How do I select the right rainwater tank?

When selecting a rainwater tank it is important to consider the average annual rainfall in your area, the water collection area (such as roof size) of your residence and what size tank is most relevant to your household needs. In addition, you should consider the planning, plumbing and public health requirements in your local area. If you are unsure of these requirements, you should contact your local council.

Rainwater tank yield

The yield of your rainwater tank is the amount of water you will be able to harvest from your tank. The yield of your tank will be influenced by the volume and timing of rainfall in your area, the volume of your tank and choices you make in using your rainwater.

Key factors influencing rainwater tank yield will vary according to the specific circumstances of your property, and may include:

• Collection area (roof size): To calculate your runoff, 1 millimetre of rain on 1m² will deliver 1 litre of water into your tank. As a rough guide:
  • An average single carport is approximately 25m²
  • The roof of an average 3 bedroom house is approximately 150m²
  • The roof of an average 4 bedroom house is approximately 200m²
  • The roof of an average 5 bedroom house is approximately 300m².
• Rainwater tank size: The size of your residence and your household needs should determine the size of the rainwater tank you choose. There are a range of products available in different shapes, sizes and materials. Generally, rainwater tanks can be classed as:
  • Small – less than 2,000L
  • Medium – between 2,000L and 10,000L
  • Large – greater than 10,000L.
• The number of occupants in the house: It makes sense to assume that the larger your household, the faster you will use your rainwater supply.
• Your internal and external water use practices: By connecting your tank for internal use in the toilet and laundry you will increase your rainwater tank’s yield.
• Local climatic conditions: The climate where you live will have an important impact on the yield of your rainwater tank. You should consider the characteristics of your seasonal rainfall zone when deciding to purchase a rainwater tank.

Examples

The following scenarios are provided to illustrate how you might use this information to decide on your rainwater tank purchase.

• A couple living in Darwin in a 150m² home intend to use their rainwater tank water for flushing a water efficiency labelling and standards (WELS) rated dual-flush toilet and washing their car and a boat once a fortnight. Because they live in a highly seasonal rainfall region, they can expect to go long periods without having their rainwater tank replenished and should consider a large tank.
• A single retiree lives in a 100m² unit in Brisbane. She wants to install a rainwater tank so she can water her small rose garden and lawn, and for use in her WELS-rated washing machine. She waters her garden every second day. Because she lives in a region with a wet summer and low winter rainfall, and only has a small space in her garden for a tank, she should consider a medium sized tank.
• A family of five live in Melbourne in a 300m² home. They would like to use rainwater for their WELS 3-star rated 6/3 dual flush toilets and WELS 4-star rated washing machine. They live in a seasonal, winter dominant rainfall climate with a large roof space and should consider a large tank greater than 10,000L.
• A couple living in a 100m² home in Alice Springs want to water their small vegetable garden. Because they live in an arid climate with a small roof and limited rainfall, a greywater treatment system may be a more appropriate option for their needs.

Rainwater tanks can be made of steel, fibreglass, polyethylene, concrete, PVC/geotextile or other materials. They generally require a base or stand, leaf strainer, first-flush diverter, tap, pump and downpipe connection.

Source: Australian Government

We can provide you with the means to collect hundreds of tons of water by harvesting rain water!
Water Rhapsody has made it possible for one to harvest rainwater and get this system to pay for the cost of installation in a reasonable period of time.
Over recent years water costs combined with sewerage rates have escalated far faster than inflation. This means that it has become worth your while to install rainwater harvesting systems. You may now augment supply from the traditional sources of dams etc; rainwater harvesting as a way to augment supply has become imperative.
You no longer need to install water tanks close to your house to harvest rainwater; our rainwater systems have come a long way since old rain barrel! These rainwater tanks can now stand anywhere you like, because we get to deliver this water to wherever your water tanks stand, so the rainwater tanks can stand unobtrusively at your home or commercial building. Our Rainwater Harvesting FAQ’s explain how rainwater is harvested, delivered by gravity to rainwater tanks, and delivered to your whole household during the rain season in a sustainable manner.  The amount of rainwater you can use is dependent on your water storage capability, i.e. size/number of water tanks or reservoirs.  If space permits, enough rainwater can be stored to supply you throughout the non-rainy season.  If you have other water saving systems in place, e.g. grey water recycling systems, your rain water can even replace your existing water supply (dependent on rainfall, roof area and water storage facilities).  Contact us for a free quote!