
Rainwater Tanks
In
Australia, fresh water is a valuable and limited resource.
Rainwater can provide a renewable supply of natural, soft, clear
and odourless water we can use for a range of purposes including
drinking, washing, bathing, laundry and gardening. In some
places it may be the main source of houshold water and others it
can supplement mains water supplies.
Water quality
The
microbiological quality of rainwater collected in domestic tanks
may be lower than that of many mains water supplies. However, if
systems are well maintained, the risk of harmful organisms being
present is low.
Rainwater in
tanks generally contains few chemicals. However, there may be
risk of rainwater pollution by airborne contaminates in major
urban centres and industrial areas.
Protecting water
quality
Making sure water
quality is good depends on correct design and installation,
followed by sensible maintenance of your rainwater tank and
catchment area. Collecting rainwater involves low maintenance,
not no maintenance.
Maintenance
Keep roof
catchments clean and clear of leaves and debris. Remove
overhanging branches. Regularly inspect gutters and clean if
necessary. Consider using gutter guards.
You should clean
insect-proof screens regularly. Do not allow tanks and gutters
to become breeding sites for mosquitoes. You can add a teaspoon
of medicinal paraffin or domestic kerosene to stop mosquitoes
breeding.
NB: Kerosene
is not suitable for use with some tank materials, for example,
Aquaplate®.
Check tanks for
sludge accumulation at least every 12 months. If sludge is
covering the bottom of the tank, seek professional tank cleaners
such as Pristine Water Systems.