The idea of a rainwater tank is pretty simple. It’s simply a way to collect rainwater runoff, most often with gutters in the eaves of the roof, channelling the water into some kind of container. These tanks can have any number of uses, just the same as any water pumped from a municipal source, with a little preparation. In fact, they’re often used to reduce dependence upon public utilities for economic or environmental reasons.
The water can be employed in gardening and farming, for toilets and showering, for washing, or, in some cases, simply for drinking. Rainwater tanks are a great solution where there is very little potable ground water, in places which see a long wet season followed by a long dry season, or even in Sydney when we have water restrictions in place.
Important Considerations in Rainwater Tank Installation
Most often, someone who has a rainwater tank installed on his or her property uses it for landscaping or gardening purposes, rather than general household use. No matter what the use, however, it has to be properly built. Standing water is a breeding ground for mosquitoes, and there needs to be screens placed to keep them out. This is especially important if the water will be used for drinking.
If the water is going to be used for drinking, filtration units should be incorporated into the project. Rainwater itself isn’t a problem – it’s often the purest water to be found. But that water has to run through gutters or pipes and down roofs before it reaches the tank, and it can pick up all kinds of things along the way. There are some paints, coatings, and metals commonly used for construction that are not good to drink. A qualified plumber will be able to detect the dangers, if any and counter them accordingly.
Which Kind of Rainwater Tank is Best?
Rainwater tanks come in many shapes and can be made out of many different materials, including:
- Polyethylene: A light material that is easy to build both above and below ground storage tanks.
- Metal: Light and easy to move, also great for both above and below ground. These can be made from coated or corrugated steel, depending upon need.
- Concrete: These are very heavy and have to be built on site. But they are very strong and made to last for a very long time. They can still crack, especially when placed underground in clay soil, but they are resistant to algae and keep water cooler than the other substances.
- Fiberglass: A great material for extreme temperatures. It doesn’t rust. Fiberglass tanks work best above ground, and are relatively easy to move.
It takes planning to correctly setup and install a rainwater tank. Make sure everything is set with the local council authorities before starting one, to avoid accidentally tapping a sewer line or causing problems with the local water supply.
If you would like some advice on rainwater tanks and what’s involved, please get in touch and we’ll talk you through the process.