In Australia’s bustling urban landscapes, water conservation has become more than a choice—it’s a necessity. Urban water tanks provide a sustainable solution for managing water resources, offering practical and space-efficient options for homeowners and urban planners alike. This guide dives into the key factors to consider when choosing an urban water tank, the regulations to be aware of, and the benefits these tanks bring to urban living. Whether you’re designing a sustainable garden, reducing your water bills, or complying with local regulations, this guide has you covered.
What Are Urban Water Tanks and Why Are They Essential?
Urban water tanks are purpose-built to fit into limited spaces while offering efficient water storage for households and gardens. With increasing urbanisation, Australian cities are facing growing challenges in water management. Urban water tanks address these challenges by:
- Supporting Sustainable Living: They help homeowners reduce reliance on mains water by harvesting rainwater for gardening, cleaning, and even household use.
- Enhancing Urban Planning: Incorporating water tanks into urban designs supports long-term water security and reduces strain on municipal water supplies.
In cities like Sydney and Melbourne, where water restrictions are common, urban water tanks are fast becoming a staple for eco-conscious homeowners and planners.
Factors to Consider When Choosing an Urban Water Tank
Tank Sizes
The size of your water tank determines its capacity to meet your water needs, making it a crucial factor in your decision. Consider the following:
- Small Tanks (1,000–5,000L): These tanks are an excellent choice for homeowners with limited outdoor space or those looking to support small-scale irrigation systems. They are ideal for watering gardens, washing cars, or topping up pools, especially in areas with consistent rainfall.
- Medium Tanks (5,000–10,000L): Perfect for households with moderate water usage, these tanks can store enough water for activities like laundry, toilet flushing, and small-scale outdoor use. They also serve as a reliable emergency backup in urban settings.
- Large Tanks (10,000L+): Larger tanks are better suited for homes with extensive gardens or significant water demands. They ensure a steady supply of water for households in areas with inconsistent rainfall or during prolonged dry spells.
Pro Tip: Use tools like the Bushmans’ Water Tank Sizing Calculator to determine the optimal tank size based on your household’s water usage, roof area, and local rainfall patterns.
Tank Materials
Choosing the right material is essential for durability, maintenance, and environmental impact:
- Poly Tanks: These tanks, made from durable polyethylene, are resistant to rust, lightweight, and cost-effective. Bushmans’ Sunsmart® technology enhances UV resistance, ensuring these tanks withstand Australia’s harsh climate for years without cracking or degrading.
- Steel Tanks: Renowned for their strength and large capacities, steel tanks are an excellent choice for long-term water storage. Galvanised options reduce the risk of corrosion, making them ideal for areas with variable weather conditions. Steel tanks are also suitable for industrial or bushfire-prone settings where durability is paramount.
- Concrete Tanks: While these tanks are robust and virtually maintenance-free, their heavy weight and installation requirements make them less practical for urban properties. They are better suited for rural or large-scale applications.
- Key Consideration: If sustainability is a priority, poly tanks offer an eco-friendly solution due to their recyclability and lower energy consumption during manufacturing.
Key Consideration: If sustainability is a priority, poly tanks offer an eco-friendly solution due to their recyclability and lower energy consumption during manufacturing.
Space-Saving Designs: Slimline Tanks
Slimline tanks are designed to maximise water storage in compact urban spaces:
- Compact Design: Their narrow profiles allow them to fit neatly along walls, under eaves, or inside yards. This makes them an excellent option for homes with limited outdoor space.
- Aesthetic Appeal: Available in various colours and finishes, slimline tanks can blend seamlessly into modern urban landscapes. They can even be customised to complement your home’s design.
- Practical Installation: These tanks require less groundwork compared to larger round tanks, and they can often be linked together to increase capacity. Their lightweight design makes transportation and placement easier.
Pro Tip: Bushmans’ slimline tanks combine functionality and design, ensuring efficient water storage without compromising on space or aesthetics.
Urban Water Tank Regulations
Urban homeowners face a range of regulations when installing water tanks, designed to ensure safety, compliance, and effective water management. Navigating these requirements is essential to avoid fines, installation delays, or having to make costly modifications later.
Permits
Many Australian councils require permits for water tanks above a certain size or those connected to main plumbing. These permits ensure the installation adheres to local guidelines regarding placement, overflow systems, and structural safety. For example:
- Tanks exceeding 10,000 litres may need council approval.
- Certain councils require proof that the tank does not interfere with underground utilities or impact neighbouring properties.
Tip: Contact your local council to verify whether your installation requires approval and to confirm any specific restrictions, such as setbacks from boundaries.
Overflow Management
Properly managing overflow is crucial to prevent issues such as:
- Neighbouring Property Damage: Overflow water can seep into adjacent properties if not properly redirected.
- Foundation Issues: Poor drainage near your home can compromise structural integrity. To comply with regulations, connect overflow pipes to stormwater systems or direct them to garden beds to minimise impact while making efficient use of excess water.
Safety Standards
Australian safety standards, including AS/NZS 4766, ensure water tanks meet quality benchmarks for structural stability, durability, and potable water safety. These standards include:
- Mosquito-Proof Screens: Prevents pests from contaminating stored water.
- Safe for Human Consumption: Can be used for liquid storage for human consumption (food and drink safe)
- Atmospheric Pressure: Can withstand liquid storage at atmospheric pressure.
The AS/NZS 4766 Standard specifies requirements for the design and manufacture of polyethylene storage tanks that are rotationally moulded in one-piece seamless construction. The tanks are for non-buried, vertical installation and capable of containing water, liquids used in food and beverage manufacture and chemical solutions at atmospheric pressure.
Additional Compliance Tips
If your home is in a bushfire-prone area, additional requirements may apply. For example:
- CFA or CFS Water Tank Standards: Specify minimum tank capacities and include fittings compatible with firefighting equipment.
- Tanks may need to be positioned in accessible locations for emergency services and equipped with fire-resistant components.
Key Advice: Engage a licensed plumber or installer familiar with local and national regulations to ensure your water tank system is compliant from the start.
Want to Learn More About Water Tank Regulations in Your State?
Bushmans has developed an easy-to-use Australian water tank requirements guide, providing state-specific details for New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, Queensland, and the Australian Capital Territory to assist with local government regulations.
How Urban Water Tanks Benefit Australian Homes
Urban water tanks are versatile and practical, offering key benefits for modern homes:
Garden Irrigation
Rainwater harvesting through tanks significantly reduces reliance on mains water, offering a sustainable and cost-effective solution for garden irrigation. By capturing and storing rainwater, you ensure a steady supply for your garden even during droughts or water restrictions. Additionally, using untreated rainwater supports healthier plants and soil, free from chemicals commonly found in mains water.
Emergency Water Supply
Tanks provide a reliable backup during municipal water outages or natural disasters. In bushfire-prone areas, firefighting-equipped tanks can play a critical role in protecting homes.
Household Water Management
By connecting tanks to indoor systems like toilets or washing machines, households can lower water bills and reduce environmental impact, making tanks a sustainable addition to urban living.
How to Choose the Right Urban Water Tank Provider
Select a provider that guarantees quality and reliability:
- Certified Products: Ensure tanks meet Australian standards for safety and durability.
- Warranty and Support: Look for a water tank provider offering long-term warranties and excellent customer service.
- Reputation: Check reviews and testimonials to gauge customer satisfaction.
Choosing a reputable supplier like Bushmans ensures a durable, compliant, and sustainable solution for your urban water storage needs.
