an Aqua Works WoF (Warrant of Fitness) for your rain harvesting system, and you can be assured to have safe, healthy drinking water in your home! Call us today at 0800 Aqua Works to schedule a service appointment. Our spring special is NZD 125 + GST to check your residential rainwater collection system. In areas like Rodney, South Kaipara, North Shore and North Auckland, we are happy to advice you on any type and size of a rainwater collection system. Talk to our experts for setting up a rain water tank and get healthy, potable drinking water.
