Andrew Fischer

Hi,
I have a business setting up rain harvesting systems. I use mostly off the shelf rainheads and first flush kits. One thing that I've noticed over the years is that the first flush is an essential part of the system. The fine dust, pollen, and roofing materials(even metal roof) wind up getting diverted out in the first flush otherwise that's going to all wind up as food for algae and bacteria in the bottom of your tank. If you want to look at a detailed study of the effects of a first flush on different roof surfaces this is a good one: https://www.twdb.texas.gov/innovativewater/rainwater/projects/rainquality/2011_02_rainquality_final_rpt.pdf         Rainharvesting sells an inexpensive first flush kit that I use and they work well or you could get the pieces yourself and put one together.

Good luck,
Andy

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