Rain Water Tanks - FAQ's

Rainwater Tank Rebates - Installation - Water Saving Tips - Water Tank Uses

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• REBATES - Where can I find out about current rebates?
• Where can I find out about water saving solutions?
• Can I install a water tank myself?
• How much does delivery cost?
• Where is Superior Tanks located?
• General Water Tanks Uses - Drinking, Maintenance, More ...

REBATES - Where can I find out about current water tank rebates?

Visit the Victorian Government website at www.ourwater.vic.gov.au to obtain a water tanks rebate form.

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Where can I find out about water saving solutions?

Get general information for Australia at www.act.gov.au or go to www.weatherzone.com.au to get current news and weather reports.

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Can I install a water tank myself?

You are free to install any water tank yourself however the permits, forms, etc. must be signed off by a qualified plumbing inspector. If you go to our installation pages you may be able to find some cost savings by doing some of the foundation preparation.

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How much does delivery cost?

Many of the smaller tanks can be picked up by yourself using a ute or small trailer. The larger tanks delivery fee depends on the haulage distance and the ease of placement of the tank on the foundations. Please call us with more specific information so that we can give you a definite quote. For Large Tanks please refer to our delivery page.

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Where is Superior Tanks Located?

We are located in Sunshine West, Melbourne. You can view a map on our Contact page.

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General Water Tanks Uses - Drinking, Maintenance, More ...

IS RAINWATER SAFE TO DRINK ?

Generally yes. Providing the rainwater is clear, has little taste or smell and is from a well-maintained system it is probably safe and unlikely to cause any illness for most users. For those who are immune compromised such as the very young or very old, cancer patients, people with diabetes, organ transplants, or those who are HIV positive disinfecting the water before consumption should be considered. This can be achieved by heating and holding at a rolling boil for 1 minute or more.

WATER QUALITY:

Rainwater collected in tanks generally contains few chemicals. However, there may be increased pollution by airborne contaminants from very heavy traffic or in industrial areas. Collection of rainwater for human consumption (drinking and cooking) in areas affected by very heavy traffic, industry, incinerators and smelters is not recommended.The microbiological quality of rainwater collected in domestic tanks may not be as good as mains water but providing systems are well maintained the risk of harmful organisms being present is low.

FLUORIDE:

Rainwater does not contain fluoride. Where rainwater is the major source of water for drinking and cooking, advice about alternative sources of fluoride should be sought from your local dentist, school or community dental service or from the Australian Dental Association.

HOW CAN WATER QUALITY BE PROTECTED ?

The provision of good quality water depends on correct design and installation followed by sensible maintenance of the rainwater tank and catchment area. The collection of rainwater involves “low maintenance not no maintenance”.

THE TANK:

Tanks are available in a wide range of materials including galvanised, or zinc-alume steel; concrete; fibreglass; or plastic. All of these materials can be suitable providing the tanks have been manufactured specifically for the collection of rainwater. Some types of new tanks may have to be washed or flushed before use. The manufacturer should be able to provide advice on whether this may be necessary. When installed the tank should be covered and every access point except the inlet and overflow should be sealed unless in use. The inlet should incorporate a mesh cover and a strainer to keep out materials such as leaves and to prevent the access of mosquitoes and other insects. The overflow should also be covered with an insect-proof screen.

THE CATCHMENT:

In general, house and shed roofs are used as catchment areas. Rainwater can be collected from most types of roof, including asbestos roofs, providing they have not been painted with lead-based paints or coated with bitumen- based material. Some types of new tiles and freshly applied acrylic paints may affect the colour or taste of rainwater and the first few run offs may need to be discarded. As a precaution, chemically treated timbers and lead flashing should be not be used in roof catchments. Also, if possible, rainwater should not be collected from parts of roofs incorporating flues from wood burners. Overflows or discharge pipes from roof mounted appliances such as evaporative air conditioners or hot water systems should not be allowed to discharge onto the roof catchment area or the associated gutters.

FIRST FLUSH DEVICES:

First flush devices prevent the first portion of roof run-off from being collected and will reduce the amounts of dust, bird droppings and leaves, etc. that can accumulate on roofs from being washed into tanks. The use of these devices is recommended.Alternatively the tank inlet could be disconnected so that the first run-off of rain after a dry spell is not collected.

MAINTENANCE:

Roof catchments should be kept clean and clear of leaves and debris. Overhanging branches should be removed. Gutters should be regularly inspected and cleaned if necessary. The use of screens/guards should be considered. All screens should be cleaned regularly. Tanks should not be allowed to become breeding sites for mosquitoes. If mosquitoes are detected in a tank the entry point should be located and closed. For most types of tanks mosquito breeding can be stopped by adding a teaspoon (5 mL) of domestic kerosene. However, kerosene should not be used in some electroplated or some plastic tanks. Prevention of mosquito access is the best control option in all cases.Tanks should be examined for accumulation of sludge at least every 2-3 years. If sludge covering the bottom of the tank is evident it should be removed by siphon or by complete emptying of the tank. Professional tank cleaners are available in some areas. Excessive sludge is a sign of inadequate maintenance of the catchment area (roof and gutters).

DISINFECTION:

Regular disinfection should not be necessary. If it is suspected that water in the tank is contaminated it can be disinfected using 40 mL of liquid sodium hypo-chlorite (12.5% available chlorine) or 7 grams of granular calcium hypochlorite per 1000 litres of water. A chlorine taste and odour may persist for a few days but this does not make the water unsafe for drinking. Stabilised chlorine should not be used.

SIZE OF TANKS:

The size of tank required to provide the primary or total supply of household water will depend on a number of factors including the amount and pattern of rainfall, roof area, and water usage. Where a tank is to provide an alternative or secondary supply (eg. to mains water), the size of tank is not such a critical issue and often will depend on considering user requirements (drinking or drinking and cooking, etc) balanced against cost.

REGULATIONS:

Before purchasing or installing a rainwater tank check whether there are any local health, building or planning regulations that apply to tanks in your area. In some areas there may be minimum storage and pump requirements for fire fighting.

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