Watercare Saving our Water

What are the advantages and disadvantages of using below ground tanks?
Advantages:
•Saves space and not obstructing or prominent.
Disadvantage:
•Hard to extract water (need a pump).
•Difficult to detect leaks and cracks.
•Expensive (Includes Excavation costs).
•Can be damaged if heavy vehicles are driven over it.
•Can be damaged by tree roots.
•Contamination risk from groundwater or floodwaters.
•Risk of children, adults and animals [...]

What are the advantages and disadvantages of using above ground tanks?
Advantages
•Less costly the below ground tanks.
•Easy to clean.
•Can be raised off ground to increase water pressure.
•Can detect cracks and leakages easily.
•Can extract water via gravity and/or pumps.
Disadvantages
•Affected by weather.
•Take up space.
•Require anchoring when there is less water in the tank.

What are the benefits of using rainwater?
•Rainwater is free and can help you reduce your water bills.
•You can maintain your garden and have sufficient water for times of low rainfall or if there are restrictions on water use.
•Rainwater tank reduces the load on stormwater systems.
•Using rainwater reduces the need to build more dams.

How much does it cost to install a rainwater tank?
Cost of a rainwater tank will depend on the type, size, location of your tank and the level of difficulty to connect the tank to the house plumbing system. When you are asking about the cost of installation of rainwater tank factors like cost of rainwater [...]

Can I use the water from rainwater tank for drinking?
No, it isn’t advised in the city. Water from rainwater tank can be used for all indoor and outdoor activities around the household like washing clothes, flushing toilets, washing cars, gardening etc but is not recommended for drinking.

Do I have to have an inspection after the rainwater tank is installed?
Yes. Once you have installed your rainwater tank an inspection is a must to ensure adequate backflow is installed according to the council’s policies. An inspection fee is likely to be applicable.

Can I install the rainwater tank easily myself?
No. A licensed plumber must be employed to connect your rainwater tank according to the Australian Plumbing Standards.

What is backflow prevention device?
It is important to protect our main water supply to be contaminated by backflow of water from rainwater tank. Backflow Prevention Device (BPD) prevents the rainwater to flow from the rainwater tank to the main water supply. We fit new meters incorporating a backflow prevention device to residential properties with rainwater [...]

How do I maintain water quality?
Maintaining rainwater tank and proper installation is very important for the safety and also the water quality. Rainwater tank water shouldn’t be used for drinking. Tank should be covered and on access points, except the inlet and overflow. Installing screens helps to keep physical contamination out of your tank.

What factors should be considered when selecting a rainwater tank?
Tanks are available in different types, shapes and sizes. Depending on where you want to install the tank, the roof or under the ground etc decision should be made on the material that can be used. Larger the water tank is, more effective it is for conserving [...]