A rainwater tank lets you capture and store water from your roof for household and garden use. On the Gold Coast, where summer storms deliver heavy rain and dry spells can stretch for weeks, a tank can reduce your mains water use and provide a buffer for irrigation during dry periods. Here's what to consider before installing one.
1. Reducing mains water use
A rainwater tank reduces the amount of mains water your household draws from the town supply. Even a modest tank connected to part of the roof can supply a significant volume of water over a year, reducing your water bill and easing demand on the mains supply during dry periods.
2. Garden irrigation
The most common use for rainwater on the Gold Coast is garden irrigation. Rainwater is free of the chlorine and fluoride added to mains supply, which many gardeners prefer. A tank connected to a drip irrigation system can keep gardens thriving through dry spells without drawing on mains water.
3. Toilet flushing and laundry
With the right plumbing setup, rainwater can be plumbed back into the house for toilet flushing and cold-water laundry use. These are the largest non-drinking uses of water in most homes, so connecting them to a tank can reduce mains use substantially. This requires a pump, appropriate filtration, and backflow prevention to protect the mains supply.
4. Emergency water supply
A full tank provides a buffer of stored water that can be useful during supply interruptions or restrictions. While not a substitute for mains supply, having a reserve for toilets and garden use can be valuable during drought conditions.
Plumbing considerations
- Roof catchment area — the size of the roof connected to the tank determines how much water you can collect. Even a small roof area captures significant water in a Gold Coast downpour.
- Tank size and location — tanks range from slimline models that fit against a wall to large round tanks. Choose a size that suits your usage and available space.
- First-flush diverters — a first-flush diverter channels the initial runoff (which carries the most debris) away from the tank, improving water quality.
- Backflow prevention — if the tank is connected to the house plumbing, backflow prevention is required to protect the mains supply. This work must be done by a licensed plumber.
- Pump — if you're using the water for toilets, laundry or irrigation beyond gravity reach, a pump is needed.
Maintenance
Rainwater tanks need periodic maintenance to keep the water clean and the system working properly:
- Clear gutters and leaf screens regularly to prevent debris entering the tank.
- Check and clean first-flush diverters.
- Inspect the tank for sediment buildup every few years and have it cleaned if needed.
- Check the pump and backflow prevention device periodically.
Is a rainwater tank worth it?
The value of a tank depends on your water usage, roof catchment, and how you use the water. A tank used for garden irrigation can pay for itself over time in reduced water bills, and the benefit of having water for the garden during dry spells is significant for keen gardeners. For whole-house connection, the plumbing costs are higher but the mains water savings are greater.
If you're considering a rainwater tank on the Gold Coast, contact our team to discuss the plumbing requirements, including pump installation and backflow prevention.
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