We have all experienced the phenomenon of too much rain at once and then periods of not enough rain. One way to combat those dry periods is with the use of Rainwater Tanks South Australia to collect the rain water and keep it stored for use at a later time.
In the UK, these tanks are called water butts and in North America they are also referred to as rain barrels. Whatever you choose to call them, they are great for catching water that can be used later. Most of these tanks are above ground but in-ground ones can also be used, especially in typically arid climates when dry conditions are a given and water will be in short supply.
Tanks may be made of galvanized steel, concrete, plastic, fiberglass or stainless steel. The stainless steel and fiberglass versions tend to be rust proof and chemical-resistant. They are often found on rooftops, concrete patios and driveways and anywhere else with an impervious surface.
Water collected in these receptacles may be used for a number of things. Common uses include watering lawns and gardens, household plumbing like toilets and washing machines, washing the car, agricultural irrigation and even drinking water. If it is to be used for drinking, special care must be taken to ensure that the water does not get contaminated.
It is a good idea to equip your rainwater tank with all the extras to keep the water free of contamination. A screen cover will keep out debris and dirt, insects and bird droppings. Keeping out sunlight can be achieved by selecting an opaque tank. Keeping sunlight out helps reduce growth of bacteria and algae. Plastic liners inside the tanks prevent leaks and maintain a high quality of water.
Even if all these steps are taken to protect the collected water, it is still vital that any water be filtered before it is drunk. Rain water is pure. However, it can become contaminated after collection by outside forces such as air pollution. It is not advisable to drink stored rain water unless there are no other available options.
Do rainwater tanks affect the environment? The answer is yes, but that may not be a bad thing. Of course, rain that is captured in a tank is rain that does not fall to the ground. In some instances, heavy use of tanks can have the effect of drying out rivers and ponds or leaving stagnant water in them. On the flip side, it may prevent overflow to rivers and deter erosion, sedimentation and pollution. If the water collected is used locally and put back into the ground, it could have a stabilizing effect on the water quality in these bodies of water.
This rainwater tank info article was brought to you by Rainwater Tanks Brisbane, Water Tanks