water butt
Definition
A water butt is a container that collects rainwater from roofs or other surfaces. It is typically made of plastic or metal and has a tap at the bottom so that the water can be easily accessed. Water butts are a sustainable way to collect rainwater, which can then be used for watering plants, washing cars, or other household tasks.
How can the word be used?
The container is waterproof.
Different forms of the word
Adjective: not allowing water to pass through.
Noun: a material that is waterproof.
Etymology
The word "waterproof" comes from the combination of the words "water" and "proof".
The word "water" comes from the Old English word "wæter", which means "water".
The word "proof" comes from the Old English word "prūf", which means "test" or "trial".
The first recorded use of the word "waterproof" was in the 17th century.
Question
Why is waterproof clothing important to a mountaineer?
AQA Science Exam Question and Answer
Question:
Explain the purpose and benefits of using a water butt for rainwater harvesting. Discuss how a water butt functions to collect and store rainwater and its ecological and economic advantages.
Answer:
A water butt is a container designed to collect and store rainwater from rooftops, which can be later used for various purposes. It functions by directing rainwater from a downpipe into the storage tank, where it is held until needed.
The primary purpose of a water butt is rainwater harvesting, a sustainable practice that offers several benefits. Rainwater is a free and naturally replenished resource, making it an economical alternative to using mains water for tasks such as watering plants, washing cars, or cleaning outdoor spaces.
Rainwater harvesting has ecological advantages as well. By using rainwater for non-potable purposes, we reduce the demand on municipal water supplies, helping to conserve this precious resource. Additionally, rainwater is naturally soft and lacks the chemicals found in tap water, making it more suitable for plants and gardens.
Moreover, rainwater harvesting mitigates the risk of localised flooding by reducing the volume of stormwater runoff. This contributes to improved water quality in rivers and streams by minimising the pollutants that runoff can carry into water bodies.