Last Australian summer brought with it some of the worst fires the sate of Victoria had seen in recorded history. Many people lost their houses and more than 200 lot their lives. This coming summer promises to be another deadly one with authorities expecting even worse conditions.
Many people may be considering adding another rain water tank for fire fighting purposes or perhaps even replacing one damaged by fire last summer. Before you buy a rainwater tanks, consider the effects fire may have before making your purchase.
The simple facts are that plastics melts and concrete can crack under extreme heat. So to prevent fire damage to rainwater tanks try to have them installed underground or at least in a protected spot under the house. The longer your tanks last the longer they can hold water to help protect your home from fire.
For more info, check with your your local rainwater tank supplier.
A study initiated by the National Water Commission analysed the cost-effectiveness of installing a rain water tank from the perspective of the home owner in different regions of Australia. The study investigates how cost effective rain water tanks are as a substitute for mains water supply.
The report highlights that the yield and the cost of rain water tanks varies significantly based on individual household variables, including the size of the roof collection area, water tank size, number of occupants in the home and annual rainfalls. A water tank's yield is determined by both the volume and timing of run-off into the tank and the volume and timing of usage.
The water tank report is available as a PDF download from the Victorian Water Industry association website.
Generally you don't need a building permit for a water tank under 5000 Litres, however, you should call your local council and confirm this. For example, the Mornington Peninsula Shire in Victoria states that you require a building permit for anything over 4500 Litres.
You could also ask your local water tank supplier for details too.
To be eligible for a rainwater tank rebate in NSW your rainwater tank instillation must comply with the following:
- The water tank must be 2000 litre capacity or more and be purchased an installed beteween 1st July 2007 and 30th June 2009.
- If your house isn't connected to main water, your eligible for a rebate on the purchase of the tank only.
Rebates are as follows:
Rainwater tank capacity: 2000 - 3999 litres
Rebate: $150
Connection to toilet: $500
Connection to washing machine: $500
Maximum Total: $1150
Rainwater tank capacity: 4000 - 6999 litres
Rebate: $400
Connection to toilet: $500
Connection to washing machine: $500
Maximum Total: $1400
Rainwater tank capacity: 7000+ litres
Rebate: $500
Connection to toilet: $500
Connection to washing machine: $500
Maximum Total: $1500
For details see the NSW governments environmental website
The Victorian state government rebate scheme for rain water tanks, as of 30th June 2007, is summarised in the table below. This applies to those wanting to install a rainwater tank in Melbourne suburbs as well as regional centres.
Rainwater Tank size: 2000 - 4999 litre capacity
Requirements: connected to toilet and/or laundry
Rebate: $500
Rainwater Tank size: 5000+ litre capacity
Requirements: connected to toilet or laundry
Rebate: $900
Rainwater Tank size: 5000+ litre capacity
Requirements: connected to toilet and laundry
Rebate: $1000
A $150 rebate for tanks 600 litres or larger not connected for indoor also applies.
See Our Water Our Future website for more.
We're very excited to announce the lunch of our Australian rain-water tank directory. The GetGeen Water Tank directory is open for registrations from Australian businesses selling rainwater tanks. Basic memberships start from $295 per year (inc GST) and includes:
- Preferred Listing within one Australian region
- Map of your business location
- Detailed profile
- Listing of up to 5 products
- Business contact detail
Compare membership options here.
Why join the GetGreen Water Tanks Directory?
With so many green directories around, why would you join ours? Simple. Our directory is solely focused on water tank suppliers. Our Water Tank directory provides customers with details of your business and it's geographic location.
Our surveys show that customers are more likely to purchase a rainwater tank from a local supplier. This being the case, providing consumer with detailed information of your business and it's location is our prime objective.
Prime Positions are up for grabs
We're in the process of adding free listings to our database for regions throughout Australua. A free listing includes basic business details such as business name, address and phone. For a comprehensive listing, water tanks suppliers and distributes can purchase one of 3 different packages.
The following prime positions won't last long:
If you're a water tank distributer interested in achieving greater exposure for your business, contact us for further details.
Another product from Neco, this Nylex 2250L rainwater tank available for $820 means there's no reason not to have a rainwater tank in your back yard. This round tank has a diameter of 1400 mm and a height of 1800 mm, is made of polyethylene and includes a tap / gate valve, an inlet with strainer and an overflow.
This rainwater tank is available in NSW and also comes in a rang of colours.
Visit the Neco site for details.
As of today ARID (Australian Rainwater Industry Development group) has released their 2008 rainwater harvest guide available online and in selected newsagencies around Australia. The rainwater harvesting guide is designed to help make rainwater harvesting less mysterious to the consumer with practical advice and tips on rain water products. The guide also contains valuable information on government rebates and regulations for new homes. An overview of the contents of the guide includes the following:
- How to maximise the potential of a rainwater tank
- Urban Dams
- How much rainwater will you collect
- Water tanks and new homes
- Rainwater pumps
- Rebates and policy
- Water safety and quality
- Water Tank maintenance
Visit the ARID website to download your copy of the Rainwater Saver Guide.
These DIY Handytanks not only look cool, but they're cheap too. The Handytank is a 1000 litre rain-water storage tank made out of a marine grade PVC bladder and supported by a clip together tubular zinc plated steel frame. As you can imagine, these tanks are much easier to transport unassembled and a quick to erect.
For those of you in the market for a new rainwater tank, CHOICE have a comprehensive guide to buying a water tank on their website.� The guide covers the following topics:
- Benefits
- Before you Start
- Outdoor/Indoor/Drinking
- Tank Facts
- Costs and Extras
- Water saving tips
- Case Studies
View the CHOICE guide to buying a rainwater tank.
