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Apart from the initial cost of purchasing building materials, there is a lot to consider before deciding on a concrete rainwater tank—how big a property is, how the stored rainwater will be used and what other fixtures are needed (according to the owner’s needs) are the most common of them.
The good and bad of concrete rainwater tanks
The main draw of a concrete tank is its durability and its holding capacity, which stores a minimum 3,800 litres and a maximum 11,500 litres (for underground tanks) of rainwater. As the rainwater is stored underground in concrete tanks, the water stays cold all year ’round and is protected from the elements due to the natural insulation the soil provides. The solid construction of concrete tanks means there are virtually no leaks and the stored water is safe from any contamination.
However, due to its rigidity, this means concrete could not contract or expand as easily in the freeze-thaw cycle of water compared to other tanks of different materials like stainless steel or plastic. This may cause structural damage to the concrete tank, which may result in leaking and additional costly repairs.
Furthermore, rainwater is naturally acidic; and when combined with minerals such as calcium and magnesium found in concrete, this produces slightly alkaline water, safe for human consumption. One drawback of the resultant hard water is that it may not be suitable for irrigation as the newly formed compounds in the water could form a film around plants which could affect how plants absorb light and water for their sustenance. To ensure the harvested rainwater is even safe for human consumption, further filtration and purification systems may be needed to work in conjunction with the conveyance system so the water is free from any physical or biological contaminants, which could mean further investment on the owner’s end.
For more info contact GRP panel water tank or call us at +971 4 252 2966
- Expenses. Whether aboveground or underground, concrete rainwater tanks are more costly to install compared to other tanks. The initial investment, however, pays for itself in the municipal water costs that are saved over time.
- Building materials. Concrete is a no-brainer, but steel frames may be needed if you’re not going for an underground tank. In some states, certain permits may be needed first to build a concrete tank, whether as an independent installation or built under your home.
- Purpose. What are you going to use the water for? For smaller homes that seek to achieve at least 40% additional water supply to supplement mains water, a plastic slimline rainwater tank is preferable. Homesteads or larger properties such as farms will benefit from a concrete rainwater tank is supplying water for irrigation or their livestock.
- Other fixtures. Building the tank underground is common for smaller properties. This means, however, you may need to purchase additional pumps and piping to connect your tank to your home.
The good and bad of concrete rainwater tanks
The main draw of a concrete tank is its durability and its holding capacity, which stores a minimum 3,800 litres and a maximum 11,500 litres (for underground tanks) of rainwater. As the rainwater is stored underground in concrete tanks, the water stays cold all year ’round and is protected from the elements due to the natural insulation the soil provides. The solid construction of concrete tanks means there are virtually no leaks and the stored water is safe from any contamination.
However, due to its rigidity, this means concrete could not contract or expand as easily in the freeze-thaw cycle of water compared to other tanks of different materials like stainless steel or plastic. This may cause structural damage to the concrete tank, which may result in leaking and additional costly repairs.
Furthermore, rainwater is naturally acidic; and when combined with minerals such as calcium and magnesium found in concrete, this produces slightly alkaline water, safe for human consumption. One drawback of the resultant hard water is that it may not be suitable for irrigation as the newly formed compounds in the water could form a film around plants which could affect how plants absorb light and water for their sustenance. To ensure the harvested rainwater is even safe for human consumption, further filtration and purification systems may be needed to work in conjunction with the conveyance system so the water is free from any physical or biological contaminants, which could mean further investment on the owner’s end.
For more info contact GRP panel water tank or call us at +971 4 252 2966
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