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One of the best uses of rainwater, especially through the wetter months is to flush toilets. During hot, dry summer months, collected rainwater is ideal for use on the garden to help lawn and plants thrive under difficult conditions.
Did you know?- Toilets use about 14% of drinking quality water in the home
- Washing machines use about 16% throughout the year
- Gardens use about 20% of drinking water, mostly in the summer in metropolitan areas. In regional areas outdoor use can be much higher.
By connecting a tank to the toilet or washing machine with a switching pump such as the Davey Rainbank pump or an Onga Water Switch, the tankwater can be used all year round. When tankwater is available, the pump uses it and automatically switches to mains water when the tank is empty.
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Advantages of a rainwater tank
- Rainwater is free and tanks rely on natural systems for delivery.
- Rainwater is better for your garden than greywater.
- The technology is simple and robust.
- Many designs and sizes are now available to suit almost every space and style.
Disadvantages of installing a rainwater tank
- The cost of the tank and associated accessories can be high compared to the cost of mains water actually saved.
- When you need it most in summer, the water level is likely to be low and when it is full in winter you won't need it for the garden. To ensure you have the best potential to store water for dry times, we recommend tanks larger than 2,000 litres in size.
Rainwater tanks are an excellent long term solution, but there are also a lot of cheap and easy ways to ways to save as much (or more) water. Alternatives to installing a rainwater tank
- Divert rainwater out of your downpipes directly onto garden beds. Under plumbing regulations, any alteration to existing plumbing including downpipes requires a plumber.
- Make sure you have a diverter valve rather than a permanent arrangement for the diversion, so you can send it back to stormwater when the garden doesn’t need it
- Only have the diverter on when you are at home and can manage a potential deluge that could cause flooding.
Things to remember
- If you have a tank with water in it, use it on your garden - it is the best quality alternative to mains water and should be used in preference to greywater.
- Using tank water on your garden with other water saving measures such as mulch, drip systems and soil additives will help sustain your garden during periods of hot, dry weather.
- If you are planning to build a new home, or make alterations to an existing property, include a large underground tank below a new deck or floor. This will not only save water, but add considerably to the value and enjoyment of your home and garden.
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