Secure your water supply for less

Save on saving water
So you’ve decided to take a step to being water self-sufficient. Great. Here are some tips to make sure you get the most out of your installation.

Choosing a water tank
Before you settle on a water tank, you need to consider three things:

1. How much space have you got for a water tank?
2. How much water do you need to store? Do you need enough to run your household or just enough to water your garden and top up your pool?
3. How much water are you going to be able to collect? The larger the roof, the more water will flow into the tank.

It is best to buy the biggest water tank that budget, space and practicality allow. Remember, your tank will need to be installed on a smooth and level surface. Level paving is good enough, but you may have to build a concrete plinth that is at least 85mm thick or install a properly designed tank stand.

Maintenance saves you money
The right rainwater harvesting systems are low maintenance, however there are a few things you can do to make sure that you protect the quality of your water and extend the life of your system.

Rooftops
With the exception of thatched roofs, all rooftops are suitable for water harvesting. To protect the quality of your water, it is important to clean your roof in the dry season before the rains start. This prevents dust, leaves, animal excrement and dead insects finding their way into your water supply. During the rainy season, check your roof for debris once a month.

Overhanging branches
Regularly cut back any overhanging branches.



Gutters
Keep gutters free from leaves. Installing gutter mesh will make this easier.

Pre-filtration devices
These devices need to be checked regularly to ensure that they are free from leaves and that rainwater can pass through them.

First flush diverter
If a first flush diverter is installed, check and clean it out on a monthly basis. Ensure that the diverter is dripping out sufficiently in order to reset the system.

Keeping your tank clean
Inspect the inside of your tank every three months to make sure that leaf litter has not built up at the bottom of the tank. A properly designed system should not allow leaves and other material to enter the tank.


Remember that water collected from your roof will not be clean. If you intend to use the rainwater for drinking purposes, consult an installer with experience in installing water filtration systems. For irrigation purposes, however, this water is ideal.