Why Every House Should Have a Rainwater Tank

Rainwater tanks are a valuable asset to any home. Australia is a land of plenty but we are currently going through some severe problems regarding water conservation. This is affecting the amount of water houses are able to use, especially in the summertime. Getting a rainwater tank is a great idea, and has many benefits for you and the environment. Your household will benefit a great deal and can feel good about taking the initiative in a time when we need to be conscious of how our actions affect the environment around us.

1. Lowers the utility bills.
Getting a rainwater tank installed on your property will lower your utility bill. Up to 30% of your household bills can be attributed to avoidable water use. Installing a rainwater tank means you no longer need to rely on the city or shire to provide you with clean water and therefore, they have no need to charge you for it. Rainwater is free and you may as well gather it for your own usage.

2. You can choose a size that best suits your house and your needs.
There are many different sizes available for rainwater tanks. You can get small tanks from 200 litres, and larger ones at 1,000 liters! There are so many options so you can personalize the tank to suit your house. If you don’t use a lot of water then obviously you will want a smaller tank than a family of 7 with a large garden.

3. It reduces the pressure on the local stormwater system.
Rainwater tanks can also help your community. One less house to pump water to ease the pressure on the stormwater system. This is helpful if the city or shire is in the middle of a drought or water crisis.

4. They are easy to install.
Simple tanks can be delivered and set up in an afternoon. They do not take a long time and they do not require much effort to maintain. They are well worth the initial hour or two to set up! Annual checks and balances are required but it will not require weekly or even monthly maintenance if it is installed well. 

Photo by Elizabeth KF Munro Studio on Unsplash

5. You can water your garden in summer!
Water restrictions generally only apply to those using the shire’s water systems. If you have a rainwater tank it means that in summer time you can continue to wash the car, water your plants and take showers that are your normal length. You can do all this without feeling any guilt or breaking any bylaws!

6. They are good for the environment.
Rainwater tanks are great for the environment. Clean water is important to conserve and if you have a rainwater tank providing water for your house and take other measures you can lower your environmental footprint by a lot!

Before you get a rainwater tank it is the perfect opportunity to check for leaks, replace old taps and appliances and ensure that your tank is robust and placed in a good location that is not obstructed. This will help your house conserve as much water as possible.