Collect rainwater and use it in your own garden
Get your garden ready for the changing climate with our incentive donation disconnection in 9 easy steps.
Request
Highlighted text: Want to know if you need a permit or notification for discharging rainwater (to the sewer)? Do the permit check in the digital link icon. In this digital counter, choose the activity 'Discharging rainwater'.
Cost
Applying for a permit costs money (fees). Look for the costs in the Legesverordening of the municipality of Gemert-Bakel.
A CLIMATE-PROOF GEMERT-BAKEL
Weather extremes are increasingly causing nuisances. Too little water during dry periods and too much water during peak rainstorms. This causes restrictions (not being able to spray) and damage (water in the house or crop loss). These nuisances will become more the rule than the exception if we do not prepare. The municipality of Gemert-Bakel is already getting to work. More spacious and separated sewers and more space above ground for water should limit nuisance.
In the process, rainwater goes into the soil, or into surface water. Wastewater goes to the sewage treatment plant. You too can take measures! By making room in your garden for rainwater or constructing a green roof. With simple adjustments and an incentive contribution from us, you can disconnect your garden and reduce the risk of flooding and dehydration.
Together we make a difference!
TEST THE PERMEABILITY OF THE SOIL IN YOUR GARDEN
- Dig a hole measuring 30 x 30 x 30 cm.
- Pour in a bucket of water of ± 10 liters.
- Repeat once the water is gone.
- Wait four hours after the water is gone.
- Pour in another bucket of water.
- Note how long it takes for the hole to empty.
| Empty time | Permeability | To infiltrate or not to infiltrate? |
|---|---|---|
| Less than 20 minutes | Very good | The best soil for infiltration. |
| Up to 1.5 hours | Good | Excellent soil. Just do it! |
| Between 1.5 and 4.5 hours | Moderate | Contact the municipality for advice. |
| More than 4.5 hours | Bad | Discharge rainwater to drain. |
HOW MUCH RAINWATER COMES OFF A ROOF?
1mm of rain on 1m2 roof = 1 liter
1mm of rain on 30m2 roof = 30 liters
HOW DO YOU CALCULATE THE ROOF AREA?
Length x width in the flat plane (include the neighbor's roof in the calculation if you share one downspout)
WHAT IS DISCONNECTION?
Literally: disconnecting the downspout from the sewer. By disconnecting, you retain water for your own garden and avoid unnecessary discharge of clean rainwater to the (dirty water) sewer and sewage treatment plant. You also waste less drinking water from the tap. Many residents like to disconnect. They just do not always know the best way to go about it. Disconnecting is easier than you think! It is different with new buildings. Here, the rainwater is not connected to a municipal system from the outset. In this way we ensure that we will not face the same problems in the future.
HOW TO PROCEED IN 9 STEPS
- STEP 1 Make a map of your plot showing the objects you will be disconnecting, such as your house, shed or garage.
- STEP 2 Take pictures of the existing situation; stormwater drain(s), pavement(s) and garden.
- STEP 3 Determine the square footage of your roof(s) and pavement(s) and how much rainwater is coming from them.
- STEP 4 Test the permeability of the soil in your garden (see other side).
- STEP 5 Using the outcome of steps 3 and 4, determine and design the best fit for your garden.
- STEP 6 Apply for the incentive grant through the municipality's website and submit your design and photos.
- STEP 7 The municipality will consider your application and, if approved, money will be set aside for you.
- STEP 8 You start working with the design approved by the municipality. During execution, you take photos of all below- and above-ground measures.
- STEP 9 You enjoy the ensemble you have completed. Send your photos and application for payment to the municipality. Upon approval, you will receive your incentive payment.
DISCONNECTING RAINWATER IN YOUR OWN YARD. WHAT CAN YOU DO?
RAIN BARREL OR GREEN WATER WALL
Rain barrels and green water walls come in many forms. Simply put, it is a container to collect rainwater. You can use this water for watering your garden or the kids can play with it.
Please note! Only under certain conditions will you receive a financial contribution for this. We are happy to discuss this with you!
GRINDTERRAS
The rule of thumb for an attractive garden is that no more than 40% is paved. So, tiles out, and greenery in. For paving, tiles that allow water to pass through are the best option; rainwater can then sink into the ground. If the permeable paving is lower than the rest of the garden, this is also where water from your roof can soak into the ground.
WADI (WATER DRAINAGE BY INFILTRATION)
One of the easiest and cheapest ways to get rainwater into the ground is to collect it in a wadi; A wadi is a lowered part of your garden where water flows into it. A wadi can be a lowered lawn, but you can also brighten it up with plants. Not only good for the water, but also for the plants and animals!
WATER STORAGE POND
With a water-holding pond, you allow the water level in the pond to rise before it floods. This water evaporates again after a shower, giving you room for the next shower. If you have lots of room for a pond, you can even store extra water to water the plants in your garden during dry periods.
UNDER TRAMPOLINE
Do you have or want a trampoline in the garden? When it is buried, the space underneath can be used as a great water storage area! Relocate your downspout to this area. With some gravel at the bottom, the rainwater drains into the soil more easily.
ANY FINANCIAL CONTRIBUTION
We do it together! The municipality of Gemert-Bakel helps residents make their living environment more sustainable by, among other things, providing financial support.
INCENTIVE CONTRIBUTION STORMWATER DISCONNECTION
Disconnecting your home is sustainable, better for your garden and beneficial for your wallet. Homeowners and businesses who disconnect their rainwater from the public sewer system can apply for an incentive contribution of €6.00 per m2 of roof area.
INCENTIVE GRANT GREEN ROOF
Green roofs give Gemert-Bakel a greener appearance, provide a buffer in case of rain, are good for biodiversity, ensure a longer life span of a roof, cool and insulate. Homeowners and companies that buffer rainwater on their green roof with a storage capacity of at least 25 liters per m2 roof surface can apply for an incentive contribution of € 25.00 per m2 roof surface.
CONDITIONS
All terms and conditions can be found on our website, some important ones are:
- You are not connected to pressure sewers (especially outdoor areas).
- Your house must be older than 5 years (no new construction/additions)
Are you planning to disconnect or install a green roof on your existing home/garage? Then encourage others in your neighborhood to do so as well. Doing it together is more fun, sometimes results in a discount on purchases and if you do it together there are also subsidy opportunities from water board Aa and Maas: www.aaenmaas.nl.