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Using these tanks to collect rainwater has been around since man learned to take advantage of the rain. Although technology and materials have changed throughout time, the strategy and the goals remain the same: to collect rain water for human use.

Materials in Constructing a Rain Water Tank

In our current time, these storage devices are constructed using varied materials such as polyethylene plastic, galvanized steel and concrete. There are some tanks that are made of fiberglass and stainless steel, because these materials provide longevity as they are not affected by rust and are not easily corroded by chemicals.

Whatever materials are used, rain water tanks are made to be opaque so that sunlight does not penetrate into the stored water. The opaque construction also helps to prevent algae from cultivating in the water.

Some people who cannot afford to buy specialized tanks resort to recycling food storage barrels, as well as those used to liquor aging barrels, as makeshift tanks. However, these tanks lack the filtering and closed loop systems of specially engineered rain water tanks.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Using a Rain Water Tank

The presence of a rain water tank helps to augment a household’s water supply, especially if used in conjunction with a mains water supply. Most families employ rain water as an alternate source of domestic water, as it is readily available and for free. A family may use rain water to reduce use of their mains water supply in order to cut costs, especially if they use it for washing machines, garden watering and for washing vehicles. These tasks use great amounts of water, and having an alternate for mains water for these jobs could mean lessened water costs.

However, the greatest disadvantage of having these tanks inside your home is the high cost of installing it, if one uses a specialty tank that is specifically designed to collect rain water and keep it safe. Rain water tanks should also be paired with a filtration system, so that any natural contaminants like pathogens and even chemicals are ingested by the household through drinking.

Another disadvantage is the requirement of frequent maintenance for the tank. It could be a tiresome chore to perform maintenance for the tank, and can also be costly. In maintaining your rain water tank, you may have to physically climb to your rooftops and check for debris and vegetation that could find its way to your stored rain water. Sometimes, you may have to install screens so that large pieces of debris can be filtered from entering the tank.

Maintenance may also require draining the tank of residual water so that sediments and algae are removed, although installation of a filter system may eliminate this requirement for you.

Makeshift water tanks also pose a health risk as they are more likely to become havens for mosquito larvae.

Related posts:

1. Green Living – The Benefits of Installing a Rain Water Tank
2. Rain Water Tank Installation Know-How
3. A Health Guide to Your Rain Water Tank
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5. Rain Water Tanks – A storage for Rain Water