Solar radiation no match for high-quality poly water tanks

Polyethylene water tanks are designed to harvest and make the most of rainwater, allowing households to manage their water supply over the year. Yet while they're a great asset for taking advantage of this valuable natural resource, there is a need to protect them from another force of nature – the sun.

Over time, sunlight and UV radiation can invariably take a toll on any material, including polyethylene. The above-average levels of solar radiation that Australia receives compounds this issue particularly for those residing in this country.

Solar radiation data shows that Australia has incredibly high levels of solar radiation when compared with many other countries. Average annual radiation in Australia reaches 200 kLy (kilo-Langleys) – compared to around 140 kLy for the USA.

Meanwhile, Canada receives less than 100 kLy per year, and Europe and South East Asia have similar amounts.

Additionally, global radiation heat maps from SolarGIS shows that Australia is among the most exposed countries on the planet, receiving amounts that are on a par with Africa and the west of South America.

So how do you limit the effects of intense radiation on your poly water tank? Fortunately, the solution is simple – choose a tank that offers superior UV resistance.

The best-quality polyethylene water tanks on the market are manufactured with a range of additives that enhance performance, including UV protection. Tanks made with Alkatuff, for instance, feature solar resistance at a level of UV20, as specified in the AS/NZS 4766 standard for polyethylene water tanks.

This means that this brand of polyethylene has withstood 20,000 hours of uninterrupted exposure to an intense and specifically developed UV light source – and its protection is twice that of the national standard, UV8.

By choosing a tank with exceptional UV resistance properties, even Australia's fierce solar radiation will be no match.

By David Francis