Choosing the Right Rain Water Tanks
Choosing the right rainwater tank is a vital step in achieving sustainable water management for your property. Rainwater tanks provide an eco-friendly solution for reducing dependence on mains water and tackling the challenges of water scarcity. Whether you need a tank for residential use, agricultural applications, or industrial purposes, choosing the right rain water tanks can significantly impact your water storage efficiency and long-term savings.
This guide is designed to simplify the decision-making process by providing detailed insights into the factors that influence tank selection. From understanding tank materials like poly, concrete, and steel to calculating the correct size based on your water needs, we’ll cover every essential aspect. Additionally, we’ll discuss site preparation, installation considerations, and maintenance tips to ensure your rainwater harvesting system remains effective for years to come.
Bluewater Tanks is proud to be a trusted provider of high-quality rainwater tanks in Perth and Western Australia. With a comprehensive range of tanks tailored to diverse needs, we are committed to helping you find the perfect water storage solution. Let’s explore everything you need to know about choosing the right rain water tanks for your property.
Determining Your Water Storage Needs
Choosing the right rain water tanks begins with understanding your specific water storage requirements. Every property has unique needs, which depend on various factors such as water usage, property size, and climate conditions.
1. Assess Your Water Usage
Before purchasing a tank, it’s essential to calculate how much water you’ll need. Consider these common uses:
- Household Usage: Water for drinking, cooking, laundry, and toilet flushing.
- Garden and Irrigation: Regular watering for plants, lawns, and landscapes.
- Livestock and Agriculture: Sustaining animals and supporting crop irrigation.
- Emergency Storage: Preparing for droughts, bushfires, or water supply disruptions.
2. Evaluate Local Rainfall Patterns
The amount of rainwater you can harvest depends on the annual rainfall in your area and the size of your roof catchment. For example, Perth experiences an average annual rainfall of around 730mm, which can provide substantial water collection opportunities if properly utilized.
3. Calculate Your Roof Catchment Area
The roof’s size and shape determine how much water can be collected during rainfall. Use the following formula to estimate the harvestable water:
- Catchment Area (m²) x Rainfall (mm) x Runoff Coefficient = Harvestable Rainwater (litres)
The runoff coefficient accounts for water loss due to evaporation or absorption, typically ranging between 0.8 and 0.9 for most roofs.
4. Match Tank Size to Your Needs
Once you know your water usage and catchment potential, you can choose a tank size that meets your requirements without being excessive. Overestimating can lead to unnecessary expenses, while underestimating may result in insufficient water storage.
Calculating the Appropriate Tank Size
Determining the correct size of your rainwater tank is critical to ensuring sufficient water supply without overinvesting in unnecessary capacity. A well-calculated tank size balances your water needs, roof catchment potential, and available storage space.
1. Understand Tank Capacity Options
Rainwater tanks come in a wide range of sizes, typically measured in litres. Here’s a general guide to help match tank sizes to usage:
- Small Tanks (500–5,000 litres): Suitable for garden irrigation, small households, or urban properties with limited space.
- Medium Tanks (5,000–20,000 litres): Ideal for larger households or properties requiring moderate water storage.
- Large Tanks (20,000+ litres): Designed for agricultural, industrial, or full-household supply with high water usage demands.
2. Factors That Influence Tank Size
Several factors should guide your choice of tank size:
- Water Usage: Estimate your daily and seasonal water requirements using a water usage calculator or guideline. For instance, a family of four may need 120,000 litres annually for household use.
- Roof Catchment Area: Larger roofs can collect more rainwater, supporting bigger tanks.
- Rainfall Variability: Areas with inconsistent rainfall may benefit from larger tanks to store water during drier months.
- Available Space: Ensure your property can accommodate the tank size you choose, factoring in both horizontal and vertical space.
3. Example Calculation
Here’s a simplified example to determine tank size:
- Annual Rainfall: 730mm
- Roof Area: 100m²
- Runoff Coefficient:85
- Harvestable Water: 100 × 730 × 0.85 = 62,050 litres annually
If your water needs are approximately 5,000 litres per month, a 50,000-litre tank would suffice, leaving additional capacity for dry periods.
4. Tank Size Recommendations
If you’re unsure about sizing, consult experts like Bluewater Tanks. They can guide you based on your specific requirements, ensuring you make the right investment.
Comparing Rain Water Tank Materials
The material of your rainwater tank plays a significant role in its durability, maintenance, and suitability for different applications. To make an informed decision, it’s essential to compare the most common materials: polyethylene (poly), concrete, and steel.
Polyethylene (Poly) Tanks
Poly tanks are among the most popular choices for rainwater storage due to their lightweight and versatile nature.
Advantages:
- Durability: Resistant to rust and corrosion, making them ideal for coastal areas or properties exposed to harsh weather.
- Lightweight: Easy to transport and install without heavy machinery.
- Cost-Effective: More affordable than steel or concrete alternatives.
- UV Resistant: Specially designed to withstand prolonged sun exposure in Australian climates.
Considerations:
- Limited suitability for extremely large water capacities.
- May require additional support if placed on uneven ground.
Check out our range of Poly Tanks.
Product Name
SKU
Capacity
Key Features
1000 Litre Poly Rain Water Tank
1,000 Litres (220 Gallons)
– One-piece durable construction
– UV-stabilised
– Complies with Australian standards
– 10-year warranty
2500 Litre Poly Rain Water Tank
2,500 Litres (550 Gallons)
– Impact-resistant polyethylene
– UV-stabilised
– Australian standards compliant
– 10-year warranty
3500 Litre Poly Rain Water Tank
3,500 Litres (770 Gallons)
– Robust one-piece design
– UV-stabilised
– Meets Australian manufacturing standards
– 10-year warranty
4500 Litre Poly Rain Water Tank
4,500 Litres (990 Gallons)
– Seamless durable construction
– UV-stabilised
– Australian standards compliant
– 10-year warranty
Product Name
1000 Litre Poly Rain Water Tank
SKU
Capacity
1,000 Litres (220 Gallons)
Key Features
– One-piece durable construction
– UV-stabilised
– Complies with Australian standards
– 10-year warranty
Product Name
2500 Litre Poly Rain Water Tank
SKU
Capacity
2,500 Litres (550 Gallons)
Key Features
– Impact-resistant polyethylene
– UV-stabilised
– Australian standards compliant
– 10-year warranty
Product Name
3500 Litre Poly Rain Water Tank
SKU
Capacity
3,500 Litres (770 Gallons)
Key Features
– Robust one-piece design
– UV-stabilised
– Meets Australian manufacturing standards
– 10-year warranty
Product Name
4500 Litre Poly Rain Water Tank
SKU
Capacity
4,500 Litres (990 Gallons)
Key Features
– Seamless durable construction
– UV-stabilised
– Australian standards compliant
– 10-year warranty
Concrete Tanks
Concrete tanks are known for their robustness and long-term performance, making them ideal for large-scale or permanent installations.
Advantages:
- High Capacity: Ideal for properties requiring significant water storage, such as farms or industrial sites.
- Strength: Built to withstand extreme weather, including bushfires and flooding.
- Longevity: A properly maintained concrete tank can last decades with minimal wear and tear.
Considerations:
- Heavier and more expensive to install due to transportation and site preparation.
- Susceptible to cracking over time without regular maintenance.
Explore our high-capacity Concrete Tanks.
Product Name
SKU
Capacity
Key Features
54000 Litre Concrete Water Tank
54,000 Litres
-Durable construction,
-suitable for harsh environments,
-ideal for agricultural use,
-customizable options.
90000 Litre Concrete Water Tank
90,000 Litres
-Large capacity,
-versatile applications,
-built to withstand extreme weather,
-long-lasting performance.
135000 Litre Concrete Water Tank
135,000 Litres
-Ideal for commercial use,
-high-quality concrete,
-suitable for large-scale operations,
-customizable to your needs.
Product Name
54000 Litre Concrete Water Tank
SKU
Capacity
54,000 Litres
Key Features
-Durable construction,
-suitable for harsh environments,
-ideal for agricultural use,
-customizable options.
Product Name
90000 Litre Concrete Water Tank
SKU
Capacity
90,000 Litres
Key Features
-Large capacity,
-versatile applications,
-built to withstand extreme weather,
-long-lasting performance.
Product Name
135000 Litre Concrete Water Tank
SKU
Capacity
135,000 Litres
Key Features
-Ideal for commercial use,
-high-quality concrete,
-suitable for large-scale operations,
-customizable to your needs.
Steel Tanks
Steel tanks offer a sleek and durable option for properties that prioritize aesthetics and performance.
Advantages:
- Aesthetic Appeal: Corrugated designs add a classic look that complements many properties.
- Durability: Resistant to impact and pests, with a lifespan of up to 20 years when properly maintained.
- Customizable Sizes: Available in various dimensions to suit residential or industrial needs.
Considerations:
- Potential for rust if not coated or lined properly.
- May require professional installation due to weight.
Upgrade your water storage with stylish Corrugated Tanks.
Product Name
SKU
Capacity
Key Features
21500 Litre Corrugated Metal Round Tank
21,500 Litres
-Made with BlueScope Steel,
-20-year warranty,
-large capacity, suitable for WA conditions.
14600 Litre Corrugated Metal Round Tank
14,600 Litres
-Durable construction,
-space-efficient design,
-ideal for residential use,
-long-lasting performance.
12700 Litre Corrugated Metal Round Tank
12,700 Litres
-Aesthetic appeal,
-high-quality materials,
-suitable for moderate water needs,
-easy installation.
8500 Litre Corrugated Metal Round Tank
8,500 Litres
-Compact size,
-ideal for small spaces,
-durable and reliable,
-20-year warranty.
Product Name
21500 Litre Corrugated Metal Round Tank
SKU
Capacity
21,500 Litres
Key Features
-Made with BlueScope Steel,
-20-year warranty,
-large capacity, suitable for WA conditions.
Product Name
14600 Litre Corrugated Metal Round Tank
SKU
Capacity
14,600 Litres
Key Features
-Durable construction,
-space-efficient design,
-ideal for residential use,
-long-lasting performance.
Product Name
12700 Litre Corrugated Metal Round Tank
SKU
Capacity
12,700 Litres
Key Features
-Aesthetic appeal,
-high-quality materials,
-suitable for moderate water needs,
-easy installation.
Product Name
8500 Litre Corrugated Metal Round Tank
SKU
Capacity
8,500 Litres
Key Features
-Compact size,
-ideal for small spaces,
-durable and reliable,
-20-year warranty.
Key Factors to Consider When Choosing a Rain Water Tank
When choosing the right rain water tanks, understanding the factors that influence your decision is essential. These considerations help ensure the tank you select meets your needs effectively and remains a reliable investment over time.
Purpose of the Tank
Determining the primary use of your rainwater tank is the first step. Each application has specific requirements:
- Residential Use: Tanks for household purposes, including drinking water, washing, and toilet flushing, require food-grade materials and filtration systems.
- Gardening and Irrigation: These tanks often demand moderate capacity, with durability to withstand frequent use.
- Livestock and Agriculture: High-capacity tanks are necessary for watering crops and livestock on large properties.
- Firefighting or Emergency Use: Tanks used for firefighting must meet specific regulations and standards for accessibility and water pressure.
Local Regulations and Approvals
In Western Australia, installing a rainwater tank may involve meeting local council guidelines and building codes. Key regulations to consider include:
- Permits: Some councils require approval for large tanks or those installed above ground.
- Installation Standards: Tanks must comply with safety standards, including structural stability and overflow controls.
- Rebates or Incentives: Check for government rebates for installing eco-friendly systems, which can reduce your upfront costs.
Site Preparation and Installation
Proper site preparation ensures your rainwater tank functions efficiently and lasts for years. Key aspects include:
- Location: Choose a spot close to your downpipes and with ample space for tank access and maintenance.
- Foundation: Prepare a solid, level base using compacted gravel, sand, or a concrete pad to support the tank’s weight when full.
- Space Constraints: For urban or narrow properties, slimline tanks are an excellent option for maximizing storage in tight areas.
Maintenance and Longevity
Maintaining your rainwater tank is essential for ensuring water quality and extending the system’s lifespan:
- Regular Cleaning: Remove debris from gutters and clean the tank periodically to prevent blockages and contamination.
- Inspect Components: Check the condition of filters, pumps, and fittings to avoid leaks or malfunctions.
- Protect Against Algae: Install covers and screens to reduce sunlight exposure, preventing algae growth.
Maintaining Your Rain Water Tank
Proper maintenance of your rainwater tank is vital for ensuring a long-lasting system and maintaining water quality. Whether you use your tank for household needs, gardening, or livestock, regular care will help avoid costly repairs and ensure optimal performance.
Cleaning the Tank
Over time, debris, sediment, and organic matter can accumulate in your tank, reducing water quality and clogging the system. Follow these steps to clean your tank:
- Inspect the Tank Regularly: Check for visible dirt, debris, or signs of contamination.
- Drain the Tank Safely: Direct stored water to appropriate areas, like a garden or yard.
- Scrub Interior Walls: Use a non-toxic cleaning solution to remove algae and sediment from the interior.
- Rinse Thoroughly: Ensure no cleaning residues remain before refilling the tank.
Tip: Schedule a professional cleaning if your tank is too large or has limited access.
Maintaining Filters and Gutters
Filters and gutters are your tank’s first line of defense against debris. Keeping them clean helps prevent blockages and contamination.
- Gutter Maintenance: Clear leaves, twigs, and other debris from gutters at least twice a year, especially before rainy seasons.
- Check First-Flush Diverters: Ensure first-flush diverters, which redirect initial rainfall to prevent dirt from entering the tank, are functioning properly.
- Replace Filters: Inspect and replace filters regularly to maintain clean water flow into your tank.
Monitoring Water Quality
Consistently monitoring water quality ensures safe and usable water for various purposes.
- Test for Contaminants: Use water testing kits to check for bacteria, algae, or chemical contamination.
- Install UV Filters: These systems eliminate harmful microorganisms and improve water safety for household use.
- Prevent Algae Growth: Keep the tank sealed to limit sunlight exposure and inhibit algae growth.
Inspecting Structural Integrity
A well-maintained tank lasts longer and minimizes the risk of leaks or failures.
- Check for Cracks or Leaks: Inspect tank walls and fittings for signs of wear or damage, especially after heavy use or extreme weather.
- Secure Fittings and Connections: Tighten loose pipes, outlets, and valves to prevent leaks.
- Protect Against Rust: For steel tanks, apply protective coatings to areas exposed to moisture.
Scheduling Professional Maintenance
For large or complex rainwater systems, professional maintenance can ensure your tank operates efficiently.
- Annual Inspections: A professional can detect and address issues you might overlook.
- Pump and System Maintenance: Regular servicing keeps pumps, filters, and other components in optimal condition.
Maintaining your rain water tank not only preserves water quality but also extends the lifespan of your investment. With regular care, you can ensure your system continues to meet your water storage needs efficiently.
Contact Us for Expert Advice on Rainwater Tank Solutions
Get started on your journey to better water management with Bluewater Tanks. Our team is here to guide you in selecting, installing, and maintaining the perfect rainwater tank for your property.
How to Reach Us
- Phone: Call us at +61 8 9847 4484 for personalized assistance and expert advice.
- Email: Send your inquiries to sales@bluewatertanks.com.au, and we’ll respond promptly.
- Visit Us: Stop by our location at 27a Graham Street, Albany, WA 6330, to explore our products and speak with our knowledgeable team.
Why Act Now?
- Secure a Reliable Solution: Install a dependable rainwater storage system before seasonal demands increase.
- Take Advantage of Incentives: Benefit from rebates or government incentives for eco-friendly installations.
- Be Prepared: Protect your property from water scarcity or stormwater challenges with a top-quality rainwater tank.
Don’t wait—reach out to us today! Contact us via phone, email, or through our Contact Us page to schedule a consultation and receive a free quote.
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Albany WA 6330