Esvíz

Esvíz, commonly written as esővíz in Hungarian, refers to rainwater collected from precipitation. It is a renewable, low-cost source of water that can be used for various purposes, depending on local regulations and water quality considerations.

Collection and storage: Rainwater is captured from rooftops or other catchment surfaces and conveyed through gutters and downspouts into storage tanks or cisterns. A first-flush diverter may be used to discard the initial portion of runoff, which carries higher levels of dust and debris. Filtration can occur before storage to remove particulates.

Uses: Non-potable uses include irrigation, gardening, toilet flushing, laundry, and vehicle washing. In some regions, rainwater may be treated to potable standards for drinking and cooking, using filtration, disinfection (such as UV or chlorination), and regular testing; compliance with local building and health codes is required.

Quality and safety: Rainwater quality depends on roof materials, catchment surfaces, and storage conditions. Contaminants include debris, microbes, metals, and chemicals from roof coatings or air pollution. Proper storage, periodic cleaning, and appropriate treatment reduce health risks but risk remains if used for drinking without proper treatment.

Environmental and economic aspects: Rainwater harvesting can reduce demand on municipal supplies, lower water bills, and decrease stormwater runoff. Costs include components (catchment area, gutters, diverter, filters, tank, pump) and maintenance.