How to use rain water collected from your roof and stored in a rain water tank

How do rain water tanks work? 

Effective rain water harvesting is becoming critical during periods of dry weather and drought, as households are being encouraged to reduce their environmental footprint, conserve water, and use water more efficiently around the home, garden, or on rural property and land.

Installing your own rain water tank storage and collection system also provides benefit by helping reduce the impact of stormwater runoff damage. Your rain water can be used in many ways around your home including, watering the garden, flushing toilets, washing cars, washing clothes, filling swimming pools, and even for firefighting during bushfire or other local fire events.

What equipment will I need to harvest, collect and store rain water from my roof?

You will need a drinking-water grade poly water tank and drinking-grade PVC pipes to connect your water tank and water collection areas together. You’ll also need a water pump, water taps, water tank valves, water tank screens, first flush water diverter and water filters.

What is a first flush water diverter and why do I need one?

A first flush rain water diverter separates the first amount of rain water collected so that any dust, leaves or other debris from your roof will be discarded and help improve and maintain your water quality. This is particularly useful after long periods of dry weather as dust can accumulate and then clog and contaminate your water system if it is allowed to enter your water tank storage system.

Can I drink the water I collect in my rain water tank?

Yes, if your water tank and collection system is correctly and regularly maintained, the water is generally safe to drink. Keep in mind public water supplies are often fluoridated and disinfected. If you’re mainly consuming rain water, not public water, you may need to consult with your dentist regarding your fluoride intake and maintaining healthy teeth.

How do I maintain my water tank and water collection system?

Regularly maintaining your water tank, roof, gutters and pipe system is key to keeping your water as clean and as usable as possible. Keeping an eye on the weather forecast and performing scheduled maintenance, as well as ad hoc maintenance when known rain events are forecast for your area is critical to the success of your water storage and usage needs.

Removing leaves and debris from your roof and guttering every few months is recommended, as well as cleaning your screens to remove any dust or dirt build up.

Installing insect screens on water inlets and water overflows can help to keep your water supply free of mosquitos, and check your local regulations for advice around using chemical based mosquito control for your water tank.

Water tank cleaning and desludging can be performed every few years, and a professional water tank cleaning service can be used. Working inside a water tank can be dangerous. Seek your local advice around work health and safety regulations for working in confined spaces such as water tanks.

If you have any questions about water tank maintenance or water quality maintenance, give us a call at WaterNeeds on 02 8521 6606. We can talk you through the best water tank and water harvesting system for your home or property, and how to keep it at its best quality. We’re located south of Sydney in Heathcote NSW, and offer delivery specials for free Sydney Metro water tank delivery, just contact us to learn how you can take advantage of having your water tank delivered to your door.

Our rain water tanks are durable, high quality, come in a range of styles, shapes, colours and sizes, and all come with a manufacturer warranty, and prices start from an affordable $505.