How to choose the right sized water tank
Given the often unpredictable rainfall patterns that Australia encounters, installing a polyethylene water tank on your property makes perfect sense. With the ability to harvest and store usable rainwater all throughout the year, poly tanks can ensure your water supply doesn't dry up – even if the weather does.
One of the first considerations when buying a water tank will be what size to choose. With the different types of tank – round, slimline or underground – and the huge range of capacities available, there's certainly a big selection to choose from.
However, by answering a few simple questions, you can quickly narrow down your options and determine the optimal size for your needs.
Firstly, Savewater.com.au recommends choosing the largest tank you can fit or afford – this is to ensure you have an adequate supply to last you through even the longest dry spells. In addition, the website suggests a good guideline to go by is ensuring your tank than can hold a minimum of four weeks' supply.
Other important factors to consider include the rainfall catchment area of your property – in other words, the size of your roof. As the Australian government's Water for the Future initiative outlines, every millimetre of rain that lands on a square metre of your roof will contribute a litre of water to your tank.
The appropriate tank size therefore depends on how much rainfall collection potential your property's roof offers.
You'll also want to take into account the average rainfall patterns in your area, as this will dictate whether you need a larger or smaller tank. For example, if your state receives fairly regular levels of rain across the year, it may be possible to get by with a smaller tank.
Finally, think of demand and usage considerations, such as how many occupants live at your property, and which appliances – the toilet, the laundry, among others – the tank will be connected to.
By taking a well-rounded view of your water storage needs, it is much easier to select a tank size that perfectly fits your requirements.
By David Francis
