Several key components are used in a stormwater harvesting system in order to capture, store, and sometimes treat stormwater for reuse. The first component is the collection system, which includes gutters, downspouts, or drains to direct the rainwater from rooftops or paved surfaces into the system. Next, the water usually passes through a filtration or screening device to remove debris and larger particles before entering storage
Storage can be in the form of tanks, underground reservoirs, or detention ponds, which hold the water for later use. In some systems, a first flush diverter is included to discard the initial runoff, which may contain higher concentrations of pollutants. For water that will be reused, such as for irrigation or industrial purposes, additional filtration and treatment may be required to ensure it meets quality standards. Finally, pumps and distribution pipes are used to move the stored water to the areas where it will be used.