What are the Benefits of Rainwater Harvesting?

Thursday, 10 March 2016 by Ri Industries

Rainwater harvesting is a technique used for collecting, storing and using rainwater for landscape irrigation and other uses. The rainwater is collected from various hard surfaces such as rooftops and/or other manmade aboveground hard surfaces. For a dry climate such as we have here in South Australia, rainwater harvesting can make a huge beneficial impact on the environment.

Most rural households have to source all their water on their property, and rainwater often provides a better quality household supply than river, bore or dam water. Rainwater harvesting is not just for rural areas though. Although urban households may be connected to a reticulated, treated (mains) water supply, rainwater harvesting can significantly lower mains water usage.

What are the benefits of rainwater harvesting? It will reduce water bills, provide an alternative supply during water restrictions and help maintain a green, healthy garden. In fact, depending upon tank size and climate, rainwater harvesting can reduce mains water use by 100%. Rainwater harvesting also decreases stormwater runoff, thereby helping to reduce local flooding and scouring of creeks.

From yourhome.gov.au:

Rainwater can be collected from most roof types, depending on the quality of rainwater required.

For garden or lawn irrigation:

collect from any roof material except unsealed asbestos
ensure all gutters fall towards the outlets
preferably fit an effective leaf screen to the gutters
use gutter outlets that fit to the underside of the gutter.

For all other uses, also:

prevent vegetation from overhanging the roof
clean the roof and gutters before installing the system
fit a good quality leaf screen to gutters or use a leaf-shedding gutter.

For drinking water, also avoid collecting rainwater:

from sections of roof containing lead flashing or asbestos sheeting, and from roofs painted with pre-1980 paint — if they cannot be avoided, seal properly by preparing the surface and painting with a suitable potable-quality roof sealant, and do not collect rainwater from the first few rainfall events after sealing
in areas where airborne toxins are present from nearby activities such as crop-dusting and chemical processing.

It is important to note that if your rainwater is to be used for human consumption, the system must be designed, operated and maintained to ensure the water quality is suitable.

If you are interested in learning more about rainwater harvesting, please have a look at the concrete rainwater tanks on the Ri-Industries website or give us a call.

Does Laundry Affect the Septic System?

Friday, 19 February 2016 by Ri Industries

It’s time to do a load of clothes washing, but first there are a few things to think about. How to separate colours? What temperature water should be used? Which detergent is best? When making these decisions, do you ever consider how to best care for the septic system? That’s right. To help keep your septic system in the best working order, there are some things you should consider when using your washing machine.

A Little Bit at a Time

This may be good news or bad news depending upon your view. To best care for your septic system, loads should be well spaced apart. If you’re someone who likes to do one load after another until the week’s laundry is done in just one day, you might want to have another think. When too much water passes through the septic tank, it does not have enough time to undergo the settlement process to properly breakdown the solid matter. The end result is that your soakage field fails, causing expensive damages.

Clean Out BOTH Lint Trays

You probably clean out the dryer lint tray already, but did you know the washing machine has a lint tray also? Laundry debris and lint can escape to your pipes causing severe blockages. These substantial backups can break down your septic system, so take this tip seriously.

Go Au Natural

Antibacterial ingredients that are found in many household cleaners can hurt your septic system because they kill the good bacteria needed to break down waste in the tank. This applies to your washing detergent as well. Powders tend to contain clay and fillers that promote clogs. Choose all natural cleaners and avoid these concerns.

Have more questions about how laundry affects your septic system? Give Ri Industries a call at 08 8444 8100

How to Make a Pet Waste Digester

Thursday, 4 February 2016 by Ri Industries

Ri Industries provides quality septic systems for human waste, but what about those who share their home with furry family members? An environmentally friendly method to dispose of pet waste is needed as well.

Search online and you will find doggie septic systems you can purchase; or you can follow these step-by step instructions we found on thebark.com and build one yourself.

Take an old plastic rubbish container and drill a dozen or so holes in the sides.
Cut out the bottom. (A keyhole saw works great for this.)
Dig a hole deep enough for the rubbish container.
Toss some rocks or gravel in the hole for drainage and position the rubbish container so it’s a little above ground level.
Place the lid on top. (You might want to paint something like “Dog Waste Composter” across the lid.)
Start scooping

It is recommended you sprinkle some septic starter when you add poop. The septic starter should begin to work within 48 hours and you can then add poop daily.

What do you think? It seems simple enough and after a little bit of work you have a clean and environmentally way to dispose of pet waste. Let us know how it works if you decide to give it a try.

Compost to Conserve Water

Monday, 30 November 2015 by Ri Industries

Water conservation can be achieved using many methods. We’ve talked about a lot of them, but one method we haven’t touched on yet is composting. Yes, composting can actually help us conserve water!

Let’s start at the beginning by answering the question, what is compost? Quite simply, compost is decomposed organic matter. It is generally made up of vegetable peelings, fruit waste, grass clippings, tea bags, and plant prunings, but other materials may be added as well. Compost is well known for adding nutrients to gardens and plants, but it also helps to conserve water.

Using composted mulch in landscaping and agriculture has been shown to improve the efficiency of water use by reducing evaporation, improving water infiltration and storage, and reducing deep drainage.

Turf grown with the application of composted soil conditioner can require up to 30% less water. This can increase root penetration, resulting in deeper root systems that explore a larger soil area for moisture and nutrients, reducing deep drainage and irrigation requirements. In sandy soils, composted soil conditioners improve water retention and lateral root distribution in the soil, improving plant access to soil water, and reducing deep drainage and irrigation requirements.

Compost application tips:

Composted mulch is applied on the soil surface around the plants after planting. It should not touch the stems and trunks of plants.
Compost can be applied any time of the year.
For water conservation, apply prior to summer when soil evaporation is usually highest and when plants require the most water.
Compost exposed to full sun will not deliver its full benefits so use compost on the soil and then cover it with mulch.

Here at Ri Industries we’re always on the lookout for water conservation tips we can share. This one can be a fun project and result in beautiful foliage and tasty fruit and vegetables. How great is that?

For more ways Ri Industries can help, contact us at 08 8444 8100.

Is Water Collected from a Rainwater Tank Safe?

Monday, 30 November 2015 by Ri Industries

Warmer weather typically means increased water use around the home. Plants, grass, and gardens need extra watering. Pools need to be filled or topped off, and people tend to need an extra shower here and there. Perhaps this is why we’ve been fielding a lot questions about our Ri Industries Concrete Rainwater Tanks.

One of the most frequent questions we get asked is about the safety of drinking the collected rainwater. According to SA Health (sahealth.sa.gov.au):

“Generally rainwater is safe to drink. If the rainwater is clear, has little taste or smell and is from a well-maintained system, it is probably safe and unlikely to cause any illness for most users.

Disinfecting the water before consumption should be considered for those who are immuno-compromised such as the very young or very old, cancer patients, people with diabetes, organ transplant recipients or people who are HIV positive. This can be achieved by bringing the rainwater to the boil.”

Another often asked question is about the quality of collected rainwater. Again, according to SA Health:

“Rainwater collected in tanks generally contains few chemicals. However, there may be increased pollution by airborne contaminants from very heavy traffic or in industrial areas.

Collection of rainwater for human consumption (drinking and cooking) in areas affected by very heavy traffic, industry, incinerators and smelters is not recommended.

The microbiological quality of rainwater collected in domestic tanks may not be as good as mains water, but if collection systems are well maintained, the risk of harmful organisms being present is low. The supply of good quality water depends on ensuring correct design and installation followed by sensible maintenance of the rainwater tank and catchment area. The collection of rainwater involves low maintenance — not no maintenance.”

When you purchase and install a concrete rainwater tank from Ri Industries, you can be certain of correct and quality design and installation. Our rainwater tanks are very low maintenance as you will see on the maintenance page of our website.

For more information, please call us at 08 8444 8100.

Helpful Tips to Conserve Water in the Garden

Wednesday, 25 November 2015 by Ri Industries

Have you been feeling an itch in your green thumb? Warmer weather tends to have that effect whether you’re an avid gardener or not. Plants and flowers not only look pretty, but have been scientifically proven to help us feel happier. Now that’s a great reason to head outdoors and get your hands dirty! All we ask, is when you tend to your garden keep water conservation in mind.

It is possible to grow a gorgeous garden while being water conscious. Here are just a few tips on how:

Water the roots of plants rather than the leaves, reducing wind spray and evaporation.
Don’t water in the middle of the day, in windy conditions or if it is likely to rain.
Make a small dam from mulch and soil to avoid water running off the soil.
Cool season grasses should be left longer in summer but warm season grasses such as couch and buffalo can be kept short.
Avoid cutting grass by more than a third of its length at any one time.
Replace struggling plants in autumn with drought tolerant species.
Place plants in the right spot so they can get the proper amount of sunlight and will not require extra watering.
Outdoor plants in pots use a lot more water than plants in the ground so use sparingly.
Wetting agents can reduce pot watering by 50 percent and water storage products in the soil will also extend periods between watering.
Good quality garden tap fittings save water because they are less likely to break or drip.
Drip irrigation systems are more water efficient than overhead watering because they deliver water directly to the root system, don’t cause overspray and prevent excess surface evaporation.
A digital watering timer can also significantly reduce the amount of water used.

Of course, our best tip is to use water from a rainwater tank! Concrete rainwater tanks from Ri Industries offer many benefits, such as:

The water stays cooler.
No algae develops.
The water has no after-taste.
They are bullet proof, vandal-proof and fire-proof.
Being underground means they are out of sight and don’t take up much of your valuable real estate.
Above ground tanks can be spray painted to fit in better with your surroundings.
Concrete is stronger and more durable.

For more information, please call us at 08 8444 8100.

Benefits of a Ri Industries Trade Waste Arrestor

Thursday, 15 October 2015 by Ri Industries

If you’re a frequent reader of our blog, and you certainly should be, you know that we talk a lot about water conservation and our residential products. Here at Ri Industries we believe in helping our local businesses with their waste needs, known as Trade Waste, as well.

Consider the amount of waste produced in an industrial setting. The sheer magnitude can be enough to frighten any septic system, but the contents of the waste may be the real scare factor. What materials are being returned to our soil?

Have you ever spent any time in a hair salon? Have you smelled the chemicals used on hair and nails? Yup, those get washed down the drain and if not properly treated, returned to the soil.

It’s not just hair salons we need to be concerned about. Petrol stations, service stations, dry cleaners, commercial vehicle washing, and so many more will pollute our area if their waste is not properly treated.

That’s where Ri Industries comes in! Our trade waste arrestors offers a number of benefits:

Made from precast concrete with a strength of 50 MPa at 28 days.
A number of different trade waste arrestors are available including silt, grease and detention tanks.
All inlets suit HDPE pipes for easier connection.
Gas-tight lids set in precast concrete can also be supplied, as well as extension risers.
Increments and trafficable, gas-tight, heavy duty cast iron/concrete covers are available.
Units are lowered into the excavation site providing the site is level, firm and accessible.
All units are SA Water approved.

Now, wouldn’t you feel better if you knew the local businesses near you had a Ri Industries Trade Waste Arrestor installed? More information can be found on our website, but speaking directly with us is always best. Give us a call at 08 8444 8100.

Rainwater Tanks Conserve Water at Home

Thursday, 17 September 2015 by Ri Industries

Australians are urged to conserve water every day. However, the problem is not ours alone. A 2015 report by NASA states that 21 of the world’s 37 largest aquifers (underground reservoirs) have passed their sustainability tipping points, meaning more water was removed than replaced during the decade-long study period.

Aquifers can take thousands of years to fill up and only slowly recharge with water from snowmelt and rains. The NASA study found the Canning Basin in Australia’s western end had the third-highest rate of depletion in the world.

In 2007, the people of Adelaide were told that “critical human needs” might not be met in the future. Despite what many people believe, there is not an unending supply of water. It is imperative that we work together to conserve our water supply.

Aquifers supply roughly 35% of water used by humans worldwide. We need to find balance by removing less water than is added. Ri Industries blogs, such as this one, contain lots of simple tips for conserving water around the home.

Ri Industries concrete rainwater tanks are a great way to conserve water at home. The tanks can be installed above ground or below ground and they offer a number of advantages, such as:

The water stays cooler.
No algae develops.
The water has no after-taste.
They are bullet proof, vandal-proof and fire-proof.
Being underground means they are out of sight and don’t take up much of your valuable real estate.
Above ground tanks can be spray painted to fit in better with your surroundings.
Concrete is stronger and more durable.
Our reinforced concrete rainwater tanks are built to last and basically are maintenance free.

Learn more about our concrete rainwater tanks by calling us at 08 8444 8100.

Save Money with Rainwater Harvesting

Thursday, 3 September 2015 by Ri Industries

People often say that they would eat healthier or buy organic groceries if they didn’t cost more. They would replace older appliances with energy efficient models, if they could afford it. Wouldn’t it be great if doing something healthy and good for the environment could save you money? Ri Industries has a suggestion for you. Rainwater harvesting.

Rainwater harvesting is simply the process of collecting rainwater and storing it for human use. Guess what? Rainwater is FREE! Once you have a rainwater tank installed you begin saving money on your water bill each and every month. Plus, using harvested rainwater means using less water from the mains thereby you will be helping the water conservation efforts.

Did you know that stormwater can actually damage creeks and water habitats? It’s true. Rainwater harvesting can actually help protect against significant damage.

Rainwater can be used to flush toilets, do laundry, water the garden, wash cars, and more. Using rainwater in and around your home can largely reduce the amount of water that you use.

Ri Industries offers concrete rainwater tanks that can be installed above or below the ground. Their design makes them basically maintenance free. Call us to learn more, 08 8444 8100.

Teach Kids About Waste Water with this Recipe for Poo

Monday, 24 August 2015 by Ri Industries

The environment is one of the greatest gifts we pass on to the next generation. It is important that we teach them to treat it well, respect it, and nurture it so it can be passed on to further generations. Ri Industries is always on the lookout for ways to help teach children about caring for the environment; especially conserving water.

We came across a video made by SA Water which included a recipe for poo. You may be wondering why anyone would possibly need a recipe since we’ve all been making poo since we were born. We wondered too and found out that SA Water uses the poo recipe to get kids interested in talking about waste water. We’d like to share the recipe with you, along with some talking points, so you can begin a dialogue with the kids in your life.

Poo Recipe

Ingredients:

Baked Beans
Corn
Banana
Chocolate Muffins

Place all ingredients in a bowl. This is the meal going into the stomach. Add some saliva (water) and use a potato masher to mash up the mixture. Place in a plastic bag. Cut a small hole in the bottom of the bag and squeeze.

Now that the kids are chuckling and paying attention, lay some education on them. Here are some important facts they should know:

Feces and urine make up just a very small part of wastewater and is a small part of what goes down into the sewers.
.1% of materials that wind up in wastewater treatment plants are solid. The rest is water! We use a lot of water to wash waste away.
It is imperative that we recover that water.
The water must be cleaned up before it is returned to the environment.

A bit of fun. A bit of learning. A great way to get the conversation started and create awareness. While you’re at, why not give us a call and learn about our residential and commercial products to see how you can help preserve our environment.

Rainwater Tanks Make a Difference to the Australian Climate

Friday, 24 July 2015 by Ri Industries

“In Australia water is a valuable commodity. Rainwater can provide a renewable supply of natural, soft, clear, and odourless water that can be used for a range of purposes including drinking, washing, bathing, laundry, and gardening. In some areas, it may represent the primary source of household water while in others it can supplement existing mains water supply.” – Government of South Australia

The government of South Australia recommends the use of rainwater tanks to help conserve water. Ri Industries manufactures above ground or below ground concrete rainwater tanks for both residential and commercial use.

What are the benefits to the Ri Industries concrete rainwater tanks?

The water stays cooler.
No algae develops.
The water has no after-taste.
They are bullet proof, vandal-proof and fire-proof.
Being underground means they are out of sight and don’t take up much of your valuable real estate.
Above ground tanks can be spray painted to fit in better with your surroundings.
Concrete is stronger and more durable.

Give us a call at 08 8444 8100 to learn about our rainwater tanks and other products as well.

Conserve Water by Using Waterless Urinals

Thursday, 16 July 2015 by Ri Industries

Australians are bombarded with information about our dry climate and concerns of drought. Ri Industries contributes by encouraging water conservation and providing tips to conserve as much water as you can. One method of water conservation that we have not touched upon is the waterless urinal. Now don’t be frightened of what a waterless urinal might look like, or worse even, smell like, after a number of uses. Let us explain the process before you make up your mind.

Let’s start with why one must flush a urinal. After all, isn’t the item deposited into the urinal a liquid that will just go down the drain? Of course the answer to that is yes, but that liquid most likely has a certain odour attached to it and without flushing the shiny porcelain with water, that odour may linger. In a regular urinal, water pools in a U-shaped trap under the drain, forming a seal against sewer gases below. In contrast, a cartridge of liquid sealant sits on top of the drain in a waterless urinal. The liquid is lighter than the urine, which sinks through the cartridge and drains out. The sealant keeps any sewer gases from backing up. Such a simple solution that can make a great impact in our efforts to conserve water.

It seems the biggest hurdle in using waterless urinals is us: humans. We’re not always easy to retrain. Old habits die hard and we don’t like change. Reports show that most of the problems seen with waterless urinals are due to human error during maintenance. One of the largest manufacturers of waterless urinals is now developing a product which eliminates the need for humans to get involved, except for changing the cartridge every so often, so improvements should be seen.

What do you think? Do waterless urinals sound like a good conservation tool? We do!

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