Water tanks are eco-friendly because they store rainwater providing an alternative water supply for drinking, washing and outdoor use, using rainwater can also reduce water bills and take the pressure off mains water supplies.   

The increasing popularity of Water Tanks

Water tanks are becoming increasingly popular across Australia and the world with environmentally-conscious homes and businesses that are helping to take the pressure off the mains water system. Droughts and water restrictions have become a normal part of Australian life, and according to National Geographic, we’re on the brink of a freshwater crisis; there’s never been a better time to explore means of reducing our mains water intake, and the goods news is, it’s very easy to do!

Luckily, rainwater is an abundant resource that’s free and easy to harvest; and as an added bonus, it also helps to reduce run-off and thus makes a big difference when it comes to flood management. So, what’s involved in setting up an eco-friendly rainwater harvesting system? Basically, you just need to select environmentally-friendly construction materials (keeping recyclability in mind), and install them the right way on your property. The main components involved in setting up a rainwater harvesting system are a water tank (with any necessary filtration/purification system), a catchment & drainage system (namely, your roof, gutter and a downpipe that sends the water into the tank), and (optionally) any plumbing required to reroute tank water into your house.

First, let’s talk materials. Poly (plastic) is the cheapest type of water tank material, but its lifetime is short, it’s not very UV-resistant, and by the time it’s deteriorated to the extent that it can’t be used as a water tank anymore, it can’t usually be recycled into anything else and will end up in landfill. Instead, go for the most eco-friendly choice: a steel water tank, which can have a lifespan of many decades, and possesses excellent recyclability potential.

Next up, the question of filtration and plumbing. If you’re only using your tank water to water your garden and lawn, it’s actually better not to filter out all those rich nutrients that are included in rainwater – tank water can easily get contaminated and not be safe for humans to drink, but it’s like manna from heaven for plants, who aren’t keen on the chlorination that comes with mains water in the first place!

If you want to be able to drink water from your tank, it’ll need to be filtered through an effective whole-house filtration system to ensure safety; however, it’s worth noting that the vast majority of the water you use in your home doesn’t need to be treated, because you’re using it to do things like wash your laundry, flush the toilet, etc. It may be worthwhile using mains water supply for drinking water, washing veggies, etc. and saving the tank water for purposes that don’t require treatment. In that case, you’ll need a licensed plumber to connect your water tank with your household plumbing; on the other hand, if you’re just using the tank water for outside purposes, you’ll need neither filtration nor household plumbing connection. Too easy!

With just a small upfront investment, you can enjoy the bounties of Mother Nature, significantly reduce your reliance on mains water, and contribute to Australia’s water future. Steel water tanks are truly an eco-friendly choice that will pay dividends environmentally for years to come, while reducing your water bills in the process!