Rainwater
Rainwater tanks are undoubtedly popular for saving water. Tanks are easy to use and are available in styles to suit most homes. Rainwater tanks can also provide you with free water all year round and are not affected by water restrictions. If you invest in a smaller tank, you risk running out of water during the dry season. So larger tanks are usually more beneficial.
You can have your tank connected to your outdoor taps and hoses or even plumbed into your toilet or laundry. Toilets use approximately 14 percent of drinking quality water in the house and washing machines use around 16 percent.
Tanks plumbed to the toilet and laundry can be used effectively during periods of high rainfall when you don’t need to water your garden. By connecting a tank to the toilet or washing machine with a switching pump you can use your tanks all year round. When tank water is available, the pump uses it and automatically switches to mains water when the tank is empty.
Tank water should be used in preference to greywater, especially for herbs and vegetables. Even better, use tank water in conjunction with other recommended water-saving measures like mulch, drip systems and soil additives. If you are in the process of planning a new house we encourage you to ensure the design includes provision for a rainwater tank.
At the planning stage you can arrange for a suitable space for your tank, including underground and bladder style tanks for under your decking. You will save water and add considerably to the value and enjoyment of both your house and your garden.
Your rainwater tank should have sufficient storage capacity to provide an acceptable contribution to your area's water savings targets. Check the relevant building code for your area for more information.
Rainwater tanks and accessories
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.
- You can risk running out of water during the dry season if you invest in a smaller tank so larger tanks are usually more beneficial.
- Rainwater is not recommended for drinking in urban areas and can easily be contaminated by animals and pollution.
- Rainwater tanks need careful management to prevent mosquitos from breeding.
Rainwater tanks are an excellent long term solution, but there are also a lot of cheap and easy ways to save as much (or more) water.
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, you can 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.