Bedford College makes a splash with rainwater harvesting

Bedford College launched “Rainwater Harvesting” training for plumbers on 27 May as part of an event aimed at everyone interested in helping develop a low carbon future.

Save water and reduce bills

“Rainwater Harvesting” captures rain and uses new green technology allowing trained plumbers to offer people a way of saving household water and reducing their water bills.

As climate change takes hold, it is likely that water supplies across the world will be severely reduced.  Bedford College is the first college in the country to harness this new technology and offer plumbers the skills of the future. The project is being supported by Anglian Water which is sponsoring the launch event.

Revolutionary

Warren Edwards, Centre Director for Technology and Construction at Bedford College, said: 

“We are continuing to create new job opportunities in green industries and are delighted to be working with Anglian Water to ensure that rainwater harvesting systems are installed to a high standard to work safely and effectively.  This green technology will enable people to use rainwater now and in the homes of the future and will save not only water but also money on bills.

"Plumbers who are skilled in this new technology, which is one of the new greener alternatives to water use, could revolutionise the way we think about water use in the home, business and industry.”

Preserving water supplies

With an ever-growing demand for water “Rainwater Harvesting” is seen as a green technology that will preserve precious water supplies and help the wider environment.

“Rainwater Harvesting” collects rain falling onto roofs and hard surfaces and stores it in a tank under the ground.  When needed, the water is pumped to a header tank and used for toilets and other uses where high quality drinking water simply isnt needed. This reduces the demand for tap water and can reduce water bills. 

The launch of “Rainwater Harvesting” included trade exhibitions and seminars looking at a low carbon future, delivered by energy and sustainability experts from Anglian Water, industry and academia.

Patrick Hall, MP for Bedford and Kempston, attended the event at Bedford College's Plumbing Technology Centre in Kempston.

Anglian Water is backing Bedford College in this green initiative, encouraging people to think about water efficiency in a region which is already the driest in the UK.

Andrew Mackintosh from Anglian Water said: “We support Bedford College in taking the lead on such an important national issue.  This region in particular has the potential to feel the effects of climate changes on water resources more than most, so training plumbers of the future in the skills of the future is vital.

“Rainwater harvesting systems still need to meet high standards and be carefully installed so that they do not affect water used for drinking purposes, and we will be looking to Bedford College to provide that high quality training.”