Water tanks play a central role in sustainable water management. They are environmentally friendly as they store rainwater which serves as a valuable alternative water supply, catering to various needs such as drinking, washing, and outdoor use. This sustainable approach not only conserves precious water resources but also helps reduce the environmental impact of excessive water consumption.
Why Water Tanks are a Sustainable Choice?
Investing in premium water tanks makes a lot of sense, both environmentally and financially: a well-made stainless steel water tank can be expected to last for 30 years or more, providing your family with up to 20% water conservation.
To give you an idea of what the world freshwater crisis will look like three decades from now, consider that the world population is expected to reach 10 billion by then, with no increase in available freshwater; at the same time, our climate will become hotter, and water restrictions will become more common.
The majority of water tanks are composed of materials that degrade over time due to sun exposure, and they are no longer recyclable if they have degenerated to the point where they can no longer contain water.
They normally live for 15 years. Concrete water tanks can last for decades, but they are much more expensive. Fiberglass water tanks are relatively uncommon, but their size is limited. Unfortunately, they are not generally recyclable and end up in landfills.
So here are compelling reasons why water tanks represent a sustainable choice:
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- – Rainwater Harvesting: Water tanks allow for the collection and storage of rainwater, a renewable resource. This reduces reliance on conventional water sources and contributes to the sustainable use of water.
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- -Resource Conservation: By utilizing rainwater stored in tanks for various purposes like irrigation, flushing toilets, or outdoor cleaning, you reduce the demand for treated municipal water, helping to conserve this valuable resource.
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- – Energy Efficiency: Water tanks can promote energy efficiency when used for rainwater harvesting. Reduced reliance on energy-intensive water treatment and transportation processes can lead to energy savings.
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- – Cost Savings: Rainwater stored in tanks can lead to substantial cost savings by reducing water bills. This not only benefits individuals and businesses but also encourages responsible water consumption.
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- – Relief on Main Water Supply: Water tanks ease the burden on the main water supply during peak demand periods or water scarcity situations. This helps ensure a reliable supply of essential needs.
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- – Environmental Impact: Reduced water consumption translates to lower energy usage for water treatment and distribution. This, in turn, results in a reduced carbon footprint and a positive impact on the environment.
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- – Drought Resilience: Water tanks provide a buffer during droughts and water restrictions, ensuring a continued water supply for essential tasks and maintaining landscape health.
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- – Water Quality: Stored rainwater is often softer and contains fewer chemicals compared to treated municipal water, making it suitable for various non-potable uses.
Rainwater is a plentiful resource that is free and simple to harvest; as an added bonus, it also helps to reduce run-off, which makes a significant difference in flood management. So, what exactly goes into installing an eco-friendly rainwater harvesting system?
Simply choose environmentally friendly construction materials (with recyclability in mind) and install them correctly on your property. A water tank (with any necessary filtration/purification system), a catchment & drainage system (namely, your roof, gutter, and a downpipe that sends the water into the tank), and (optionally) any plumbing required to reroute tank water into your house are the main components involved in setting up a rainwater harvesting system.
Let’s start with the materials. The majority of water tanks are made of materials that have a short lifespan, little UV resistance, and cannot be recycled into anything else and will end up in a landfill. Instead, opt for the most environmentally friendly option: a steel water tank, which has a long lifespan and excellent recyclability.
Then there’s the issue of filtration and plumbing. It’s actually better not to filter out all those rich nutrients that are included in rainwater if you’re only using your tank water to water your garden and lawn – tank water can easily become contaminated and not be safe for humans to drink, but it’s like manna from heaven for plants, who aren’t keen on the chlorination that comes with mains water in the first place!
Water Storage Sustainability
Rainwater harvesting is the process of collecting and storing rainwater for future use, and it is beneficial to the environment for the following reasons:
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- Reduces the impact of weather extremes such as rain and drought.
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- Can be used to put out fires.
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- Restore the quality of your groundwater.
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- It lowers your carbon footprint.
The cost of replacing, maintaining, and implementing aging water infrastructure is high. The more water harvested by each individual, the less reliance on municipal water infrastructure. This also aids in drought-proofing the surrounding areas and having local water on hand in the event of a bushfire.
According to experts, approximately 50% of stormwater infiltrates into the ground, hydrating the soils and replenishing groundwater, 40% evaporates, and 10% runs off in the natural landscape. In contrast, 15% infiltrates the ground, 30% evaporates, and 55% runs off all hard surfaces such as roads and building materials in developed landscapes.
Installing water tanks reduces the impact of stormwater by storing it on-site rather than allowing it to run off. This means you save water and use it when it is most needed and has a better chance of infiltrating the ground and making it more nutritious and productive.
To ensure your investment is worthwhile, it is important to obtain a compliance certification confirming that your water tank complies with Australian requirements. This certification, issued by the manufacturer or installer, signifies that the tank meets Australian standards, covering all aspects from building materials to installation and maintenance specifications.
By securing this certification, you can have confidence in the quality and adherence of your water tank to the established Australian standards, ensuring a reliable and compliant water storage solution.
Contact Us Now
If you’re seeking assistance with sustainable water storage solutions in Australia, choose Raven Tanks. We can guide you in making well-informed decisions, ensuring compliance with industry standards, and effectively meeting your water storage needs.
Our services have been tried and tested in major cities, including Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Canberra, Dalby, Darwin, and Geelong.
Reach out to Raven Tanks at 1800 907 834 or via email at [email protected] to get started on your sustainable water storage journey.