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.

Another Water Conservation To Work Out

The blog and the Water Education Foundation is dedicated to educating all of us about the water issues affecting Australia, and therefore, all of us all around the world.  They want to create a better understanding of general water issues and help resolve water resource problems through educational means and awareness.   They provide educational resources, recommended reading, data on the current California water crisis, research and more.

Here, at The Reef Tank, we've come to look to Aquafornia and the Water Education Foundation, for suggestions that are useful for anyone.    One of the best things I've come to find on their site, which can be used by one and all, is their amazing list of Water Conservation Tips for outdoor and indoor use.

OUTDOOR:

1. Water your lawn only when it needs it. If you step on it and it springs back after you lift your foot, it doesn’t need water. Set your sprinklers for more days in between watering.

2. Adjust your sprinklers so that the water lands on the lawn or garden where it belongs – and only there.

3. Water during the cool parts of the day. Do not water between 10am and 6pm to minimize evaporation. Early morning is better than dusk – watering at dusk can lead to growth of fungus.

4. Water your landscape in cycles by reducing the number of minutes on your timer and using multiple start times spaced one hour apart. This allows the water to soak into the soil and avoids runoff.

5. Don’t water the lawn on windy days as there is too much evaporation.

6. Cut down on watering on cool and overcast days and don’t water in the rain. Adjust or deactivate automatic sprinklers. Turn them back on only when needed.

7. Consider installing a smart sprinkler system with an automatic rain shutoff device.

8. Aerate your lawn by punching small holes in it about 6 inches apart. This will allow water to penetrate to the roots and lessen runoff.

9. Install drip irrigation systems for trees, shrubs and flowers.

10. Set lawn mover blades one notch higher. Longer grass means less evaporation.

11. Replace your lawn and thirsty plants with less thirsty ones. Consider drought-tolerant plants in areas that are hard to water or receive little use.

12. Apply as little fertilizer to your lawn as possible. Applying excess fertilizer increases water consumption and creates more mowing for you.

13. Water brown spots by hand instead of increasing the time on the sprinklers. Remember, too, that not all brown spots are from lack of water. The problem could be grubs that feed on the root system and kill it. Contact a local nursery professional.

14. Visually inspect your sprinkler system once a month during daylight hours.

15. Don’t run the hose when washing your car. Use a spray stopper, a bucket, and give it a quick rinse at the end.

16. Use a broom instead of a hose to clean driveways & sidewalks.

17. Put a layer of mulch around trees and plants to slow down evaporation.

18. If you have a pool, use a pool cover to cut down on evaporation.

19. Dispose of hazardous waste properly. One quart of oil washed down the gutters can contaminate 250,000 gallons of water, eliminating that much from the water supply

INDOOR:

1. Fix leaky faucets and plumbing joints.

2. Install water-saving showerheads or flow restrictors.

3. Take shorter showers. Even a 1 to 2 minute reduction can save up to 700 gallons per month.

4. When taking a bath, start filling the tub with the drain already plugged instead of waiting first for the water to get warm. Adjust the temperature as the tub begins to fill.

5. Run only full loads in the washing machine & dishwasher.

6. Consider replacing older washing machines and dishwashers with new, water-efficient models. Check with your local water supplier to see if any rebates are available.

7. Don’t use your toilet as an ashtray or wastebasket; throw it away instead.

8. Capture the water while waiting for hot water to come down the pipes, and use this water for plants or your garden.

9. Put a plastic bottle or plastic bag weighted with pebbles and filled with water in your toilet tank to displace water and use less water per flush.

10. Check your toilet for leaks by putting dye tablets or food coloring in the tank. If color appears in the bowl without flushing, there’s a leak that should be repaired.

11. Check to assure that your toilet’s flapper valve doesn’t stay open after flushing.

12. Turn off the water while brushing your teeth & while shaving.

13. If you wash dishes by hand, don’t let the water run continuously for rinsing. Use a sprayer to rinse, or rinse all the soapy dishes at once. Or, fill a second sink with rinse water and use that instead.

14. When washing dishes by hand, use the least amount of detergent possible; this will minimize the amount of water needed for rinsing.

15. Keep a bottle of drinking water in the refrigerator, instead of letting the tap water run to cool it for drinking.

16. Select one glass to use for drinking each day. It will take your dishwasher longer to fill up, and it will not need to be used as frequently.

17. Let your pots and pans soak instead of letting water run while you clean them.

18. Consider purchasing an instant water heater for your kitchen sink so you don’t waste water waiting for hot water to come down the pipes.

19. Don’t defrost frozen foods with running water; plan ahead by placing frozen items in the refrigerator the night before, or use a microwave to defrost them.

20. Don’t let the faucet run while you clean vegetables. Rinse them in a filled sink or pan, and use this water for watering your garden or houseplants.

21. Use the garbage disposal less. Consider composting.
22. Install aerators on every faucet.

23. Insulate your water pipes. You’ll get hot water faster plus avoid wasting water while waiting for hot water to come down the pipes.

Keep on finding another task of water conservation. Rainwater tanks are very usefull in conserving water. Find water tank products like metal tanks or round tanks for your water system.

Handy Tips for Water Conservation

Look at this video from Warren high School. This is an amazing video that serve as guide for your kids how to conserve water. in this video, you will get some handy tips for water conservation. in which kids are able to do as well. in preparing for worthy water system, you can choose underground water tank or find some durable tank material like metal water tank.

See about this blog at http://www.centralbasin.org/blog/2012/06/08/warren-high-school-2012/#more-2360

Looking for the Trends in Water Tanks

There are many new styles of water tanks available, with new innovations coming out all the time.  The most common types of tanks are the plastic or polymer tanks which have traditionally been round in shape.  These days, manufacturers are working with rectangular or square designs which are often much easier to place within a home and look much less intrusive.  These tanks are also available in a huge range of colours, so that they are able to suit any home colour scheme.

Steel tanks are still common, also, and these are usually lined with polyethylene in order to prevent corrosion.  While round metal water tank is still the most common shape, it seems that manufacturers are finding new ways to work with steel all the time.  Concrete water tanks are best if you need to locate your tank underground.  As they are load-bearing, they are great for placing under things such as driveways and entertaining areas.

One new innovation in water tank design is to design the tank so that it resembles a boulder or a rock.  This allows the tank to be placed unobtrusively within the landscape, so that the casual observer wouldn’t even know that it was there.  These tanks are also fantastic for environmentally sensitive areas.

In recent years, a major advancement in water tank design has been the development of the rubber water tank bladder.  The sheer flexibility of these means that they can be installed underneath a house, or even in the back of a vehicle.  Bladders are completely sealed and have an extremely high resistance to puncturing to ensure that they will not burst in the home’s sub-floor space.  Water bladders come with all of the necessary inlet and outlet valves. See more information about water tank Australia.

Water Conservation On The GO

1. Soak pots and pans instead of letting the water run while you scrape them clean.

2. Don't water your lawn on windy days when most of the water blows away or evaporates.

3. Water your plants deeply but less frequently to encourage deep root growth and drought tolerance.

4. Know where your master water shut-off valve is located. This could save water and prevent damage to your home.

5. To decrease water from being wasted on sloping lawns, apply water for five minutes and then repeat two to three times.

6. Group plants with the same watering needs together to avoid overwatering some while underwatering others.

7. Use a layer of organic material on the surface of your planting beds to minimize weed growth that competes for water.

8. Use a minimum amount of organic or slow release fertilizer to promote a healthy and drought tolerant landscape.

9. Trickling or cascading fountains lose less water to evaporation than those spraying water into the air.

10. Use a commercial car wash that recycles water.

11. Avoid recreational water toys that require a constant flow of water.

12. Turn off the water while brushing your teeth and save 25 gallons a month.

13. Use a rain gauge, or empty tuna can, to track rainfall on your lawn. Then reduce your watering accordingly.

14. Encourage your school system and local government to develop and promote water conservation among children and adults.

15. Learn how to shut off your automatic watering system in case it malfunctions or you get an unexpected rain.

16. Set a kitchen timer when watering your lawn or garden to remind you when to stop. A running hose can discharge up to 10 gallons a minute.

17. If your toilet flapper doesn't close after flushing, replace it.



18. Make sure there are water-saving aerators on all of your faucets.

For more info, you can visit rainwater tank australia for you to find more products of rainwater tanks that can serve as tools for water conservation.

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..

Important Purpose of Having Rainwater Tank

Rainwater is free and this means you can have your tank connected to your outdoor taps as well as hoses at no cost, as they will rely on natural systems for delivery. It helps you save on the amount that you spend on water since it relatively reduces your consumption of mains water. As a matter of fact, you can make bigger savings by connecting the tank to your washing machine, toilet or hot water system.

Rainwater has been found to be better for your garden than grey water. You are therefore encouraged to include a rainwater tank in your design if you are planning a new house. It is also recommended that you should use rain water on your garden as it is the best quality alternative to mains water. In addition, with rainwater tanks you will be able to sustain your garden even during periods of hot, dry weather.
You have a ready source of drinking water. It is also generally less salty and this makes it better for plants and appliances. However, if you live in an urban area, rainwater is not recommended for drinking as it may easily be contaminated by animals as well as through pollution. It is important that you take good care of your underground rainwater tank in order to prevent mosquitoes from breeding in it.

Rainwater tanks come in various designs and sizes and you will always find one that is suitable for your needs. However, you need to arrange for a suitable space for your tank at the planning stage. Also, be sure to invest in a bigger tank to avoid running out of water during the dry season.

By reducing the amount of storm water runoff into oceans and rivers, a rainwater tank lowers the impact that takes place on the environment. By owning such a tank, you therefore make a positive contribution towards the environment.

Clearly, there are various benefits of owning rainwater tanks and you do not have to live in a tropical or wet area in order to reap such benefits. In short, they are worth investing in.