What Is A Rainwater Tank?

We have all experienced the phenomenon of too much rain at once and then periods of not enough rain. One way to combat those dry periods is with the use of Rainwater tanks Adelaide to collect the rain water and keep it stored for use at a later time.

Rainwater tanks are also referred to as rain barrels and in the United Kingdom they call them rain butts. Whatever you call them, their function is to capture rain water that is stored and used when water is scarce. Most of the time above ground tanks are used but sometimes in-ground tanks are installed, particularly in more arid climates when times of drought is all but certain. The most common type is the Poly Water Tanks

A rain water tank may be made out of plastic, concrete, galvanized steel, stainless steel or fiberglass. Fiberglass and stainless steel are resistant to chemicals and also rust proof. The most common tank is the Poly Tanks. In most cases, they are stored above ground in places like rooftops, patios and at the ends of driveways as well as other surfaces where water cannot penetrate.

The uses of the collected water vary. Most commonly it is used to irrigate crops. It is also used for everyday household activities like washing the car, flushing the toilet, using the washing machine and watering small gardens and lawns. It may also be used as drinking water. If so, extra attention must be given to the water and the tanks to be certain the water is safe for consumption.

First of all, steps can be taken before the water is collected to help keep it safe. Some tanks include things like screen coverings to prevent dirt, debris, bird droppings and insects from getting inside. Selecting an opaque tank is wise to keep sunlight out and thus reducing the risk of algae growth and an overrun of bacteria. A plastic lining is good to prevent leaks and help maintain high water quality.

It is also imperative that, even if these steps are taken, any water that is drunk is properly filtered. Even thought rain water is pure, it may become contaminated after collection. And while rain does not contain chlorine, air pollutants can affect the water after it is gathered. It is advised not to drink water from rainwater tanks unless there are no other sources of drinkable water.

Do rainwater tanks affect the environment? The answer is yes, but that may not be a bad thing. Of course, rain that is captured in a tank is rain that does not fall to the ground. In some instances, heavy use of tanks can have the effect of drying out rivers and ponds or leaving stagnant water in them. On the flip side, it may prevent overflow to rivers and deter erosion, sedimentation and pollution. If the water collected is used locally and put back into the ground, it could have a stabilizing effect on the water quality in these bodies of water.

This rainwater tank info article was brought to you by Rain Water Tanks Brisbane, Water Tanks