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With UK residents being charged for the amount of water that they use, alongside the obvious environmental benefits of collecting and using rainwater, it is no surprise that more and more people are turning to rainwater harvesting systems in their homes.
Every property is different, with different circumstances, calling for a selection of different types of tanks that can be used for rainwater harvesting.
What Are the Different Types of Water Tank?
There is a variety of different materials, sizes, and shapes of rainwater harvesting water tanks. In essence, the process is the same – rainwater is collected and then distributed to the specified areas – usually for use in the garden for irrigation, and/or in the home – for use in taps, washing machines, and toilets for example.
The tanks are usually made from polyethylene (PE) or fibreglass (GRP) – although sometimes they can be made from pre-cast concrete. PE tanks are made using a mould and are therefore available in fixed sizes, whereas a GRP tank can be made to fit different sizes as well as strengthened in structure to mean that they can be used in deeper holes.
Domestic Below-Ground Tanks
Usually with a capacity of between 1,000 litres and 6,000 litres, domestic below-ground tanks are designed to be stored under the ground of domestic properties. They are usually a box shape or a horizontal cylinder (much like a submarine), with a ‘turret’ that can be cut to the right size to sit flush with the ground.
When an underground rainwater tank is installed, it should have an anti-backflow device to ensure that water cannot flow back into the tank – from a storm drain, for example. This is a British standard regulation. They should also have a calmed inlet to reduce the turbulence at the time that the water enters the tank and ‘trapped’ overflow – such as a U-bend. If you require, you can also have a rodent barrier fitted.
Commercial Below-Ground Tanks
Commercial below-ground water tanks are the same as domestic tanks but on a much larger scale. These tanks will usually contain up to about 100,000 litres of water, but if more capacity is needed, more than one tank can be joined together.
The main reason why commercial below-ground tanks cannot be made larger is due to the logistics of travel. They are also normally made from polyethylene.
Above-Ground Tanks for Garden Use
Above-ground water tanks for garden use are stored above the ground, normally allowing the rainwater to drain into it through a system of gutters. They are usually cylindrical or box-shaped and can be put almost anywhere that there is a firm and level base.
For a relatively small, domestic garden, an above-ground tank with a capacity of a few hundred litres should be adequate, whereas larger tanks are recommended for larger properties.
Above-Ground Tanks for Domestic Use
Although most domestic rainwater harvesting systems use underground tanks, sometimes above-ground tanks are required. Upright PE tanks are normally used in this situation, and although they can be placed anywhere that is level and with a solid base - near to a downpipe. This means that the number of tanks that can be used is limited, and therefore also the amount of water that is collected.
Indirect Gravity Systems
Indirect gravity systems work by pumping the harvested rainwater to a header tank. This tank then sends the water to the areas where it is required in the building using gravity. Once the harvested water runs out, it can then be replenished by mains water.
