Rainwater Collection

Managing rainfall

Dutch greenhouses are designed to minimize the impact of external weather conditions on your plants, providing a controlled environment for optimal growth. While our structures shield your plants from the elements, they are also ingeniously engineered to efficiently manage rain and snow that falls on the greenhouse roof. The Dutch greenhouse systems effectively channel rainwater to collect and reuse it and to avoid any problems.

Control, Collect & Reuse

The first step of rainwater management is controlling it. Water that is under control can be collected, stored, treated and reused. Unlike The Netherlands, in many places in the world water is a scarcity. This means water needs to be managed carefully.

Controlling Rainwater

The sloped foundation of every Dutch greenhouse, allows water to be channeled naturally through the 'V' shape of the greenhouse towards one, or both sides in the gutter direction. This allows it to be controlled easily.

Rainwater discharge can be done in two different ways: The first and easiest method is through PVC rainwater downspouts. In climates where temperatures can reach far below freezing, collection can also go through the last steel column. This is a more elegant solution, but also a more expensive one.

When the water reaches ground level through either the columns or pvc pipes, it enters a collection pipe that is designed for water to flow by gravity towards one corner of the greenhouse.

Collecting Rainwater

In most cases rainwater can be perfectly used as irrigation water for the crops inside the greenhouse. Rather than getting rid of the water, it can be brought to use. Collecting rainwater is best done in large tanks made from corrugated steel or in basins with liners. Both should be covered to prevent algae growth and containment from birds and other animals.

Reusing

With a supply of fresh rainwater at hand, this can be selected as water source by the greenhouse computer. The water is checked and treated through the UV, Ultrafiltration and in rare cases also through RO to ensure the water is safe to fertlize the plants.

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FAQ

How is rainwater from greenhouses collected?

The Dutch greenhouse design has a natural slope, allowing for easy collection on one or two sides of the greenhouse. Water can be brought to surface level through either PVC pipes or through the columns. Through this centralized water pipe, water is brought to one corner of the greenhouse.

Can rainwater be used for irrigation in the greenhouse?

Yes, rainwater is the most natural source of irrigation. Preferably, the water is treated first through the irrigation systems of the greenhouse facility before supplying it to the plants.