Consider installing a rainwater tank

Environmental Blog

Water is a precious commodity which needs to be carefully managed. The cost of water is also rising. If you want to be more environmentally responsible and save money in the long term, you should consider installing a rainwater tank on your property.  

Why would you need a water tank?

A water tank allows you to harvest rainwater. You can use this water to flush toilets, wash clothing, water the garden and top up your pool. You can, in fact, meet much of your household's water usage needs by harvesting rainwater. It is also better to use rainwater for your garden than municipal water, because it is chemical-free and has a good pH balance.

How much rain falls in your area on average?

The amount of rain you will be able to collect will depend on the amount of annual rainfall in your area, and on the frequency of that rain. This will influence the size of tank that you choose.

What will you use the water for?

If you simply want to rechannel the rainwater to be used on your garden, then you will need a relatively small tank. If, however, you want to replace as much of your daily water usage with harvested rainwater as possible, you are most likely to need a large tank.

How much space do you have for a tank?

Installing a large tank on a small property is not appropriate. You would do better to choose a slimline tank that will not dominate your garden and detract from your home, or a modular tank that can fit in easily next to a wall. On a larger property, you will have more space to accommodate any size tank.

Are there any restrictions placed on installing a water tank in your municipal area?

Before you buy a tank, research whether there are any conditions in your area about the size of tank and the position in which you are allowed to place it.

How will the tank get to your property?

It is most likely that the manufacturers of the water tank you select will deliver it. You should find out how much this will add to the overall cost of installing a water tank in your home. You will also need to be sure that it is physically possible to manoeuvre the tank you want to the position you choose for it.

Who will install the tank?

The degree of complication of installing a water tank will depend on the way the water is going to be used. You may be able to link up the tank yourself, or you may need to call in a professional.

Will you need to make any changes to your house to accommodate the tank?

A water tank needs to be able to fit in with your existing house, so it should be unnecessary to even consider making any structural changes to accommodate a tank. Depending on the intended use of the harvested water, it may be necessary to make some minor changes to drainpipes and gutters, though.

Will using harvested rainwater really save money?

Setting up a rainwater tank in your garden will mean you will have to spend some money immediately. In the long run, though, you will find that you will save money. Collecting rainwater and using it in and around the house costs relatively little, so the amount you pay for water each month will lessen. 

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20 April 2016

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I want to be better about saving energy, but I am so busy it's easy to forget to turn off all of the lights and appliance in the house. I am really excited about some of the easy ways that I have found to save energy such as apps that let you turn off the house lights or air conditioning from your phone. I can check on how much energy I am using at any time and make adjustments as needed. It's an easy way to make sure that I am doing my bit to save energy and protect the environment.