Importance of Rainwater Tanks Buying Guide

Saving rain

Australia is the driest inhabited continent and predictions are that the future is likely to get hotter and drier. So it’s all the more frightening that, per person, we’re the biggest water consumers in the world.

But drinking water is scarce. Of all the water in the world, only 1% is fresh water available for use. So it’s hard to justify that we waste so much of this precious resource on things that don’t really require good drinking water. Garden irrigation and toilet flushing, for example, apparently guzzle up around half the water we consume.

Using rainwater for these things, or recycled greywater from our baths and laundries, would make much more sense. Rainwater tank can be more effective if you know the right material of it.

Costs and considerations

If you’re interested in installing a rainwater tank, contact your local council, water supplier and health department (if you want to drink the water) first to find out which rules and regulations apply in your local area that could affect your decision.

You may need to submit a development or building application; or there may be restrictions on the tank’s location, colour, height and labelling; or noise regulations for a pump may apply. Your water supplier or a licensed plumber should be able to advise you on plumbing regulations, and your health department on issues about drinking rainwater and preventing mosquitoes breeding.

These initial inquiries should also establish whether you’re entitled to any cash rebates or bill reductions. Rebates can range from $150 to $1500 for the installation of a rainwater tank and depend on the size of the tank and whether it’s connected to a toilet and/or washing machine. Check with your local water or government authority

Outdoor, indoor or drinking?

Using the rainwater you collect for outdoor purposes only is the easiest scenario. Apart from the obligatory checks with your council and water supplier, you probably just need the tank supplier to install it and don’t need a licensed plumber if there’s no connection to the mains water supply.

If you’re allowed to connect your rainwater tank to the mains water supply, you’re likely to need a backflow prevention device so your rainwater won’t contaminate the mains supply if the water pressure changes suddenly and the water tries to flow backwards. Your water supplier may provide this free.

Many water suppliers and health authorities in Australia recommend you don’t drink the water you collect in a rainwater tank if you have access to mains water. But this is probably just to be on the safe side, because no authority can guarantee the quality of the rainwater you collect. You'll also be missing out on the benefits of fluoridated water if it's supplied in your area.

Roofs made of galvanised iron, Colorbond, Zincalume, slate and clay/ceramic or concrete tiles are OK for collection of drinking water. Taking part on how to install underground water tank or simplify rainwater metal tank can be accountable on getting potable water form rain.

Water saving tips

Cut down your time in the shower.
Install a water-efficient showerhead, and a flow regulator (restrictor) or aerator to taps to reduce the amount of water that comes out — your council or water supplier may offer rebates.
Install a dual-flush toilet (or put a brick in the cistern) to reduce the amount of water used for flushing.
Look for a water-rating label when buying appliances such as a showerhead, washing machine (a front loader uses less water), dishwasher and toilet. Together these four account for over 80% of indoor residential water use. The more stars on the label, the more water-efficient the appliance is, up to a maximum of five.
Only run full loads in the dishwasher and washing machine (unless it has a half-load program).
Fix all leaking taps.
Plant so-called ‘water-wise’ or native plants that need less water, and use mulch.
If you’re allowed to use an irrigation system in your garden, use a tap timer.
If you’re installing a new irrigation system, choose a drip system with a rain or soil moisture sensor.
For hand-watering, use a trigger nozzle or spray wand.

Water Conservation: Let us Move now

According to the water Australia, about 10% of Australian energy demand is used to treat, pump and heat water. Reduce water waste and improve the energy efficiency of your home with tips and information from Conservation Conversations!

So act now. Let us work together to conserve water by using conservation tools like rainwater tanks or other tanks that can be useful in conserving water. Go and share your knowledge in conserving water.

Underground Rainwater Tanks Benefit

Underground water tanks are very useful and practical. They prove to offer many benefits and uses for water conservation, sanitation, and as well as environmental purposes. Underground water tanks may be used for domestic septic systems as well as rural wells. They may also be employed to collect runoff storm water which may be used for other useful purposes such as gardening and cleaning. One of the best advantages of underground water tanks is the space conserved by simply installing the water tank in the ground. This provides extra or larger space which may be utilized for other purposes. Underground water tanks are usually built to endure various harsh environments. They may be made from polyethylene, fibreglass, or other highly durable materials. Underground water tanks are built to resist the permeation of gases and chemicals that are naturally present in soil and sewage wastes. This is very important to prevent water or soil contamination which may greatly affect the environment including vegetation, animals, and ultimately human health. Some underground water tanks features a variety of accessories like extensions and lid-riser combinations which makes self-installation easier.

How to choose the right model of Underground Rainwater Tank

When you have decided to purchase underground water tanks, there are some factors to consider before closing the deal. You must first decide on what type of material the underground water tank will be made of. As mentioned earlier, underground water tanks may be constructed from polyethylene, fibreglass, or even concrete. You should weigh very carefully the benefits and drawbacks of each type of production material. Second, you should choose the correct size for your needs. Usual sizes of underground water tanks are 700 litres, 4,500 litres, 5,500 litres, 7,500 litres, and 10,000 litres which is considered Australia’s largest underground water tank capacity. The third factor to look into is the manufacturer’s warranty. This is very important in case accidents happen or underground water tanks prove to be defective which is rarely the case. Lastly, you should look into the process of installation. You should try to compare the required excavation depth for installation. Installation cost should be considered. Some models may be self-installed by a handyman or experienced plumber.

Quality and Safety of Rainwater Tank

Rainwater that is captured and stored correctly is a safe, economical and sustainable source of quality water. Rainwater is as safe as any source of water, provided certain safety precautions are taken as part of water capture, storage and distribution. In fact some say that rainwater is safer than water supplied through mains or reticulated water systems. Our mains water is typically stored in dams, treated with chemicals such as chlorine to kill of bacteria and make it safe, and then pumped through a network of pipes throughout the community. Rainwater tank is the most safe storage for treatment of this water.

COUNCIL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT RECOMMENDATIONS

Many Local Councils, State Health Departments and Industry Associations have either have developed, or are in the process of developing guidelines for use of rainwater harvesting systems. These guidelines have been developed to help optimise water quality. Key aspects of many of these guidelines are:


Incorporating Gutter Mesh Systems - to help ensure gutters do not become blocked with leaves and debris; to prevent mosquito breeding habitats


Fitting Rain Heads at gutter downpipes - to separate leaves and debris from the flow of water; to keep mosquitoes out of pipe systems to the tank (especially in "wet" systems)

Preventing the First Flush of rainwater from entering the tank - to reduce the amount of roof pollutants

Insect proofing all tank openings (inlets and overflow outlets) - to prevent mosquitoes breeding

Regular Tank Maintenance of the tank, catchment system, roof and gutters, inlets to ensure a safe supply of water. Desludging may be required every 2-3 years, and whilst regular disinfection should not be necessary, can be undertaken if preferred. See more products on rainwater tank Australia..

Rainwater Tanks: The Best Friend of Gardeners

Everyone loves a lush green garden but unfortunately the Australian climate is not exactly suited to this type of garden. We have plenty of sunshine but most of us are lacking water. Consequently most cities are facing water restrictions and limited to the days we can water. Unless you have drought tolerant plants then your garden will go thirsty. Here's one way to have your green garden without using more than your share. Using rainwater tanks is the perfect way for you to create the garden of your dreams and keep it green all year round. The most important part of the operation is to have enough rainwater tanks and the right types of systems to suit your needs and your gardens. Slimline tanks are great for small blocks because you put them out of the way and grow plants around them to hide them. Some tanks can even be used as wall panels or fencing. If you can't afford a big tank, use a modular tank so you can start with one and join on another one next year. Slimline tanks are typically round or elliptical, and can look a bit unsightly in your backyard however some new tanks are rectangular and flat so that fit together and look just like a normal wall or fence

Using underground rainwater tank for your gardens is also a great idea because you don't have to do anything to the water before you use it for your plants and vegetables. In fact, some research shows the water even healthier than watering them out of your own water supply, depending on where your local water comes from. Water from the tap is treated with chemicals to make sure there is no harmful bacteria, strange colours or smells. The water is then delivered through underground pipes which can be over 50 years old! Compare that to rainwater which falls directly from the sky.

Rainwater Tank System: Useful Tips in Harvesting Rainwaters

Rainwater harvesting simply collects the rain which fall onto roofs, then stores it in a tank until required for use. When required, the water is then pumped to the point of use or to a secondary tank (header tank or break tank), thus displacing what would otherwise be a demand for mains-water. In the process, a volume of water is kept out of the storm-water management system, thereby helping to reduce flooding risks. Rainwater harvesting is not a new concept; however, over the last century its use has diminished with the availability of a clean, inexpensive and reliable water source through the mains supply.

More recently, water demand has started to exceed supply, and localised flooding has become an issue. Industry experts are now recognising the important role that rainwater harvesting (also known as rainwater recycling, and greywater recycling) has to play in alleviating both these problems. With strategic water planners looking to reduce the amount of water consumption per head going forward. Solutions such as rainwater harvesting will play a critical role. Rainwater is captured from the roof(s), and brought to a central point, via normal guttering and down-pipes, to enter a storage tank (frequently underground), where it is filtered on entry. A highly efficient and reliable submersible pump delivers the water to a service on demand. Depending on the circumstances a secondary tank (header tank) can be used to gravity feed the water to the point of use.

The size of the storage tank is determined by considering the amount of water available for storage (a function of roof size and local average rainfall), and the amount of water likely to be used (a function of buildings occupancy and function). It is very important not to over-size the rainwater tank too much. An over-sized tank may result in a lower than expected quality of water.
Considerations for fitting a rainwater collection system to an existing property

• The external drainage from the roof needs to be modified to bring the water to a central point.
• Access for the tank and excavation is required.
• Internal plumbing is usually required to be separated out from the drinking (incl. bathing) water from the non-drinking water (WC, washing machine & outside tap.)

Get Benefited With Rainwater Tanks

In the past, rainwater tanks were a common feature of the Australian landscape, but they’ve almost disappeared from our cities now. The majority of Australian households get their water from a reticulated supply. In the 1990s, 16% of households used a rainwater tank and for 13% it was their main source of drinking water.

In recent years, however, the long-lasting drought in many parts of the country and widespread water restrictions have drawn attention to water conservation issues and put rainwater tanks right back onto urban agendas. Many local councils, water suppliers and state governments have been encouraging residents to install a rainwater tank, usually with the offer of a rebate.

The potential benefits of installing a rainwater tank are plentiful, and you don’t need to live in a wet or tropical area to reap them. South Australia, the country’s driest state, has the highest rate of rainwater tank usage. More than half the households there have one, and for more than a third it’s their main source of drinking water., With a rainwater tank products, you’ll:
1. Collect most of the rain (around 80%) that falls onto the areas of your roof you have connected to gutters and downpipes into your tank. For example, if 10 mm of rain falls on to 100 m2 of roof you’ll ‘harvest’ about 800 L of rainwater. That’s about as much as an average Sydney household of three would use in a day if they made no efforts to save water. If they did, they’d get their consumption down to around 500–600 L a day.

2. Reduce your consumption of mains water and, in the long term, cut your water bill. Your water supplier may be able to give you an indication of the savings you can expect.

3. Lower your impact on the environment by reducing your demand on mains water as well as the amount of stormwater runoff into rivers and oceans.

4. ‘Harvest’ water that tastes better and is generally less salty, which is better for appliances and plants.

Ways to Install Rainwater Tanks

Rainwater tanks are an eco-friendly device used to store rain water runoff collected by the gutters on your roof. During a half-inch rainfall, a 50-gallon rain water tank can fill up. This water is safe for outdoor uses such as watering gardens and lawns, washing tools or keeping compost bins moist. Storing rain water reduces your domestic water bill and city's water demands and also helps the environment by conserving water. Rain water tanks are available for purchase at your local garden center; alternatively, you can modify a plastic drum to serve as a rainwater tank system.

Instructions:
1. Clean the rain water tank with a mixture of 1/8 cup bleach and 5 gallons water.
2. Drill a 15/16-inch hole near the bottom of the rain water tank for the drain hole, and insert a 3/4-inch spigot. Make sure the hole is far enough off the ground to attach a garden hose or fill watering cans.
3. Lay a secure cinder block foundation underneath the downspout next to your house. Layer blocks in a crisscross pattern if more than one layer is needed for added support.
4. Place the rain water tank on top of the foundation.
5. Cut the downspout with a fine-toothed hacksaw, leaving enough length to allow the downspout to reach the top of the rain water tank.
6. Attach one end of the flexible downspout extender to the downspout previously cut and the other end to the opening on the top of the rain water tank. If the tank does not have a hole in the top, drill a hole large enough to insert the downspout extender.

Underground Rainwater Tank Advantages

Many people choose to have their tanks installed above ground, just because it is a simpler operation and takes less time. But underground pools are ideal for people who have large water needs, such as a swimming pool to fill. Maybe they have a large area under a deck which would be ideal for a rainwater tank. Other options are underneath driveways, pergolas or under sheds. An underground tank is usually constructed of concrete but can also be made of poly plastic. One interesting combination is to have your tank both above and below the ground. That is, the tank is partly submerged, often placed along a fence line, so that a larger tank can be installed, without marring the aesthetic appearance of the home.

Rainwater tanks should be installed by a qualified and experienced plumber. If space is at a premium, underground tanks make an excellent choice. Rainwater harvesting system elements are made of long lasting materials resistant to rusting and chemical contamination and have a simple technical structure. This makes maintenance and cleaning a very simple procedure.

The Tankstar Underground Rainwater system is lightweight’ space saving’ underground tank that provides lifting lugs at top of the tank for ease of maneuverability and installation; it’s also extremely durable and highly resistant to cracking caused by external pressure created by ground movement.

Discover Your New Water System

The emergence of modern water pumping systems, domestic, industrial, factories, hospitals, has given great comfort and ease of use and consumption of the formation of community and daily water demand, and other businesses. Water is one of the basic needs of life. Humans can survive days without food - but not without water.

You must use great technology and modern facilities to pump water from beneath the earth and resources. During shadoof ancient water, supplied by land or by using the slider. This is a long lever pivot post located on the shores of two wooden upright. Other ancient water pump system is a wooden bucket. This is a continuous loop through the buckets of the pulley wheel, sawyer water filter which is believed to be used to irrigate farms and gardens of Babylon around 600 BC. Today, Rainwater tanks are very helpful for watering plants in farms.

Today's living water pumping from the ground up to take a new shape for a good place to live in the world. Submersible pump is one of the great discoveries that revolutionize the way people use water. This is a closed electrical devices.  Also known as utility pumps have been sold around the world. It has different functions like clear water and building residential and commercial waste water. Devices must be so large pump, is that it has a superior ability to force smoke as the air pressure does not depend on the outside. Water pump has a mechanical seal system used to protect the infiltration of water through the motor which can cause electrical shorts. In taking the newest water system nowadays, you must consider the quality and durable water tanks that can give you the user-friendly water system in your house.

Why Need To Buy Rainwater Tanks

A rain water tank is beneficial to any home, especially if you live in an area where water is scarce. Water restrictions are in force in many areas of Australia. However, with additional rain water you are free to wash your car, water the garden or do the laundry as often as you wish without putting a strain on your city’s water resources. In addition, you will be pleasantly surprised to find a big reduction in your water bill as well. Prior to purchasing a rain water tank there are a few things you need to consider.

One of the major factors to influence your buying decision is the size of the tank. This will depend largely on the space you have and the purpose for which the water will be utilized. A smaller tank would do for the garden but if you need to connect it to the toilet a larger tank would be necessary. Rainwater tanks comes in a variety of size from a thousand litres to 25,000 and more so you aren’t spoilt for choice.

 Another important aspect is the design of the tank, which once again depends on your requirements and a suitable location where it can be installed. Tanks are available in a number of shapes and sizes, and some companies offer custom built tanks as well. The amount of space you have to install a tank will also influence your choice. For those short on space, an underground tank would suffice. In addition, there are a variety of slim designs that can fit along the house.