Water is one of the most precious natural resources that we need to survive and as such, rainwater harvesting is something we should all be thinking about. Therefore, it is our duty to use it sparingly and use any means to collect, purify and store water.
In this blog post we will talk about the size of the water tank you will need, the benefits of rainwater harvesting and so much more. If you are looking for some eco-friendly and money-friendly advice on collecting rainwater, read on.
What are the benefits of Rainwater Harvesting?
There are various benefits of harvesting rainwater. In South Africa, where most parts of the country have at least a little rain sometime during the year, it is imperative that we start thinking about how to harvest the rain and effectively use it. But what are the benefits? There are so many, but we have divided them into three basic categories:
- Environmental benefits
- Economic Benefits
- Conservational Benefits
Let’s take a look at each in closer detail.
Environmental Benefits:
Rainwater harvesting systems help reduce storm-water runoff during storms.
This is a major problem for many people living in urban areas. Stormwater runoff can flood roads and backyards within a few minutes of raining. By installing a rainwater harvesting system, you can reduce the amount of water that goes to waste. Furthermore, the water collected is ideal for watering the garden as it is chemical-free. Your plants will love you for it.
Economic Benefits:
Installing a rainwater collection system will lessen the damage caused by stormwater runoff and possible damage to your property, helping you reduce your water bill and save money.
By harvesting (free) rainwater you can reduce your reliance on the municipality by 70%. The rainwater can be used for various household necessities like watering the garden, flushing the toilet. When your usage is reduced, it creates a snowball effect. Because the municipality doesn’t need to supply as much water, their treatment cost of water can reduce, and you end up saving on your water bill in the long run too. (Imagine if every household in South Africa had a water storage and harvesting system installed, the municipalities would save millions).
Conservational Benefits:
The conservational benefits of rainwater harvesting systems are extremely important as they help people all around the world.
By harvesting rainwater, you can clearly see how far that harvested rainwater lasts. Seeing this can become an educational tool on using water sparingly. It can encourage people to start thinking about how, where, and why they use water and find ways of thinking more sustainably regarding their usage of water.
What do you need to start harvesting Rainwater?
Rainwater Harvesting doesn’t have to be difficult and time-consuming, nor does it have to include buckets and pipes in every nook and cranny of your backyard.
There are systems that have been designed by professionals, to get the optimal amount of rainwater into your storage tank. Furthermore, the tank is safe, durable, and not an eyesore.
What are Zincalume Steel Water Tanks?
Zincalume steel is a premium metallic-coated steel product that consists of 55% aluminum, 43.5% zinc and 1.5% silicon, by volume.
What are the Benefits of Zincalume Water Storage Tanks?
There has been extensive research on this specific material. Some of the key benefits of a steel water tank include:
- Durability
- Aesthetically pleasing
- 100% UV proof
- Lightweight
These water tanks are strong and durable, but that does not mean that they are stagnant once they have been installed. Specific water tanks made from zincalume can be portable upon request.
What size water storage tank do I need?
When thinking of buying a rainwater harvesting tank, it is important to ask yourself what you will be using it for, and how big it needs to be.
If you are unsure, you can view our previous post: Importance of Water to see the average consumption of water per person and other important information regarding water usage.
In essence, the average person in South Africa uses approximately 194.14 liters of water per day. This includes all uses like drinking water, bathing, dishes, etc. Therefore, you can use this as a rough estimate as to how much water you need to store for your household. At Aquadam we manufacture zincalume tanks upon specification, our range includes anything from 1000 litre water tanks to 60,000 litre water tanks.
1000 – 10,000 Litre Steel Water Tank
This is the smallest steel water tank. It can be set up as a rainwater harvesting system and used for domestic use. A 1000 litre water tank can last a family of four at least a day and a half. Therefore, a 10,000-litre water tank can last up to 10 days.
10,000 litre to 60,000 litre Steel Water Tanks
These water tanks can be used in small complexes, business buildings and other environments where there is more than one family using the water. 60,000 litres will last a family of four 77 days (almost 3 months) therefore these sizes are not recommended for domestic use for a single-family.
How much space will I need for a steel water tank?
To work out how much space you need for a water tank is relatively simple. The Volume of water formula is 1 m3 = 1000l. Therefore, a tank of 2000l, will be 2 m3 .
At Aquadam, we are aware that many people live in complexes and urban areas where space constraint is a real issue. But we want to make rainwater harvesting accessible to anyone in any area. That is why we have designed Slimline water tanks.
Slimline Steel Water Tanks
Slimline water tanks, in essence, are water tanks designed specifically for people with limited space. They are designed to be slim, in order for them to be adhered to a wall, place next to a walkway, etc. This means that they use the space efficiently so that you can gather rainwater, while still saving space and the tank being aesthetically pleasing. Rainwater Harvesting can be the saving grace to many communities, municipalities and general households.
It contributes to eco-friendly living while saving you money. Looking to buy a steel rainwater harvesting system and tank? No problem. Head over to our information page on our zincalume steel water tanks.