Rainwater Tanks

Rainwater tanks have finally come of age. In years past it was accepted that a rainwater tank was a way of life for farmers and dwellers of isolated outback homes.

There was the image of a huge, rusty-looking tank perched in the middle of an expanse of dry, red earth – big, round, neglected and ugly. The people in the city and the suburbs had no need to think of such things. Simply turning on a tap provided all the water that anyone could want, whenever they wanted.

Times have changed. The climate is getting hotter and a series of droughts have meant that water expenses are going up. It is now hard to justify what is being wasted. Water supplies are shrinking and tight water restrictions are in place to protect dam supplies. In fact it is now mandatory for all new houses built to have an additional water supply to supplement mains water.

Harvested water is free of chemicals and less salty – better for plants. There is a lowered impact on the environment as it reduces your demand on mains water whilst reducing storm water run-off into rivers and sea.

Home owners are now benefitting from being able to use the water to flush toilets, shower, wash clothes and top up their pools – and the water is free. There are also government rebates available.