Harvesting rainwater not only helps you conserve water but saves on water bills as well. It also guarantees a continuous water supply, especially when your water needs are high.
If you are planning on harvesting rainwater, you require a way to harvest it (a water catchment area) and a place to store the rainwater (rainwater tank). Hiring a rainwater harvesting specialist is the most important thing you can do; it makes everything else you need to do simpler, smoother and free of expensive mistakes. Here are the key things you need to know about choosing rainwater tanks and how to ensure you get the most out of them:
What Is a Rainwater Catchment Area?
These are surfaces and fixtures that help you harvest rainwater. In most cases, they include your roof and gutter system. Once rain falls on your roof, it slides down to your gutters that lead the rainwater to a rainwater tank.
Buying A Rainwater Tank
Some calculations and considerations need to be made before purchasing a rainwater tank. They include how frequently your locality receives rainfall and how much water your roof and gutter systems collect. This information is essential in estimating the size of the rainwater tank to purchase.
You don't want to purchase a small tank that will be filling up fast and overflowing or a large tank that might never fill up. Your rainwater harvesting specialist should help you make the calculations and the considerations.
Rainwater Tank Material
The material you choose for your rainwater tank is determined by where you want to place the tank and the climate of your locality. The best material for underground tanks is plastic or concrete, while the best material for aboveground tanks is stainless steel. You can use plastic tanks aboveground if your locality does not experience high temperatures; the sun's harmful UV rays can damage plastic over time.
Rainwater Tank Shape and Design
Choosing the shape and design of a rainwater tank is affected by space availability and whether you live in an urban or rural area. Urban areas tend to have limited space, meaning you might lean more towards slimline water tanks that also have a modernised urban look. Rural areas are spacious; you might also not be bothered by the appearance of the water tank in a rural area, meaning that you can choose any shape and design as long as it serves your needs.
Rainwater Treatment
You should know that the law requires you to treat rainwater, especially if you plan to consume it. This means that you need to understand how rainwater is treated and what equipment you need to install alongside your rainwater tank. This is also where your rainwater harvesting specialist becomes of great assistance.