There are two very important reasons why we should conserve water. One is the obvious money-saving issue, while the second is something that the majority of the general public do not think of nearly enough – the environment. In the developed world, having easily accessible water is not considered a luxury, but although we take running water for granted, the fact is that less than 1% of all fresh water in the world is easily accessible to humans. In developing countries, according to UNICEF more than 884 million people lack easy access to safe, clean water, and this number is still growing. This means that only about one in every eight people has water when and where they need it. Along with this using water, particularly hot water, contributes to global warming by increasing the emissions of greenhouse gases. Furthermore according to the UK Environment Agency the average family in the developed world uses about 500 litres of water per day, which produces around 1.5 tons of greenhouse gasses every year. In Australia the average family wastes according to the Environment Protection Authority based in Queensland about 60000 litres of water a year, this alarming figure needs to be cut down and it is therefore, extremely important that you try to conserve water. You will find that it pays to save water, and if you follow these five simple tips for water conservation you will soon see your water bills decrease significantly. For example it may be a well know piece of advice but leaving the water running while you brush your teeth or massage the shampoo into your hair is not only entirely unnecessary, it can also waste hundreds of litres of water. By simply turning off the tap while doing these things, you can save money and the environment. 1. Invest in Water Efficient Shower Heads and Faucets as well as a Low Flow Toilet According to Environment Canada today, we use nearly 50% more water than we used to. This is partly down to the fact that showers have become more powerful and household appliances use more water to run. Showers and faucets make up about 35% of our total daily water consumption. By using more efficient faucets and shower heads, you can still enjoy your showers, but with the knowledge that you are not using more water than you need to. Toilets use about 40% of the total daily water consumption in a household. Using a more efficient flush system for your toilet could greatly reduce that percentage and save you a lot of money in the long run. 2. Outside Water Tanks Collect any rain water that falls (after all its free!) into a water tank to store for use around the garden, this is a great way to save and store water so that it can be used for the gardening or even washing the car therefore saving you from taking the water from the tap. 3. Toilet Gadgets! Ok so these may not be at the top of many must have gadgets lists but there are an increasing number of gadgets you can use in the tank of your toilet that help to cut down on water supply. Some of these gadgets use polyethylene to reduce the amount of water flushed away and can save up to 2.5 litres per flush! That equates to a lot of saved water by the end of the year! 4. Be Smart when using water in the garden! Maintaining a garden especially throughout the summer takes up a lot of time and water, however there are ways to limit the water that you do use. As mentioned above outside water tanks help to save but other simple…
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According to the bureau of statistics, In 2007, 21% of all households in Australia reported that their dwelling had a rainwater tank. SA had the highest proportion of dwellings with a rainwater tank (49% total). The Australian Capital Territory and the Northern Territory had the lowest proportion of dwellings with a rainwater tank: 8% and 6% respectively. In 2007, rainwater tanks were much more prevalent outside capital cities (35%) than within capital cities (12%). In capital cities, the most commonly reported reason for installing a tank was to save water. In the rest of the state, the most common reason was that the dwelling was not connected to mains water. Overall, 42% of households with a rainwater tank reported saving water as a reason for installing a tank, and 27% reported that their household was not connected to mains water. More than 60% of households without a rainwater tank (but which had a dwelling suitable for a tank and which were home owners or purchasers) had considered installing one. Cost was the most common reason reported for not installing a rainwater tank (48% Why Rainwater tanks were installed Key Findings of the study related to the use of water tanks Use of rainwater tanks The proportion of households that reported a rainwater tank as a source of water increased to 19% in March 2007 from 17% in March 2004 and from 15% in June 1994. The most common reason reported by Australian households as to why they had installed a water tank was to save water (42%) followed by that they were not connected to mains or town water (27%). Nearly a third (30%) of households who owned their dwelling had a water tank installed, compared with only 13% of rented dwellings. A quarter of family households had a water tank installed compared with only 13% of group households. Of the 3.9 million Australian households that did not have a rainwater tank installed (and whose dwelling was suitable for a water tank and who are home owners or purchasers), 61% had considered installing one. Queensland and the Australian Capital Territory had the highest proportions (69% and 66% respectively). Of the 2.4 million households who had considered installing a water tank, the most common reason reported that prevented installing a water tank was cost (48%). No time or haven’t got around to it was the next most common reason reported (28%). 76,000 households had ordered a rainwater tank but were awaiting delivery and installation, 35,300 were from Queensland. Bureau of statistics Rainwater Tank stats is a post from: Rain Water Tanks
” Water is a limited natural resource and a public good fundamental for life and health. The human right to water is indispensable for leading a life in human dignity. It is a prerequisite for the realization of other human rights “ (United Nations 2002) Australia has a hot, dry climate and fresh water is a limited and valuable commodity. Over 90 per cent of Australians receive their domestic supply from reticulated mains or town water but there are vast areas with very low population densities with few reticulated supplies (Australian Bureau of Statistics 2001). Living and surviving in these areas depends on the use of local sources of water such as rainwater collected in tanks and groundwater. Even in areas that receive mains water, many households collect rainwater in domestic tanks to augment supplies or provide an alternative and renewable source of water. Widespread water restrictions in 2002–03 involving several capital cities, large urban areas and hundreds of rural centres highlighted the importance of water conservation measures, including use of rain water tanks . A number of agencies have offered cash rebates to support installation of rainwater tanks. Collection of rainfall from roof run-off is an ancient practice that dates back over 3000 years. In Australia the use of domestic rainwater tanks is an established and relatively common practice, particularly in rural and remote areas. Between 1994 and 2001, 16 per cent of Australian households used rainwater tanks, with 13 per cent of households using tanks as their main source of drinking water . Use of tanks as the main source of water for gardens (3%) or bathing, showering and washing (6%) is less common Not surprisingly, the driest state, South Australia, had the highest rate of usage, with 51 per cent of households (ABS 1994–2001) having a rainwater tank and 36 per cent using them as the main source of drinking water. The Northern Territory (2%) and the ACT (0.2%) recorded relatively low rates of use (see Table 1). Use of rain water tanks is more common outside capital cities. In the 1994 ABS survey, 34 per cent of households outside the capital cities had a rainwater tank, compared to 7 per cent of city households. In a 1996 South Australian survey, 28 per cent of Adelaide households used rainwater tanks as the primary source of drinking water compared to 82 per cent of households in the rest of the State (Heyworth et al. 1998). Although there has been some debate about the volumes of water that can be provided from rainwater tanks, tanks can be a significant source of drinking water even in arid regions. The 2001 ABS survey found that 83 per cent of households with rainwater tanks considered the volume of water supplied was sufficient for their needs. The main reason given for not installing a rainwater tank was, cost (38%), followed by lack of time (26%), and lack of room (15%). Only 5 per cent of those who had considered installing a tank had decided not to because of health concerns. As well as using tanks as a conservation measure, some choose to install them as a means of independently collecting a relatively pure product (at least before collection) and using it without treatment, and in particular, without the addition of chemicals. Rainwater tanks to supply drinking water- a long-standing practice is a post from: Rain Water Tanks
The following article is from the department of Heritage water and the arts. “When selecting a rainwater tank it is important to consider the average annual rainfall in your area, the water collection area( roof) and what size tank is most relevant to your household needs. ( See our article on comparing tank types ) In addition, you should consider the plumbing , planning and public health requirements of your local area. Rainwater Yield and Capacity The yield of your rainwater tank is the amount of water you will be able to harvest from your tank. The yield of your tank will be influenced by the volume and timing of rainfall in your area, the volume of your tank and choices you make in using your rainwater. Key factors influencing rainwater tank yield will vary according to the specific circumstances of your property, and may include: Collection area (roof size): To calculate your runoff, 1 millimetre of rain on 1m² will deliver 1 litre of water into your tank. As a rough guide: An average single carport is approximately 25m² The roof of an average 3 bedroom house is approximately 150m² The roof of an average 4 bedroom house is approximately 200m² The roof of an average 5 bedroom house is approximately 300m². Rainwater tank size: The size of your residence and your household needs should determine the size of the rainwater tank you choose. There are a range of products available in different shapes, sizes and materials. Generally, rainwater tanks can be classed as: Small – less than 2,000L Medium – between 2,000L and 10,000L Large – greater than 10,000L. The number of occupants in the house: It makes sense to assume that the larger your household, the faster you will use your rainwater supply. Your internal and external water use practices: By connecting your tank for internal use in the toilet and laundry you will increase your rainwater tank’s yield. Local climatic conditions: The rate and timing of rainfall varies significantly across Australia, as shown in the map below. The climate where you live will have an important impact on the yield of your rainwater tank. You should consider the characteristics of your seasonal rainfall zone when deciding to purchase a rainwater tank. heavy tropical rains of Queensland and the Northern Territory; relatively consistent year-round rainfall in Victoria, Tasmania and much of New South Wales; mediterranean climates of south west Western Australia and southern South Australia, characterised by significant rainfall during winter and relatively dry summers; and arid climates of north western and inland central Australia, characterized by low rainfall all year round. BOM rainfall map Examples The following scenarios are provided to illustrate how you might use this information to decide on your rainwater tank purchase. A couple living in Darwin in a 150m² home intend to use their rainwater tank water for flushing a water efficiency labelling and standards (WELS) rated dual-flush toilet and washing their car and a boat once a fortnight. Because they live in a highly seasonal rainfall region, they can expect to go long periods without having their rainwater tank replenished and should consider a large tank. A single retiree lives in a 100m² unit in Brisbane. She wants to install a rainwater tank so she can water her small rose garden and lawn, and for use in her WELS-rated washing machine. She waters her garden every second day. Because she lives in a region with a wet summer and low winter rainfall, and only has a small space in her garden for a tank, she should consider a medium sized tank. A family of five live in Melbourne in a 300m² home. They would like to use rainwater for their WELS 3-star rated 6/3 dual flush toilets and WELS 4-star rated washing machine. They live in a seasonal, winter
A study initiated by the National Water Commission analysed the cost-effectiveness of installing a rain water tank from the perspective of the home owner in different regions of Australia. The study investigates how cost effective rain water tanks are as a substitute for mains water supply. The report highlights that the yield and the cost of rain water tanks varies significantly based on individual household variables, including the size of the roof collection area, water tank size, number of occupants in the home and annual rainfalls. A water tank’s yield is determined by both the volume and timing of run-off into the tank and the volume and timing of usage. The water tank report is available as a PDF download from the Victorian Water Industry association website.
Choosing The Right Material First essential thing to do before you make a purchase decision is to know your poly water tank is made of the right material for your family’s health and for local conditions. You can find out by asking the water tank company you want to purchase from if the water tank is certified to AS/NZS 4766 : 2006 Polyethylene Storage Tanks for Water & Chemicals. They should be able to show copy of their certification or the tank will be clearly marked as being licensed to the standard. Location of The Manufacturer of The Water Tank Water tanks that are manufacturered and imported from overseas might be made from material that isn’t suitable to be used under the Australian climate or weather condition. It may also not have any warranty and infact most likely the replacement parts and fittings can hardly be found here. So if your water tank parts need to be replaced, you’ll have to go a long way to fix them up. Properly Certified Polyethylene Water Tanks Material With UV protection Generally speaking, Polyethylene is the ideal material to use for a long lasting water tank, especially Australia has one of the most harsh climate in the world. And it is safe for drinking water, however some imported tanks may not be made from material which has been properly tested. Standard Colour & Thickness Of The Water Tank Plastic Material If light can get into your water tank it can help algae grow, which can affect the health of your family. The standard gives manufacturers guidelines about the thickness and colour of material. Standard Capacity of The Tank The calculation in the standards ensures manufacturers can only state the actual amount of water that can be stored in the tank once fittings have been installed. Product Warranty Good companies with good products should give good warranties to give confidence to their consumers. Be sure to ead the conditions and installation instructions before you buy so you know your rights and obligations, should you need to make a claim. Fully Tested According To The Standard Like any material, plastic has some limitations when its placed under stress (by filling). Its important your tank has been properly designed and tested to ensure it is fit for purpose. Water Tank Maintenance and Warranty Your manufacturer should give you written guidelines to help you maintain the base, fittings and installation of your tank so it will last and continue to provide excellent quality water storage.
The Sunday Mail reports that there’s been a 300% increase in reported Ross River virus cases, the suspected source being uncovered rainwater tanks and buckets. With Australia heading into the mozzy season, it’s time to ensure that your rainwater collection systems are properly covered. Read the full report at the Sunday Mail .
