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!
