Rainwater management

Finding

“Increasing soil sealing and urbanization, coupled with more intense thunderstorms, are increasingly causing flooding of public and private infrastructure. Runoff, pollution, and pumping disrupt the natural water cycle. The rapid discharge of stormwater into the sewer system prevents it from infiltrating the ground and recharging groundwater aquifers. Integrated water management is essential to prevent flooding and pollution of surface water and soil, as well as to replenish groundwater aquifers.”

Excerpt from the Brussels Environment Sustainable Building Guide.

In this context, RYA offers a comprehensive approach to rainwater management on your property.

Rainwater collection & integration

RYA supports you in managing rainwater harvesting so that the water can be used within the building:

selection of materials and coatings for roofs and impermeable surfaces;
selection and sizing of water storage tanks by matching the needs of future occupants with the collection areas;
selection of appropriate pumping and filtration systems based on the intended use of the water.

RYA offers a range of appropriate solutions to prevent the stormwater drainage system from becoming overwhelmed during stormy weather:

integration of a green roof to create a time lag;
creation of a storm water retention basin;
establishment of an infiltration area on the property that can be combined with high-quality landscaping features, such as filter ponds and swales, to create a rain garden;
use of permeable rather than impermeable paving materials.

We work with you to design and optimize these rainwater management systems.

Limiting personal consumption

An efficient design for using water in your home while minimizing consumption!

RYA offers you a well-thought-out design from the outset by limiting the length of supply and drain lines required. This is achieved through, among other things:

the stacking and proximity of bathrooms;
the carefully planned location of the utility room with the hot water system;
thermal insulation of the pipes;
limiting the number of hot water outlets.

We strongly encourage you to limit your consumption to conserve this precious resource:

selection of appropriate plumbing fixtures (water-saving showerheads, aerators, etc.);
easily accessible shut-off valves to facilitate maintenance and allow for a quick response in case of leaks.

Wastewater treatment

Consistent wastewater treatment, whether through a communal or individual system.

RYA can offer you alternatives to the “sewer system” by analyzing the options for on-site wastewater treatment:

sizing, footprint, and implementation of landscape-based treatment techniques;
ecological micro-lagoons;
individual wastewater treatment plants.

In all cases, RYA recommends a separate system (rainwater/sewage) extending to the public sewer system.