Eurobodalla Integrated Water Cycle Management Strategy

FACT SHEET 3
Rainwater Tanks
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Eurobodalla Integrated Water Cycle Management Strategy
What are Rainwater Tanks?
Rainwater tanks store rainwater runoff from roofs. Rainwater is funnelled along gutters into
downpipes, which are connected to the tank. In high rainfall areas, it is possible to harvest
considerable amounts of roofwater using rainwater tanks. Rainwater tanks offer an alternative
water supply for use in the home and/or garden.
Rainwater tanks may be used as a separate supply source (not supplemented by town water),
or they can be designed to receive a ‘top up’ of town water. A rainwater tank designed for nonpotable
indoor uses, for example toilet flushing, typically requires a top up system using trickle
feed technology.
Rainwater tanks can form an integrated part of the main water supply system, and be subject
to the same restrictions during drought periods as the reticulated supply.
The recovery of roof water is not only a function of rainfall and tank size, but also a function of
water use. Tanks are more likely to be full during or following wet weather when garden water
needs are low. Connecting tanks to supply water for the toilet and washing machines increases
the utilisation of the rainwater tank and therefore increases
the amount of water tanks can collect every year.
Benefits
Rainwater tanks collect water from the local area, and if
used correctly, are an effective way to take the demand
and pressure off our limited water resources, our rivers
and storage facilities.
Rainwater tanks are able to capture roofwater following
small rainfall events during drought periods.
By storing rainwater runoff from your roof, rainwater tanks can provide a valuable water source
for flushing toilets, in washing machines, watering gardens and washing cars.
Using rainwater for gardens, washing machines or toilets will save money on water bills.
Rainwater tanks improve environmental quality through conserving our valuable drinking water
and reducing the demand on our water supply (conserving water also reduces the chemical
and energy requirements for treating and transporting water to your home via the mains
supply).
Rainwater tanks can help manage stormwater runoff through reducing the amount of
stormwater leaving your property, thereby reducing flooding.
Rainwater tanks promote awareness of water conservation issues through practice.