Why use a rain water Tank and how to install is a post from: Rain Water Tanks

The tank or combination of tanks must be:

1) a minimum capacity of 2000 litres
2) purchased in full and installed between 1 July 2007 and 30 June 2011.

Households not connected to the town water supply are eligible for a rebate for the purchase of the tank only. Rainwater tanks installed to comply with BASIX (the Building Sustainability Index)external link for new homes, major renovations or a pool installation are not eligible for a rebate
If you combine Rain water hogs together it is the combined size that counts.

Visit www.environment.gov.au/rebates for more information.

Combine Rainwater Hogs for Rainwater Tank rebate is a post from: Rain Water Tanks

SA had the highest proportion of dwellings with a rainwater tank (49% total). The Australian Capital Territory and the Northern Territory had the lowest proportion of dwellings with a rainwater tank: 8% and 6% respectively.

In 2007, rainwater tanks were much more prevalent outside capital cities (35%) than within capital cities (12%). In capital cities, the most commonly reported reason for installing a tank was to save water. In the rest of the state, the most common reason was that the dwelling was not connected to mains water. Overall, 42% of households with a rainwater tank reported saving water as a reason for installing a tank, and 27% reported that their household was not connected to mains water.

More than 60% of households without a rainwater tank (but which had a dwelling suitable for a tank and which were home owners or purchasers) had considered installing one. Cost was the most common reason reported for not installing a rainwater tank (48%

Why Rainwater tanks were installed

Key Findings of the study related to the use of water tanks

Use of rainwater tanks

• The proportion of households that reported a rainwater tank as a source of water increased to 19% in March 2007 from 17% in March 2004 and from 15% in June 1994.
• The most common reason reported by Australian households as to why they had installed a water tank was to save water (42%) followed by that they were not connected to mains or town water (27%).
• Nearly a third (30%) of households who owned their dwelling had a water tank installed, compared with only 13% of rented dwellings. A quarter of family households had a water tank installed compared with only 13% of group households.
• Of the 3.9 million Australian households that did not have a rainwater tank installed (and whose dwelling was suitable for a water tank and who are home owners or purchasers), 61% had considered installing one. Queensland and the Australian Capital Territory had the highest proportions (69% and 66% respectively).
• Of the 2.4 million households who had considered installing a water tank, the most common reason reported that prevented installing a water tank was cost (48%). No time or haven’t got around to it was the next most common reason reported (28%).
• 76,000 households had ordered a rainwater tank but were awaiting delivery and installation, 35,300 were from Queensland.

Bureau of statistics Rainwater Tank stats is a post from: Rain Water Tanks

The Green Loans Program provides:

1. detailed, quality Home Sustainability Assessments; and
2. access to Green Loans of up to $10,000, that are interest free for up to a maximum of four years, to make the changes recommended in the assessment.

The key outcomes of the Program are the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and water consumption in existing
Homes through:
• the engagement of Households in reducing the environmental impact of operating their Home

• a research industry analysing the environmental impact of Homes and Household

• a recognized industry of expert Assessors providing tailored information and guidance on energy and water saving actions

Green Loans officially started on 1 July 2009. It is an Australian Government initiative to help Australians tackle climate change. Part of this initiative includes assisting  Australian families to install solar, water saving, and energy efficient products.

The Green Loans Program provides:

1. detailed, quality Home Sustainability Assessments; and
2. access to Green Loans of up to $10,000, that are interest free for up to a maximum of four years, to make the changes recommended in the assessment.

The aim is to provide financial assistance to Households to gain access to the resources they need to invest in energy and water efficient technologies

The key outcomes of the Program are the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and water consumption in existing
Homes through:
• the engagement of Households in reducing the environmental impact of operating their Home
• a recognised industry of expert Assessors providing tailored information and guidance on energy and
water saving actions
• a research industry analysing the environmental impact of Homes and Households.

http://www.environment.gov.au/greenloans/guidelines/pubs/greenloans-guidelines.pdf

Green Loans subsidy helps tackle climate change is a post from: Rain Water Tanks

(Amount of rainfall in mm) x ( Area of the roof in square metres) = litres of rainfall

So for Example:

Area of roof = Length x Width

• = 20 m x 15 m
• = 300 m 2 (square metres)

Amount of rain = 1 mm

Litres of rainfall = area of roof x amount of rainfall

• = 300 m2 x 1mm
• = 300 litres

Rainwater harvesting yield is a post from: Rain Water Tanks

Rain Water Hogs is a post from: Rain Water Tanks

(United Nations 2002)
Australia has a hot, dry climate and fresh water is a limited and valuable commodity. Over 90 per cent of Australians receive their domestic supply from reticulated mains or town water but there are vast areas with very low population densities with few reticulated supplies (Australian Bureau of Statistics 2001).

Living and surviving in these areas depends on the use of local sources of water such as rainwater collected in tanks and groundwater. Even in areas that receive mains water, many households collect rainwater in domestic tanks to augment supplies or provide an alternative and renewable source of water. Widespread water restrictions in 2002–03 involving several capital cities, large urban areas and hundreds of rural centres highlighted the importance of water conservation measures, including use of rain water tanks.  A number of agencies have offered cash rebates to support installation of rainwater tanks.
Collection of rainfall from roof run-off is an ancient practice that dates back over 3000 years. In Australia the use of domestic rainwater tanks is an established and relatively common practice, particularly in rural and remote areas.

Between 1994 and 2001, 16 per cent of Australian households used rainwater tanks, with 13 per cent of households using tanks as their main source of drinking water . Use of tanks as the main source of water for gardens (3%) or bathing, showering and washing (6%) is less common

Not surprisingly, the driest state, South Australia, had the highest rate of usage, with 51 per cent of households (ABS 1994–2001) having a rainwater tank and 36 per cent using them as the main source of drinking water. The Northern Territory (2%) and the ACT (0.2%) recorded relatively low rates of use (see Table 1). Use of rain water tanks is more common outside capital cities. In the 1994 ABS survey, 34 per cent of households outside the capital cities had a rainwater tank, compared to 7 per cent of city households. In a 1996 South Australian survey, 28 per cent of Adelaide households used rainwater tanks as the primary source of drinking water compared to 82 per cent of households in the rest of the State (Heyworth et al. 1998).
Although there has been some debate about the volumes of water that can be provided from rainwater tanks, tanks can be a significant source of drinking water even in arid regions. The 2001 ABS survey found that 83 per cent of households with rainwater tanks considered the volume of water supplied was sufficient for their needs. The main reason given for not installing a rainwater tank was, cost (38%), followed by lack of time (26%), and lack of room (15%). Only 5 per cent of those who had considered installing a tank had decided not to because of health concerns.
As well as using tanks as a conservation measure, some choose to install them as a means of independently collecting a relatively pure product (at least before collection) and using it without treatment, and in particular, without the addition of chemicals.

Rainwater tanks to supply drinking water- a long-standing practice is a post from: Rain Water Tanks

The Grundfos Pump Genie is an interconnect device that allows you
to save drinking water by using your harvested rainwater
for , laundry, toilet and garden applications.
The Grunfos Pump genie is always prioritizing the use of rainwater, and  will
automatically switch over to a mains water source when your
rainwater tank is running low, or during electrical failure.
The pump  is only active when the rainwater is being drawn
from the tank. It does not operate when the Pump Genie has
switched to mains water. The pump controller automatically starts
and stops the pump when a demand is sensed – for example,
flushing a toilet or filling a washing machine.

The CH and CHN pumps are designed for small domestic
and industrial systems.
Applications include
• Liquid transfer and circulation of liquids within light
industry and farming
• Pressure boosting in single-pump and multi-pump
booster systems
• Domestic water supply
• Cooling systems
• Air-conditioning systems.

Water pumps that prioritise harvested rainwater for home – Pump Genie is a post from: Rain Water Tanks

“When selecting a rainwater tank it is important to consider the average annual rainfall in your area, the water collection area( roof) and what size tank is most relevant to your household needs. ( See our article on comparing tank types ) In addition, you should consider the  plumbing , planning and public health requirements of your local area.

Rainwater Yield and Capacity

The yield of your rainwater tank is the amount of water you will be able to harvest from your tank. The yield of your tank will be influenced by the volume and timing of rainfall in your area, the volume of your tank and choices you make in using your rainwater.

Key factors influencing rainwater tank yield will vary according to the specific circumstances of your property, and may include:

• Collection area (roof size): To calculate your runoff, 1 millimetre of rain on 1m² will deliver 1 litre of water into your tank. As a rough guide:
  • An average single carport is approximately 25m²
  • The roof of an average 3 bedroom house is approximately 150m²
  • The roof of an average 4 bedroom house is approximately 200m²
  • The roof of an average 5 bedroom house is approximately 300m².
• Rainwater tank size: The size of your residence and your household needs should determine the size of the rainwater tank you choose. There are a range of products available in different shapes, sizes and materials. Generally, rainwater tanks can be classed as:
  • Small – less than 2,000L
  • Medium – between 2,000L and 10,000L
  • Large – greater than 10,000L.
• The number of occupants in the house: It makes sense to assume that the larger your household, the faster you will use your rainwater supply.
• Your internal and external water use practices: By connecting your tank for internal use in the toilet and laundry you will increase your rainwater tank’s yield.
• Local climatic conditions: The rate and timing of rainfall varies significantly across Australia, as shown in the map below. The climate where you live will have an important impact on the yield of your rainwater tank. You should consider the characteristics of your seasonal rainfall zone when deciding to purchase a rainwater tank.
  • heavy tropical rains of Queensland and the Northern Territory;
  • relatively consistent year-round rainfall in Victoria, Tasmania and much of New South Wales;
  • mediterranean climates of south west Western Australia and southern South Australia, characterised by significant rainfall during winter and relatively dry summers; and
  • arid climates of north western and inland central Australia, characterized by low rainfall all year round.

BOM rainfall map

Examples

The following scenarios are provided to illustrate how you might use this information to decide on your rainwater tank purchase.

• A couple living in Darwin in a 150m² home intend to use their rainwater tank water for flushing a water efficiency labelling and standards (WELS) rated dual-flush toilet and washing their car and a boat once a fortnight. Because they live in a highly seasonal rainfall region, they can expect to go long periods without having their rainwater tank replenished and should consider a large tank.
• A single retiree lives in a 100m² unit in Brisbane. She wants to install a rainwater tank so she can water her small rose garden and lawn, and for use in her WELS-rated washing machine. She waters her garden every second day. Because she lives in a region with a wet summer and low winter rainfall, and only has a small space in her garden for a tank, she should consider a medium sized tank.
• A family of five live in Melbourne in a 300m² home. They would like to use rainwater for their WELS 3-star rated 6/3 dual flush toilets and WELS 4-star rated washing machine. They live in a seasonal, winter dominant rainfall climate with a large roof space and should consider a large tank greater than 10,000L.
• A couple living in a 100m² home in Alice Springs want to water their small vegetable garden. Because they live in an arid climate with a small roof and limited rainfall, a greywater treatment system may be a more appropriate option for their needs.

Rainwater tanks can be made of steel, fiberglass, polyethylene, concrete, PVC/geotextile or other materials. They generally require a base or stand, leaf strainer, first-flush diverter, tap, pump and downpipe connection. In order to be eligible for the National Rainwater and Greywater Initiative rebate, they must meet Australian standards and be connected by a licenced plumber for indoor use of the rainwater.

Choosing the right size rainwater tank is a post from: Rain Water Tanks

Some photos of rain water hog tanks  in action :

David Gottfried Chief executive officer of regenerative ventures and founder of U.S green Building council and World Green Building council recently refit his remolded Oakland home with Rain water Hogs helping to achieve Platinum certification .

9 slimline water tanks can be found helping to reduce the water use by over 50% . Six collectors gather rainwater from the homes roof and are connected to provide enough water to run one of the dual flush toilets for up to 9-12 months. Other water tanks are used for watering the potted plants and two are collecting greywater from the tub sinks and showers to  to mainly water native plants in the garden

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Rain water tanks help achieve platinum leeds certification is a post from: Rain Water Tanks