Need a Water Tank?
The choice is of water tanks is amazing. Concrete water tanks aren’t often used in urban areas. Metal water tanks are very popular in both urban and rural areas. Bladder tanks are great for under-deck or under-house use. But by far the most popular water tank with urban customers is the modern poly tank, also known as plastic, PE or polyethylene tank. These long-life tanks come in varying shapes, a wide range of colours, and a hundreds of brand names.
So you ask what is the best size water tank for me?
This depends mainly on how much roof you have and the available space you have to store a tank also considering the access you have to this space.
The larger the tank capacity, the more rainwater can be collected for use during dry spells. So this is an important aspect to consider when purchasing a tank for use in an area with low rainfall.
To give you an idea of water usage in the average household, have a glance at the following list:
| Brushing teeth with tap running | 5 litres | 1.1 gallons |
| Flushing toilet on a dual single flush | 5 litres | 1.1 gallons |
| Flushing toilet on a dual full flush | 10 litres | 2.2 gallons |
| A load in the dishwasher | 50 litres | 10.9 gallons |
| A 5 minute shower | 100 litres | 21.9 gallons |
| Hosing the driveway | 100 litres | 21.9 gallons |
| A load in the washing machine | 150 litres | 32.9 gallons |
| Washing car with hose | 200 litres | 43.9 gallons |
| Garden sprinkler per hour | 1000 litres | 210 gallons |
We recommend buying the biggest tank that you can afford and have the space for, if watering a large garden and washing the car regularly. But if you only have a small garden, maybe a few pot plants to water, the smallest volume that is practical would be a 1000 litre water tank.
Choosing a shape that suits your yard is also a factor that should be considered.Round water tanks are more economical (lower cost per litre) but, they take up more room. If you have the space, buy a round tank. If you don’t have the space, buy a slimline tank as they are usually taller but will also normally fit down the unused side of the house. You can also put a water tank under the house if you have the space. Rectangle tanks are ideal for under the house or deck.
The reasons for buying a rainwater tank are many.
Saving money off your water bill, watering the garden or washing the car without worrying about water restrictions, being environmentally friendly and wishing to reduce your demand on mains water as well as the amount of storm water runoff into our rivers and oceans.
Harvesting water for drinking, it tastes better and is usually less salty, being much better for your appliances and plants. Lastly having your own independent water and not relying on council supplies.