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Green living is an essential part of today’s life, looking at the gradual changes of environment and saving natural resources for future use, utilizing natural gifts like wind, solar, rain water etc. has becoming increasingly significant. Many parts of Australia, drought is a normal part of life, therefore, people are now more concerned about saving rain water to cope up with adverse timing. For example, rain water tanks in Bendigo are ubiquitous these days because people are now aware of not wasting their valuable water resources in gardening, car washing etc. Rain water tanks in Melbourne is a somewhat a national icon where 30% of homes have now rainwater catchment system. Water tanks haven’t been an attractive home addition until recently; people are installing tanks of different materials, sizes and shapes while considering their space. The most common type of water tanks in Melbourne is corrugated metal rainwater tank, so you can see variety of these material installed in homes in various colours, shapes, and sizes. But how can you select your water tank that suits well with your space and architecture? Poly (plastic) rain water tanks: Poly tanks are fabricated with polyethylene, which is UV stabilized and good grade material. The advantage of this tank is its lightweight and you just need a sand base on which you need to install your rain water tank. These also come in attractive colours and have good shelf-life. Many companies offer these tanks with 25 year warranty, many also give 15 year, but in anyway, it has a good service life. Now, the disadvantage of polyethylene is the material is fabricated with petrochemical. So, after 10-15 years of use the material is gradually undergoing a breakage and releases toxins as it does so. The good part is you can recycle this material because polyethylene is easily recycled. Some rainwater tanks in Melbourne are seen with vertical seam. This is a disadvantage because it gives the opportunity to water to leak down, so a seamless tank is more appropriate. Polyethylene is relatively new material in the market and there hasn’t been enough study on this material. So, the performance is good, so you can take it. Steel tanks: Steel tanks are most popular ones with three types are available in the market – galvanized steel, Zincalume and Colorbond. Galvanized steel is one of the oldest tank materials in the world, and usually a cheap alternative. The zinc that is coated with iron or steel helps to slow down corrosion. However, the tanks may last a little more than 5 years, especially if the roof structure is fabricated from Zincalume. ZIncalume accelerates electrolysis when it is exposed to light and rain. Colorbond is a fine layer applied to the surface of the steel to improve adhesion. The tanks come with a massive warranty period, but if it is scratched a little on the paint, it will accelerate the corrosion process. Concrete water tanks: These types of tanks are generally installed above or underground. Underground option is more viable because it saves space and allows load bearing. The material is super heavy and often poured on-site or delivered in sections that are cemented together. A polyethylene line is generally used to reduce leach lime. Concrete water tanks over the time leach slightly alkaline water. Also concrete is an energy intensive product, therefore, it comes with a heavy expense. Fiberglass tanks: Fiberglass tanks are long-lasting and installed both above and below ground. It allows lighter and this can encourage growth of algae. Fiberglass over the time, tend to become brittle, leaving it prone to cracks. Author’s Bio: Daniel Egan is a leading expert in rainwater harvesting and written several articles on how to install rain water tanks in Melbourne. He works as a consultant for leading farms, and also possesses vast knowledge about livestock and poultry.
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