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Polythene. The most popular of rainwater tanks. These tanks are light and easy to move around and are UV resistant. Polythene tanks come in all shapes and sizes and are the least expensive of all rainwater tanks.  A manufacturer has even made a rainwater tank that doubles as a fence.

Fibreglass. Whilst more costly than the above, these tanks are more resistant to rust and chemicals. A Fibreglass rainwater tank can also withstand high variances in temperature.  These tanks can also be placed underground.

Steel. Some people see the steel tank as an old style tank for life.  Manufactured in Corrugated Iron, they are usually round, or flat with round ends.  Their cost is a little prohibitive, and you need a few strong arms to place the tank. Very popular if prone to any knocks.

Aqua Plate Steel. An extension of the above, this is a coated steel tank, sometimes called Marvi Plate.  Although still a corrugated tank, some people prefer this type of tank when exposed to view.  These rainwater tanks are more expensive than the plain steel tank.

Concrete. A concrete rainwater tank can be placed above or below ground.  A concrete can have massive capacity and keep water very cool.  Although newer designed tanks are stronger, these tanks require a solid base to avoid cracking.  Concrete tanks should always be covered for safety reasons, and the stop algea forming from direct sunlight.

Above or below ground. Rainwater tanks can be placed above or below ground.  If you are planning a tank installation in an existing property, your best option cost wise, is to stay with the above ground tank.  Below ground tanks are a big space saver, but a lot of forward planning is required if you prefer this version.  The underground tank is usually placed before any building work commences to allow access for excavators.  Please be very cautious of any existing underground piping or wiring.

An article by Mr John Bird, a supporter of the Coalition for Sustainable Water Use.

One percent of water is used on our gardens, while 10% is wasted because of broken and leaking water mains.

Lawns cut and maintained at 50mm or more, provide three times more oxygen than trees and absorb three times the CO2 than Australian trees.

Green grass is an outdoor “climate control” able to lower ground temperature by up to 20 degrees.

Lawns of 240 square metres provide enough oxygen for a family of four a day (at ground level)

Grass acts as a dust and erosion filter for cleaner air and prevention of water run off.

Green grasses are a fire retardent, but dry burning grass adds tonnes of CO2 to the air.

As there are thousands employed in the  horticulture industry, is it time for those who profess to be green to realise where the solution to global warming is.

We all want to do our part for the environment, and saving water is one of the first steps we can take to conserve this precious commodity.

A point to remember,

For “every millimetre of rain” that falls on “every square metre” of your roof “every hour” you collect “one litre of water”

If you have the storage capacity, and the piping is done correctly, you can collect thousands of litres of water, and the best thing, its all for FREE