A central rainwater collection system collects and stores rainwater for use across a development or communal space.

To achieve WAT2 External Water Use CfSH credits the central rainwater collection system must allow for the water to be used for outdoor applications so therefore must be accessed by an external tap. Please see the technical guide for exact requirements.

It is more cost effective to use an above ground system as the system is cheaper, quicker and easier to install, however below ground systems allow better utilisation of space and can provide an almost invisible system.

1 litre/m2 of land allocated to the dwelling with a minimum of 200 litres per communal garden.

Where the communal garden is allocated to more than 6 dwellings, a maximum of 30 litres per dwelling can be applied.

The allocated land can either be planted (including grass) or left as unplanted soil and can be either split into plots or communally maintained

"Code for Sustainable Homes Technical Guide November 2010"