There are not many consolations for a series of rainy days — comfy sofa time, calming sounds of falls onto the roof, and perhaps a rainbow or a puddle-splash afterwards. However, you can make rainy days to an unpopular belief, productive days by installing a water tank to catch a portion of the downpour: it will shrink your ecological footprint by lowering your need on main water supply and the quantity of stormwater runoff to rivers and oceans and may also reduce your water bill in the long run. Saving the environment and a bit of cash sounds like a good investment doesn’t it?
Rainwater tanks don’t have to be enormous, round and awful; they are available in all sizes, shapes and even colours which could make efficient use of little or under utilised urban spaces.
Water for indoor or outdoor use?
The most crucial issue to take into account before you purchase and install a rainwater tank is the way you would like to utilise the water. 
Using the water outside — to nourish your garden, giving it a bit of TLC and washing the car, for instance — would be the simplest way to begin reducing your costs and ecological footprint, since you will probably only require the provider to put in the tank, instead of a certified plumber. It is going to instantly cut your consumption of main water supply.
To save more you could send the water into your bathroom, washing machine or hot water method, but you will need a licensed plumber to attach the tank into your mains supply.
Choosing The Correct Size
The capacity you pick will be based on the dimensions and form of your garden and household. Round, squat tanks match nicely under a deck, even whilst Slimline tanks are great for narrow spaces. An underfloor tank or bladder storage process is a fantastic out-of-sight space saver, however, is much more costly.
Your roof area and the yearly rainfall in your area will also need to be considered. To help determine the size and form that is ideal for you, sellers frequently provide calculators on their sites, or your own water jurisdiction could have the ability to assist.
What do I want to know before purchasing a rainwater tank?
Water tanks normally come from the following substances:
Steel tanks are manufactured from corrugated or flat polished metal, which could possibly be galvanised or coated. They frequently arrive with a plastic interior liner (Aquaplate) which increases the lifespan of the tank and protects the water quality.
Polyethylene or Plastic are a fantastic alternative, they do not require a crane to be placed inside your home, they are also found to blend in better with the decor and decoration of your home if you are looking for a more discreet option. In addition, being made with BPA free material results in them being entirely safe as a source of drinking water. Plastic tanks have no risk of rusting over time and can even be placed underground out of sight as to not take up space or jeopardise the design and decor of your home. They’re a fantastic solution for people living close to the sea.
Fibreglass tanks are not the least expensive alternative, however, they are more acceptable for above-ground instalment, while the other types of tanks may also be installed underground. Like Poly tanks, rust is not a concern for these tanks. Furthermore, these tanks are able to deal with extreme temperatures and can resist chemicals.
Concrete tanks, are more frequently employed for industrial and agricultural purposes. They will not corrode, melt, melt or move.
Tank Regulations
Consult the regional council and water provider which regulations and rules apply in your town. You might have to submit an improvement or construction program, and there might be rules about drinking rain or mosquito breeding avoidance, in addition to limitations on the tank place, colour, elevation and labelling or sound regulations to get a rainwater tank pump.
If you’re building or renovating, instead of retrofitting, then you might need to integrate energy and water-efficient characteristics into your home design plan to comply with new legislative demands.
Potential Extra Expenses
When obtaining estimates, ask whether there are any additional prices for delivery and setup; additional materials (like pipes, fittings and taps); optional extras (for example, a first-flush or backflow-prevention apparatus); a pump and its stand and the costs that come with installation.
If you would plan on joining the tank to your mains water supply, you will need to factor in the expense of a certified plumber, and prices for any additional work that should be performed to your roof or guttering.
Are You Eligible For a Rebate
Check with the regional water or government jurisdiction to find out whether you’re eligible for cash rebate or charge decrease — the response may be based on the magnitude of this tank and if it is connected to a bathroom and/or washing machine.
