Benefits of Rainwater Tanks in Rainwater Harvesting

The recent years have seen rapid changes in the rainfall patterns and climates of many different places around the world. There now are places that get a lot of rain every year, and there now are places that might no longer get as much rain. The same applies to sun and snow. But regardless of the changes that are happening around the world, sufficient preparation and planning need to be done in accordance with all the changes that are happening at the local level to ensure that we thrive even with these many changes.

One of the best ways to adapt to these changes in climate, regardless of where you are, is the installation of rainwater tanks. The installation of rainwater tanks instead of rain barrels allows households lesser dependence on mains water, which could get shut off in the event that sources run out or are rendered useless.

One proof that rainwater tanks allow households to become even less dependent on mains water compared to rain barrels is the study which has demonstrated that the roofs of most homes today are capable of harvesting 100,000 liters yearly. The same study has also proven that that much is capable of offsetting water budget for the home.

But in order to ensure that a rainwater tank will indeed allow a household to become even less dependent on mains water, which could get shut off during emergency situations, it is important that you install a tank of suitable size. If the rainwater is to be used for flushing and basic gardening, then your household will most likely need a tank capable of storing at least ten thousand liters of water. However, if you plan to use the rainwater collected for more chores than the aforementioned two,  like overwintering houseplants supported by a water tank, then you need a tank capable of storing at least thirty thousand liters of water.

It’s worth noting that your decreased dependence on mains water, with the aid of a rainwater tank, is not only beneficial to your budget, as it is also beneficial to the environment. By being less dependent on mains water, you help in decreasing the demand for unclean energy that is typically used both in drawing water from sources and in delivering water to homes. Decreased dependence on mains water also lessens the strain on natural sources of water, thus allowing these sources of water to quickly replenish. Thirdly, decreased dependence on mains water via rainwater harvesting can somehow lessen the severity of flooding in an area as water is captured and stored and not left to flow around different places.

The next tip to ensure that the rainwater tank you purchase will actually make the household less dependent on mains water is selecting one made of a material most suitable to your lifestyle and preferences. Rainwater tanks are not only different in terms of how much water they are able to store; these home essentials are also different in terms of the materials they are made from. Generally, rainwater tanks are made from either poly or steel. Both have their own advantages, but not much in the way of disadvantages, since whatever real disadvantages they have can be eliminated with proper maintenance.

Once you’ve decided on the tank’s capacity and material, you can then proceed with determining where in your property should the tank be placed. The spot where the tank can be placed or where you want the tank to be placed determines the type or form of the tank you need to get or can get. Cylindrical tanks are best set up on towers or at short distances away from the house. Slimline tanks can be set up at any side of the house. Underdeck tanks should be concealed by a deck, while underground tanks are best placed at an unused basement space. Large concrete or metal tanks, defined as those capable of storing more than 100,000 liters of water, should be setup on large outdoor spaces.

Regardless of what tank you have chosen, gaining the most benefits from your purchase requires that you connect the tank to the house the soonest that you get the tank. Aside from hiring a plumber to do this for you, you will need to get your rainwater harvesting system a pump. Your options are a submersible pump, pressure-switch pump, or a pressure-tank pump. Pumps usually activate when a tap is on or when you flush the toilet.