Interactive core module

Rainwater capture estimator

Set a roof area, a rainfall level and a collection efficiency to model an annual capture range, seasonal variability and overflow likelihood. The chain is the same one used in the tank-sizing module.

Important

This is an educational estimation model only and not a guarantee. It applies generic coefficients to illustrate how the variables interact — it does not measure, size or certify any real system, and it is not engineering, plumbing or design advice.

Inputs

Adjust all three to generate a result.

120 m²
Effective collection footprint — the plan area of roof draining to the tank.
Low ≈ 520 mm/yr (dry / winter-rainfall) · Very high ≈ 1700 mm/yr (monsoonal). See regional rainfall.
System losses combined: gutters, first-flush diversion, screening and overflow. Basic ≈ 0.50 · Optimised ≈ 0.85.

Model: capture ≈ area × rainfall × runoff (0.8) × efficiency. 1 mm on 1 m² ≈ 1 litre.

Set roof area, rainfall level and collection efficiency to model a capture range.
FIG 09

How to read the output

OUT 1

Capture range

A median annual figure with a dry-year to wet-year band, because rainfall varies year to year well beyond its average.

OUT 2

Seasonal variability

How the modelled inflow is spread across the seasons — the peakier the profile, the more storage must buffer dry gaps.

OUT 3

Overflow likelihood

A qualitative read on how often peak inflow is likely to exceed typical storage, rising with roof area and peaky rainfall.

Reminder

Every output is indicative and generic. A real assessment uses local rainfall records, your actual roof and system, and current regulations — none of which this model contains.