Many businesses, farmers and individual homeowners are looking for ways to conserve freshwater. Previous deep well establishments are still in use and however harnessing rainwater has now become the preferred way of clean water storage. While most rainwater tanks can easily hold thousands of litres of water for long periods of time and used in times of drought or water interruptions, it’s not uncommon for owners to begin to consider, or reconsider, their watertank system setup and if it’s setup to be a sustainable rain water tank.
Concrete water tanks are one of the most durable and sustainable rain watertanks within the industry. If you are considering a new concrete rainwater tank, it is important that you’ve had the following discussion with all parties involved with your new rainwater tank, if not at least with yourself.
What to consider first when deciding on a new concrete rain water tank
Apart from the initial cost of purchasing building materials, there is a lot to consider before deciding on a concrete rainwater tank—how big a property is, how the stored rainwater will be used and what other fixtures are needed (according to immediate and future needs) among other things.
- Expenses. Whether above or below ground, concrete rainwater tanks are more costly to install compared to other tanks. The initial investment, however, pays for itself in the municipal water costs that are saved over time. This is going to be, if not, the biggest consideration when it comes to your new concrete rain water tank.
- Building materials. Concrete is a no-brainer, but steel frames may be needed if you’re not going for an underground tank. In some states, certain permits may be needed first to build a concrete tank, whether as an independent installation or built under your home. If you are unsure on whether you need a permit for your particular project, feel free to get in touch with us and we can arrange an inspection of your property to help determine what is actually required for your project.
- Purpose. What are you going to use the water for? For smaller homes that seek to achieve at least 40% additional water supply to supplement mains water, a plastic slimline rainwater tank could be preferable. Homesteads or larger properties such as farms will benefit from a concrete rainwater tank is supplying water for irrigation or their livestock.
The good and bad of concrete rainwater tanks
The number one factor and attribute of a concrete water tank is its durability and the amount of water it can hold, which can store a minimum 3,800 litres and a maximum 11,500 litres (for underground tanks) of rainwater. As the rainwater is stored underground in concrete tanks, the water stays cold all year ’round and is protected from the elements due to the natural insulation the soil provides. The solid construction of concrete tanks means there are virtually no leaks and the stored water is safe from any contamination.
However, due to its rigidity, this means concrete could not contract or expand as easily in the freeze-thaw cycle of water compared to other tanks of different materials like stainless steel or plastic. This may cause structural damage to the concrete tank, which may result in leaking and additional costly repairs.
The concrete rainwater tank would certainly outlast its owner in many cases—that’s true. But at the end of the day, all rainwater tanks serve to promote one message: save precious drinking water. Which in and of itself is an idea that should be taught to future generations to come?