There is more pressure than ever before to ensure that every drop of water is accounted for and controlled.

On one hand, water has become a valuable commodity. On the other, climate change has altered the pattern of rainfall – leading to shorter heavier bursts of rain that pose major risks to the current drainage infrastructure.

Environmental issues are becoming increasingly important and there is a growing public awareness of the contribution that good building design can make to reducing pollution and improving the environment.

In most buildings naturally clean rainwater is left to wash away while expensive purified water is used for flushing toilets and washing - only a fraction is used for potable-use.

In recent years it has become harder to ignore this illogical way of using our natural resources.

Garden irrigation and rainwater harvesting systems can reduce a domestic house’s reliance on mains water – in some instances by up to 50% (integrated systems) and in turn lowering the household water bill.