Rural properties have a few different needs to urban homes when it comes to rainwater and storage tanks.

Often rural properties have no access to a mains water supply and rely solely on a large storage tank for water that’s safe for drinking and for household usage too. They may also be required to have water in reserve for the rural fire service and need an extra tank with sizing specified by the rural fire service. A rural property may also need a storage tank if it’s a working farm with livestock that needs water or crops that need spraying and fertilising.

What to consider when purchasing a rainwater tank for a rural property

Are you connected to the mains water supply?
If a rainwater tank is to be your primary water supply on a rural property, you’ll need to consider what type of tank can provide the safest drinking water for your family, as well as all the myriad of other uses you’ll need it for.

Concrete vs. Plastic
Traditionally, concrete tanks have been used for drinking water storage because the thickness of the concrete prevents the growth of algae and keeps the water cool and dark away from sunlight. However, installing a concrete tank can be an expensive undertaking. If you already have a concrete tank for drinking water and need a smaller tank, or several smaller tanks, for use around the property or stock water reticulation, then another concrete tank might not fulfil the job requirements.

Pro’s of plastic
These days rotomoulded tanks are perfectly suited for storing drinking water and they’re a lot cheaper and easier to install than concrete ones. They don’t require as much maintenance either! Plus they have increased flexibility around sizing. Rotomoulded tanks come in a range of capacities, such as aboveground tanks of 5,000 litres, all the way up to larger 45,000 litre tanks for containing a family’s annual drinking water.

Features of Global’s plastic tanks

Global’s rotomoulded tanks are constructed from a polyethylene plastic that is suitable for food contact use, i.e., storing drinking water, and are UV protected and mosquito resistant. They have a strong roof for above ground installation and come with a leaf strainer and light guard. They’re Australian made and constructed for Australian conditions.

The beauty of a Global rotomoulded tank is that some sizes can be installed underground if desired, so they’re out of sight and not cluttering your property. This is ideal if you need rainwater tanks for a wide variety of uses across your farm.

Other Global Tanks for Rural Properties

Global’s transportable Bigfoot cartage tanks are built sturdy and strong for rural properties. They come in a range of sizes from 2,000 litres to 15,000 litres and can be used for most liquids and chemicals depending on your intention.

Contact Global tanks today for more information on Bigfoot tanks or to get a better idea of which rural rainwater storage tanks will best suit your property.

Thinking of installing a rainwater tank but either lack the space in your backyard or wish to keep it out of sight? Global’s urban underground rainwater tanks are designed for you!

We even have urban underground rainwater tanks that will fit under your deck – just mask with a trellis in a matching colour to your house, and you’ll never know it’s there!

Key Features

Our underground and under deck rainwater tanks come in 2000L, 3000L and 5000L. All are moulded in food grade Polyethylene and are easy to manage and install onsite. The underground tanks are FEA structurally approved, so you can rest assured that the soil it is buried in will not cause warping to the plastic walls.

The benefits of an underground or under deck tank

• Great for anyone lacking space in their backyard or around their house
• Discreet and does not disrupt the visual consistency of your home
• A smart decision for those building a house – the placement of the tank can be factored into building plans for optimum spatial consideration
• Constant access to clean water through water bans applied during droughts
• Sustainable and environmentally friendly – make the most of our natural resources!
• A one-off cost for a life of savings, utilising a free resource

What size tank will you need?

• A few things to consider when judging what size tank you will need include:
• The size of your roof
• How many appliances in your home use water
• The WELS rating of your appliances
• If you want to use your tank water for indoor or outdoor use, or both
• How many people are living in your home on a daily basis
• The level of rainfall common in your area

Here is a quick view of typical season rainfall trends across all zones within Australia:

Bureau of Meteorology

How to calculate your water usage

If you are still scratching your chin and wanting a more accurate approximation of your water usage, you can use this nifty tool. Tankulator will calculate the size of the tank you need by taking into consideration your current water meter readings as well as information about your household water usage and the rainfall within your area.

How to calculate your roof’s water runoff

Another easy way to calculate the rainwater runoff capable with your existing roof is to follow this simple logic: 1 millimetre of rain on 1 metre squared of roofing will produce 1 litre of water into your tank.

Don’t know how big your roof is in metres squared?

• An average 3 bedroom house is approximately 150 metres squared
• An average 4 bedroom house is approximately 200 metres squared
• An average 5 bedroom house is approximately 300 metres squared

Thinking long term

Underground rainwater tanks can be more expensive to buy and install than above ground tanks. However, their long-term benefits are worth the investment! If you are living in a small space, an underground tank will optimise the area you have and drastically change your water bill in the process. Thinking sustainably in an urban environment is an essential mindset in the contemporary age – get one step ahead and install an underground water tank!

Can’t find the right sized tank for your needs? Contact Global Rotomoulding and chat to our friendly staff about how we can design something to fit your home.

In times of water restrictions, often common in Australia, your rainwater tank could be your new best friend. Rainwater tanks ensure a healthy and reliable water supply for a myriad of uses in the household and in the garden. How can a rainwater tank help you? Keep reading to find out more.

On average, a house with a roof area of 100 m2 (approximately 50 per cent of an average house) can collect about 50,000 litres of water a year. Urban households typically have a connection to a mains water supply but a rainwater tank can significantly lower mains water usage. An appropriately sized rainwater tank could supply up to 20% of a household’s water needs, or a larger one could reduce your mains water use by up to 100%.

Benefits of Rainwater Tanks

The major benefit of a rainwater tank is that the more you use it the more you save on your mains water bill.

Rainwater can be collected from most roof types and guttering systems depending on what you’re using it for. If you have a sophisticated system it can be suitable for all domestic uses such as cooking and drinking. If you are going to be drinking it (not usually recommended if supplied water is available) then the system needs to be able to filter and disinfect the water for human consumption.

Some more benefits of using rainwater over mains water are:

• Alternative drinking supply during water restrictions
• Able to keep the garden green and healthy
• Extra water available to: water the lawn, do the laundry and to wash car

Some environmental impacts of using a rainwater tank is that it:

• Reduces stormwater runoff
• Reduces local flooding
• Reduces the need for new dams or desalination plants

Costs of Rainwater Tanks

A rainwater tank will have a one-off upfront cost, as well as ongoing electricity costs if it has a pump system. It will also require regular, simple checks from the homeowner to ensure the water is kept at a good quality.

Choosing a Rainwater Tank

Always choose a rainwater tank that suits your needs. Things to consider when deciding what size tank to get include:

The uses of the rainwater. Can it be maximised to get the most value from your tank?
The average amount of water consumed by different activities. Use the calculator on the Hunter Water website to calculate your annual water consumption.

Your area’s local rainfall pattern. You may need a much bigger tank if you live in an area with highly variable rainfall.
The area of your roof that will be collecting the rainwater. Generally 1mm of rainfall on 1m2 of roof area = 1L of rainwater

Plastic tanks, such as Global Tank’s range of rotomoulded designs, are durable, lightweight and fantastic value for money. We have a range of domestic and agricultural tanks to suit your home’s needs. Keep your tank out of sight by installing it underground or choose from our urban collection, specifically designed to fit stylishly into any garden! Contact us today to find out more!