In the face of increasing scrutiny over environmental sustainability, homeowners in Sydney have taken action by identifying and capitalising on renewable resources. One abundant resource Sydney homeowners have focused on? Rainwater. An estimated 91,000 homeowners in Sydney are using rainwater tanks to meet various housekeeping needs, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics. Here’s how you could harness this resource for a more sustainable lifestyle.
Understanding the Basics of Rainwater Harvesting
In simplest terms, rainwater harvesting involves collecting, storing, and using rainwater. In Sydney, where approximately 1220mm of rainfall occurs annually per Bureau of Meteorology data, this process provides an excellent way to conserve water and reduce dependence on municipal sources. Interested? First, invest in a high-quality tank from Sydney’s water tanks suppliers. These come in many sizes and installation options to suit your property and needs.
The Right Water Tank for Your Home
Water tanks come in various sizes and materials, each with its own pros and cons. For smaller properties, slimline tanks are ideal as they are designed to fit into narrow spaces. For larger properties or for those who want to capture more rainwater, round tanks provide bigger capacities. As for materials, plastic tanks are generally cheaper but less durable over time than steel counterparts. Choose wisely depending on your requirements.
How Rainwater Capture Works
Once you have installed a tank on your property, it captures rainwater flowing from your roof gutters. Screens prevent leaves and other debris from entering the water storage while first flush diverters ensure that the first flow of water carrying most pollutants is kept away from your tank.
The Use of Stored Rainwater
Stored rainwater can be used in numerous ways. Common uses include lawn and garden watering, toilet flushing, and laundry washing. You can also use it for drinking and cooking if water treatment processes are followed.
Treating Rainwater for Drinking
If you wish to use harvested rainwater for drinking or cooking, appropriate filtration and disinfection processes must be installed to ensure safe consumption. Treatment options may include sediment filters, carbon filters and UV sterilisation to eliminate potential pollutants such as debris, pathogens and chemicals.
Setting Up an Effective Maintenance Schedule
Maintaining your water tank is integral to its efficiency. Regular inspections of your tank and its components will help you spot any possible issues before they become problematic. This ensures that the quality of collected rainwater remains high while maximising tank lifespan.
Savings on Your Water Bill
Aside from its environmental benefits, using a rainwater tank can also result in significant cost savings. With a properly sized and well-maintained rainwater tank, you could significantly reduce your reliance on municipally supplied water thereby reducing your bills over time.
The Role of Rainwater Tanks in Reducing Demand on Sydney’s Water Supply
By using rainwater tanks, we are not just saving the environment but also helping ease the demand on Sydney’s potable water supply. Less reliance on mains water gives much needed relief to our water infrastructure and aids in ensuring a more sustainable future.
Water Tanks and Fire Safety
Rainwater tanks can also play a pivotal role in fire safety. In an emergency situation, having a sizeable store of easily accessible water can prove to be a lifesaver. This makes them valuable assets especially in regions prone to bushfires.
Rebates Available for Installing Water Tanks
By implementing the use of rainwater tank, you’re not just saving on water bills, but could also be eligible for a rebate. The Government provides a rebate scheme to encourage rainwater tank use. Through this, you can recoup a portion of your installation costs.
The Environmental Impact of Rainwater Tanks
Implementing rainwater tanks aligns with environmental conservation principles. Every drop of rainwater utilised is one less taken from rivers and reservoirs. This reduces strain on water supply, lessens energy consumption from water treatment processes and minimises stormwater runoff issues.
Dispelling Myths about Rainwater Tanks
It is essential to debunk common myths about using rainwater tanks. One misconception is that rainwater is unsafe for drinking. With proper treatment, rainwater is completely safe for all uses. Another false claim is that maintaining a tank is labour-intensive. In reality, simple routine checks and cleaning are all it takes.
Fulfilling the Sustainable Dream
Harnessing the power of Sydney’s water tanks is more than about cost saving or reducing demand on water supply; it extends into contributing towards a sustainable and environmentally friendly lifestyle. By utilising every drop of rainfall and reducing our reliance on municipal sources, we are moving closer to achieving a sustainable dream.
