Are rainwater tanks worth it?

Rainwater tanks are becoming a popular investment here in New Zealand but are they worth it? The short answer is yes – absolutely. From saving money to keeping your garden green all year round to doing your bit for the environment, a water tank brings many benefits and for those who choose to install one, it can be a fantastic investment that will pay for itself over its lifetime.

Why are rainwater tanks becoming more popular?

Water shortages seem to be becoming more and more commonplace, not only here in New Zealand but around the world. Harvesting rainwater at home is a good way to make your home more sustainable and prepare yourself for future water shortages that seem inevitable as global climate changes lead to hotter, drier summers and less rainfall in the winter months.

There is a lot of pressure on the mains water supply here in New Zealand and the more households that install water tanks will help to reduce the strain on the mains supply as well as helping with things like stormwater runoff.

Another reason why rainwater tanks are becoming more popular is thanks to the latest designs. In the past, water tanks have been large and unsightly, taking up a lot of real estate on properties and often looking unsightly. New, slimline tank designs mean that there are lots more options for households looking to install a water tank – even those with a relatively small amount of space to install one. The slimline designed tanks can be installed against a property wall or fence line, blending into the environment and helping more households to store and use rainwater.

Rainwater tanks are not just good for the environment, they are also good for your wallet but before deciding whether a water tank is worth it, here are some of the key benefits.

What are the benefits of a rainwater tank?

When deciding whether a water tank is worth it, it is important to look at the benefits of installing one and then you can make an informed decision as to whether a rainwater tank is right for your home. Here are some of the key benefits of installing a water tank:

Reduce your water bills

No matter how you look at it or how you use the water you collect in your tank, they will undoubtedly save you money on your water bills. Some people choose to collect rainwater for non-potable reasons such as watering the garden or washing the car whilst installing a larger tank means the water you collect can be used for potable requirements such as drinking, showering and washing the dishes.

The amount of money you save will depend on the size of your tank, however, every drop you manage to collect and put to use is money that you will save on your water bill as you will no longer be reliant on your mains supply.

Keep your garden green all year round

Water restrictions like the ones in place in Auckland from 2019 through to the end of 2020, often mean that watering your garden is not an option. With a rainwater tank, you don’t need to worry about the impact of water restrictions on your lawn and garden – you can simply use the rainwater you have harvested in the wetter winter months to keep your garden green all year round. Rainwater is also untreated and full of the nutrients your garden will love.

Reduce stormwater runoff

Stormwater runoff can lead to increased pollution in our rivers and lakes. As we see more urbanisation throughout New Zealand, stormwater runoff will be an increasing issue with more streets, parking areas and roofs all creating great runoff. When water runs off these surfaces into our drainage system and into the waterways, it picks up oil, grease metals and coolants from cars, fertilizers and pesticides from gardens, bacteria from pet wastes and more. The more water that can be collected by rainwater tanks, the less pollution that will enter our waterways, creating a healthier environment here in New Zealand.

How long do rainwater tanks last?

The lifespan of a water tank will depend on a number of factors, including water quality, maintenance and position of the tank. Even when taking all these factors into consideration, you should realistically expect your water tank to last for anywhere from 20 to 30 years. Many of today's water tanks come with 20-25 year warranties and this represents great value for those looking to invest.

Managing your water usage and storage

If you are thinking about installing a water tank, or you already have one on your property, and you are not sure how to manage and monitor the amount of water you are collecting, storing and using, we have the perfect solution.

At Smart Water, we have engineered the most advanced tank level indicator available that now offers full cloud connectivity.

Easy to install yourself, your Smart Water tank indicator provides you with all the information you need from our app or from one of our LCD displays. Find out how much water you consume on average from your tank, accurate pressure data and estimates on when your tank will run out of water based on current usage.

Our Smart Water system can tell you how much water you have collected in your tank and over time, you will be able to calculate how much money you have saved by harvesting rainwater from your roof.

Find out more about our range of products or check out our FAQs for more information.

Summary

There has never been a better time to invest in a water tank for your home. Whilst there might be an upfront cost, with an expected lifespan of 25-30 years, the amount of money you will save on your water bill over that period will more than cover the initial outlay. Combine this with the added benefits of a water tank and the likelihood that we will face increasing water restrictions over the next 25-30 years and investing in a rainwater tank is definitely worth it.

· Is it worth getting a water tank?

· What size water tank do I need?

· Where is the best place to put a rainwater tank?