1. CORK GLASS LTD

2. Introduction Cork Glass have 8 machines that use either fresh or recycled water as a coolant as part of the production process. This created a demand that outweighed the public supply. Harvested rainwater can be used for all non drinking water uses.

3. Water Intake

4. The downpipes are connected to a bank of storage tanks. Each tank has an 1100 litre capacity. Capacity can be varied by the number and size of tanks. These tanks are supported by steel girders on block on flat columns.

5. Water Intake

6. Overflow system An overflow pipe discharges excess water to the storm water drainage system.

7. Pressure By positioning tanks up off the ground, a pressure can be maintained. This is sufficient to flush toilets, feed showers, sinks, irrigation units. We use a small pump to increase pressure to 3 bar.

8. Cost benefit analysis Water charges are based on “water-in water-out” at a cost of approximately €2 per Cubic Meter of water. Water is metered as it comes into a building and therefore charges also apply to dispose of it. Harvested rainwater by-passes this system as there is no charge for disposing of it.

9. Set-up costs All labour and installation was performed by our staff so costs were kept to a minimum. Tanks€2500 Plumbing materials etc€1000 Total cost€3500 Due to the simplicity of the system, there are little, if any maintenance costs.

10. Environmental Benefits Every litre of tap water we use adds to our own carbon footprint. This water must be treated, pumped and transported great distances just to be flushed away. It makes sense, where possible, to use the natural resource on our doorstep.