When considering local plans and planning applications it is becoming more and more important to consider the water resource implications of proposals. Water companies are under obligation to provide water to new domestic properties (although this is recognised as a significant challenge in some parts of the country) but they are not required to do so for non-domestic properties. When planning for new non-domestic properties, or deciding on applications, they (water companies) and you (spatial planners) need to consider how the water demands/needs of non-domestic properties are going to be met. Rainwater harvesting is one means of meeting some of the non-potable (non-drinking) water demand and could be looked on favourably. Non-domestic properties are suitable due to the generally larger roof areas available, the space available for large storage tanks, and the greater demand for non-potable water. Some types of non-domestic properties are more suited to rainwater harvesting than others, although some value would be achievable across the board.
