Rainwater tanks and collectors
When it rains, water goes from your property and into the stormwater system. Rain on your roof goes down gutters and downpipes to a pipe that connects to the stormwater drains. Rain that lands on your garden can also flow off your property and into the stormwater drain via the inlets on the roadside. When there is a lot of rainwater, it can carry sediment and pollution which is bad for our waterways. You can collect the rainwater from your roof and store it in a rainwater tank so you can use it when you need it. This will reduce the amount of sediment and pollution going into our lakes.
Benefits of collecting rainwater
Collecting and storing rainwater is a great alternative water source, it can:
- be used during dry spells or water restrictions
- save you money in the long run because it’s free water to use
- protect the waterways because there’s less soil and pollution being washed into the waterways.
Choosing the right rainwater tank
Tanks come in different sizes, from small barrels for a courtyard, slimline tanks for a city garden, through to larger sizes for country homes. Most rainwater tank manufacturers will have online tools to help you calculate the size of the rainwater tank that will suit your needs. The things to consider are:
- The size of your roof – The size of your roof will tell you how much rainwater you can capture. Every m2 of roof will harvest 1 L of water for every 1 mm of rain that falls. The bigger your roof, the more water you can collect.
- The size of your house and garden – A 1,000 litre tank can fit into a small space and provide some of the water for a small garden. A 5,000 litre tanks are often used to water a small garden and be plumbed into a toilet or laundry. A 25,000 litre tank can provide most of the water needed for a modest house and garden. Tanks of 50,000 litres or more are common on rural properties.
- How you want to use your tank – Think about what you'll use the collected water for. It could be for gardening, toilet flushing, or other household needs. Setting the tank up for indoor use will help prevent the tank from overflowing during the wetter months of the year. To use the water inside your home, your tank should be made from, or lined with, a food-grade material and a pump will be required to provide water pressure.
Understand the costs
Rainwater tank prices can change based on materials and how long they last, and how good they are. It’s best to compare prices from different sellers to get the best deal.
The cost to install a rainwater tank can also vary depending on how complicated it is. It might need the technician to:
- get a licenced plumber to do household plumbing connections
- do electrical work needed for the system
- create a hardstand to take the weight of a full tank.
Installing your rainwater tank
You can set up water tank systems outside your home on your own, if it's done carefully. You'll need a licenced plumber to install connections to use the rainwater in your home. You may also need an electrician to install electrical outlets and wiring for pumps.
Maintaining your rainwater tank
Taking regular care of your rainwater tank system will help keep up the water quality and prevent mosquitos from breeding in it. Find more ways to keep your rainwater tank clean on the Sydney Water website.