Summer days are well and truly on the way for Lowvelders, and if you are looking for a new way to be water savvy, having a rainwater tank installed is a great way to go.
The best time to install your water tank is right now, well before the heavy rains arrive, and if you are already in the process of looking for a new tank, or to add a tank to your yard, in this blog you will find helpful information.
Rainwater harvesting is the process of collecting rain water in a tank for use in the home or in the garden. There are many great reasons why rainwater harvesting is such a popular thing to do. As many South Africans look for a way to be more sustainable, rainwater harvesting is one route that most people can afford to take. The variety of tanks available and the many places in which they can be placed, makes harvesting water a great decision.
Why should you invest in a rain water tank?
- You will be less reliant on the usual water sources
Municipal water has its benefits, but these days it can be a little unreliable. With the water supply often being subject to breaks and disturbances, while there is also always the possibility of droughts and other weather related interruptions, having a backup water supply is always a helpful option.
- You will save money
While rain water can often be used in your home, the more common use for rain water is in the garden. When you are watering your garden using municipal water, you can end up with a really big water bill. To avoid this, you can use rain water to keep your garden green.
- You can benefit the environment
By collecting rainwater you can actually benefit the environment. Storing water, especially if you can pull it from the roof, will help to reduce erosion related to run off. Rainwater can also be a lot better for the garden.
Maintaining your rainwater tank
If you want to get the most out of your tank, and if you want to be sure that you will get many years of good use from your tank, you need to learn a few maintenance basics. Prevention is better than cure, and it is so important to make sure that you know exactly how to keep the tank in a really good condition.
To start with, you need to make sure that the tank is actually used regularly. If you are just storing and never using the water, you will end up with algae and all sorts of other dirt and grime in your tank that could be hazardous. By consistently removing the water, and allowing it to refill, nothing will be able to settle for too long.
You should also commit yourself to giving your tank a good clean. When collecting water from the roof and gutters, you run the risk of having leaves and all sorts of other things run into the tank. Allowing this to build up could damage the tank so it is best to avoid this.
