In a world where environmental concerns are becoming ever more important, and human impacts on the environment ever more apparent, many more businesses, farms and residential properties are having rainwater collection tanks installed. However, while a simple polyethylene or fibreglass rainwater tank can be more than adequate for small-scale collection operations, appreciable water savings on large plots of land require something more robust. Concrete rainwater tanks are highly prized for these purposes, and these durable, high capacity tanks can be seen on many commercial, industrial and agricultural properties.
However, while having a concrete rainwater tank installed on your land can help you dramatically lower your home or business's water usage (not to mention its water bills) these heavy-duty tanks are by no means suitable for every situation. As such, if you are considering having a concrete rainwater tank installed you should ask yourself the following questions before handing over your hard earned cash:
Will you be collecting rainwater for drinking purposes?
Rainwater is obviously not drinkable straight from the source, but many homes and businesses run small water treatment systems to clean and sterilise rainwater to the point where it is potable. If this is your intention, concrete is an excellent choice of tank material, as it is almost entirely non-reactive and does not taint the taste of drinkable water. Because of the thickness and opacity of its walls, a concrete tank will also prevent toxic algal blooms from forming in your collected water stores, as these blooms require sunlight to live.
How much rainwater do you intend to collect?
Concrete isn't the most delicate material, and even the smallest concrete water tanks generally available for sale or fabrication are large, high-capacity models. As such, choosing a concrete tank can be considered expensive overkill if you only intend to collect limited supplies of water (for watering a vegetable garden, for example), or live/work in an area with little rainfall. Smaller metal, plastic or fibreglass tanks are generally more suitable for these purposes, not to mention much less expensive and easier to install.
Where will your tank be situated?
Any concrete rainwater tank, whether large or small, is a heavy and unwieldy piece of equipment that can take up surprisingly large amounts of ground space. You should therefore consider the properties of the space where you intend to place your new tank, and ask yourself the following questions:
- Is the ground stable enough?: Concrete tanks require stable ground to avoid problems with subsidence and cracking, and may require limited concrete foundations to remain stable. As such, rocky or poorly drained ground is largely unsuitable for concrete tanks.
- Is the site accessible?: This isn't just a matter of being able to access your tank for maintenance -- you will also have to get the tank to your chosen site in the first place. If you want your tank situated in a compact or inaccessible area, you may be forced to choose a smaller, lighter variety of tank. Alternatively, you can have the tank cast in place by tank manufacturers, as long as the environment is broadly suitable for such work. This is an expensive option, but cuts out all transport expenses and hazards and allows you to obtain a tank perfectly suited to your individual needs.
- Will I want to move the tank in the future?: If this is the case concrete is definitely not for you, as once a concrete tank is installed it is practically impossible to relocate in one piece.