A rainwater harvesting system consists of a catchment surface (like a roof) to collect rain, conveyance components (gutters, downspouts, and pipes) to transport it, leaf screens and first-flush diverters to remove debris, filters for further purification, storage tanks to hold water, and pumps with pressure tanks for distribution, culminating in treatment and disinfection for potable uses.
Basic components of rainwater system: Regardless of the complexity of the system, the domestic rainwater harvesting system comprises six basic components:
Source: http://www.rwh.in/blueprint.htm
- Catchment surface: the collection surface from which rainfall runs off.
- Gutters and downspouts: channel water from the roof to the tank.
- Leaf screens, first-flush diverters, and roof washers: components which remove debris and dust from the captured rainwater before it goes to the tank.
- One or more storage tanks, also called cisterns.
- Delivery system: gravity-fed or pumped to the end use.
- Treatment/purification: for potable systems, filters and other methods to make the water safe to drink.
Download “The Texas Manual on Rainwater harvesting” from the link below:
Chapter 2 – Rainwater Harvesting System Components…. 5
Topic 2.0 Basic Components …………………………………. 5
Topic 2.1 The Catchment Surface………………………………5
Topic 2.2 Gutters and Downspouts…………………………… 6
Topic 2.3 Leaf Screens………………………………………… 7
Topic 2.4 First-Flush Diverters …………………………………8
Topic 2.5 Roof Washers…………………………………………10
Topic 2.6 Storage Tanks…………………………………………10
Topic 2.7 Pressure Tanks and Pumps……………………………16
Topic 2.8 Treatment and Disinfection Equipment……………… 17
Read More:
- Rainwater Blog Sitemap: https://rainwater.blog/sitemap/
- Centre for Disease Control & Prevention: Rainwater Collection:
Cisterns can provide safe water for many uses, but do not assume rainwater is safe to drink >> https://www.cdc.gov/healthywater/drinking/private/rainwater-collection.html - Rainwater Harvesting and Purification System: http://www.rwh.in/
- Rainwater Collection – Basic Components of a Rainwater Storage System : https://wrrc.arizona.edu/sites/wrrc.arizona.edu/files/UA%20Cochise%20Cty%20Extension_Rainwater%20Collection-%20Basic%20Components%20of%20a%20RW%20Storage%20System.pdf
Where to buy the different components of Rainwater Harvesting System:
- UK Shopping: https://plasticcentre.co.uk/the-different-components-of-a-rainwater-system/
- US Shopping: https://gardenwatersaver.com/
Last updated on 08-November-2025.
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One reply on “The Different Components of a Rainwater Harvesting System”
Basic Components: Regardless of the complexity of the system, the domestic rainwater harvesting system (Blueprint: http://www.rwh.in/rainwatr/rain414.gif) comprises six basic components:
#1 Catchment surface: the collection surface from which rainfall runs off
#2 Gutters and downspouts: channel water from the roof to the tank
#3 Leaf screens, first-flush diverters, and roof washers: components which remove debris and dust from the captured rainwater before it goes to the tank
#4 One or more storage tanks, also called cisterns
#5 Delivery system: gravity-fed or pumped to the end use
#6 Treatment/purification: for potable systems, filters and other methods to make the water safe to drink.
Source: The Texas Manual on Rainwater Harvesting >> http://www.rwh.in/RainwaterHarvestingManual_3rdedition.pdf Chapter-2: Rainwater Harvesting System Components.