It sounds complicated, but disconnecting rainwater is very simple. With the step-by-step plan below, a hacksaw, a cap and a elbow, you are ready.

1. Mark the downspout about 3 cm and about 20 cm from the ground.
2. Cut the downspout in both places.
3. Smooth the edges with sandpaper.
4. Cap the piece of downspout coming out of the ground with a sealing cap. Gluing is not necessary.
5. Slide the bend onto the upper part of the downspout
6. Health ensure that the water comes at least 1.5m from the façade and leads to an area with vegetation where the water can easily enter the ground.

Now your downspout is disconnected! It can be that easy. This is the basics, but you can expand it if you want. Below are the different options for above-ground and below-ground rainwater disposal.

Please note that the minimum roof area to be disconnected is 20m².

Grants are also available for greening your home: 

Please note that the minimum paved area to be greened is 10m².

There are several options for handling stormwater above ground. Keep in mind that for every square meter of roof you disconnect, you need half a square meter of unploughed soil. In any case, use a leaf trap and check its operation several times a year. The leaf catch reduces the chance of accumulations in the downspout.

Bringing water to the garden

Rain barrel
A rain barrel is the most popular way to collect rainwater. Connect the rain barrel to the disconnected downspout and direct the excess water to a green area of your garden, via an overflow hose or pipe. A rain barrel is also useful for watering plants during dry periods, but requires some maintenance (cleaning). 

Wadi
A wadi can basically be as simple as a shallow ditch. It is a piece of lowered ground in the garden where water can temporarily stand and slowly sink into the soil. It's a great way to create a wet spot in your garden with unusual plants. 

Many people in our community have already come up with creative solutions, such as using a ship's chain to channel water into the garden, or porous pipes through flower beds... We are happy to think with you if you have an idea, or don't know how to approach it. Feel free to contact us at afkoppelen@nuenen.nl or call 040 - 263 16 31.

Do you have a small garden or prefer not to see above-ground elements? Then underground disconnection may be a good solution. Keep in mind that you need a storage capacity of at least 20 gallons per square meter of disconnected roof.

Infiltration Crates
Plastic crates placed underground to collect rainwater and allow it to slowly infiltrate into the soil. 

Gravel Suitcase
A space in the ground filled with gravel, surrounded by (for example) root canvas. Rainwater is collected in the case and slowly seeps into the soil. This is a relatively simple and sustainable solution. 

Infiltration pipe
A porous pipe laid underground. Rainwater seeps into the ground through holes in the pipe. Keep in mind that any infiltration layer (such as coir fiber) around the pipe decays over time. 

To prevent blockages, it is wise to use a leaf trap and a sand trap with all underground methods. A leaf trap is a grate that keeps leaves out; a sand trap filters sand out of the water. Health also always provide an overflow so that water can drain away when the disposal is full. 

These are the main Requirements:

• Work has yet to start
• You disconnect at least 20m² of paved surface
• The paved surface to be disconnected is legally connected to a gravity sewer (within the built-up area this is usually the case, outside it often not. We can check this for you)
• The roof is at least 2 years old
• Disconnection should not cause nuisance on adjacent properties
• Stormwater is treated on private property

The complete subsidy regulation with all Requirements and details can be found via"Subsidy regulation disconnecting rainwater municipality of Nuenen c.a. | Local laws and regulations.

It is also interesting for companies to disconnect rainwater. This way you contribute to a healthy environment and prevent flooding during heavy showers. For business premises, there are also various possibilities to disconnect. Think for example of permeable paving, a wadi or a piece of garden where your employees can take a break.

We understand that a commercial property requires customization. There are subsidies from both the municipality and the water board. Feel free to contact us at afkoppelen@nuenen.nl and together we will look at the best solution for your business.