With the arrival of spring, it's the perfect time to start thinking about harvesting rainwater as well as implementing appropriate storage solutions. The National Drought Group has warned that the UK is one hot, dry spell away from severe drought conditions in 2023.
Our water supply is under increasing pressure, and adopting measures like rainwater harvesting and utilising liquid storage solutions such as water and bunded oil tanks can help alleviate the strain.
In this blog post, we'll cover everything you need to know about how to harvest rainwater with a water tank this spring.
Rainwater harvesting systems are an environmentally friendly way to collect and store rainwater for later use. By collecting rainwater, not only can you reduce your reliance on the mains supply, you can cut your water bill, improve the health of your plants and garden, and even help prevent local flooding.
It sounds great. But where do you even begin?
What is Rainwater Harvesting?
Rainwater harvesting is the practice of collecting and storing rainwater for later use.
This can be done by diverting rainwater from roofs, gutters, and other surfaces into a water tank. It is easy to underestimate how much rain falls on your roof, but even a modest roof can fill a water butt following a moderate downpour.
The rainwater can then be used for a variety of purposes, including watering plants, washing cars, and flushing toilets.
Why You Should Harvest Rainwater
By harvesting rainwater, you can reduce your reliance on mains water and help to conserve this precious resource. But that’s not the reason to consider harvesting water.
Additional benefits include:
1. Reduces Your Water Bill
As touched on previously, by collecting and storing rainwater in a tank, you can reduce your reliance on mains water. Whilst this helps conserve a resource, it can also help save you money on your water bill.
Let’s think about flushing the toilet. Around 30% of all water used by the average UK household is used to flush a toilet. The average UK household water bill comes to around £419 per year. If you managed to use water from your water tank only to flush your toilets, then you’d save an average of £128.85 a year.
The more water you’re able to collect, store and use, the larger your savings. Depending on the size of your tank and the amount of rainwater you collect, you may be able to meet all your water needs without ever turning on the tap.
2. Rainwater is Better for Your Plants
Rainwater is free of the additives found in tap water, such as chlorine and fluoride.
This makes it better for your plants, as these additives can harm or even kill them. Rainwater is also naturally soft, which makes it easier for plants to absorb. You’ll be better off financially, and your garden will be thriving — it sounds like a win-win.
3. Can Help Prevent Local Flooding
During heavy rainfall, water can accumulate, leading to local flooding.
By harvesting rainwater, you can reduce the amount of water that runs off your property, which can help prevent this. This is particularly important in areas that are prone to flooding such as Cornwall, Peterborough and Hull.
Where to Place Your Water Tank for the Most Effective Results
The location of your water tank is crucial to its effectiveness.
Ideally, you should place your tank close to the area where you will be using the water.
This will minimise the distance that the water needs to travel, reducing the risk of leaks and other issues. It's also important to ensure that your tank is placed on a flat and stable surface to prevent it from tipping over.
Finally, your tank should be placed in a spot that is easily accessible for maintenance and cleaning. Your tank will need to be cleaned and disinfected annually, so be sure to factor in access when working out where to put it.
Water Tanks Available from Tanks For Everything
If you’re considering a water tank, chances are you may be envisioning a water butt, which collects rainwater in your garden that’s used to hydrate your plants. However, that’s not your only option.
At Tanks For Everything we offer a wide range of water tanks that are ideal for rainwater harvesting. These tanks come in a variety of sizes, from small 50-litre tanks to large 10,000-litre tanks. From water butts to above-ground water tanks or baffled water tanks, we’ve got the perfect option to get you started. With spring nearly here, there’s never been a better time to start harvesting rainwater.
