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What size tank will I need?

 
Tank Size

Rule of thumb
A good rule of thumb is it should hold a minimum of four weeks supply. For instance if you use 1,000L of tank water each week in the garden, toilet and laundry combined, purchase a 4,000L tank. This will mean that the tank will only be empty through extended dry periods.

Other factors to consider...

  • How big is your roof?
  • How much rainfall do you get in your area?
  • How much space do you have for a tank?
  • What type and size is your garden?
  • How many people live with you?

    It is a good idea to install a larger tank as you will be less likely to run out of water during prolonged dry periods. If your tank is going to be large, consult a builder or engineer as it may require structural support. You may also need a building permit from your local council.


  • How much rainfall will I get?
    The pattern of rainfall is important, if you have very regular rainfall all year round, you can use a smaller tank. Average rainfall across Victoria varies from 200mm to well over 1000mm per year or over 5000mm per year in some places in NSW. For information on rainfall in your local area, contact the Bureau of Meteorology at www.bom.gov.au and check out the rainfall maps.


    How much rainfall will I collect?
    You can find out the amount of rainwater you will collect as each square meter (m2) of roof area collects 1L of water for every 1 millimetre (mm) of rainfall received.
    This is determined by the area of roof connected to the tank via the storm water down pipe. As an example:


    An average house has a roof area of approximately 160 m2.

    Assume that 50% of this roof area can be easily connected to a rainwater tank i.e. 80 m2

    Each m2 of roof area collects 1L of water for every 1mm of rainfall received.

    If you have 10 mms of rain the water collected by the tank is 800L (80 m2 x 10 mm = 800 L).

    <B> Rule of thumb guide: </B> roof collection v tank capacity for an area receiving 600mm of rain per year courtesy of EME group Rule of thumb guide: roof collection v tank capacity for an area receiving 600mm of rain per year courtesy of EME group