Collecting Rainwater

Rainwater flows down the downspout and into the sewer system. That’s a shame, because you can put that water to good use—for example, to water your plants. Do you find yourself with too much water in your yard after a heavy downpour? There are good solutions for that, too. You may even be eligible for a subsidy from the municipality for some of these measures.

The simplest way to collect rainwater is with a rain barrel. There are all kinds of models available, ranging from traditional plastic or wooden barrels to ones with attractive designs or disguised as planters, boulders, or even fences. If you’re even a little handy, you can connect a barrel like this yourself, and then you’ll have free rainwater for your plants.

Too much water

Is your yard flooded after a heavy rainstorm? The more greenery you have in your yard, the better water can drain away. Replace some of the pavers with greenery—every little bit helps. Another option is permeable paving, such as gravel, bark mulch, or grass-concrete pavers.

A natural pond is also an excellent way to collect rainwater or serve as an overflow for a rain barrel. Such a pond requires little maintenance, and there’s no need for pumps, filters, or lights.

Do you have a green garden that still can’t handle rainwater? If so, infiltration crates or a gravel box might be the solution. Infiltration crates aren’t always an option: for example, they aren’t suitable (or are less suitable) for clay or peat soil. A high groundwater level can also be a reason why infiltration isn’t always possible.

Grant

For many water-related solutions, you can receive a climate subsidy from the municipality of Moerdijk. For example, for a rain barrel or other water reservoir, such as a water retaining wall. But also for disconnecting the downspout from the roof and constructing a wadi or infiltration system. Are you replacing at least 5 square meters of pavers with greenery? The subsidy applies to that as well, just as it does for the installation of water-permeable or water-transmitting paving. You can find the complete overview onthe subsidy page. 

Please note: certain conditions apply. For example, the work may not be carried out until the grant has been awarded (i.e., not before) and must be completed within 8 weeks of the grant being awarded. All conditions are listed on the grant page.

Want to read more?

Moerdijk Water Services: the Moerdijk municipality's website with all information about (problems with) the sewer system and other water-related matters.

Milieu Centraal: This website features helpful step-by-step guides on how to disconnect a downspout, install a rain barrel or infiltration bins, or create a gravel bed or natural garden pond.