Australia is the driest inhabited continent and paradoxically is one of the world’s highest consumers of water. Consequently we face the challenge of securing our water supplies and adjusting our lifestyles to accommodate drought, decreasing water supply and the effects of climate change.
In the near future, Australians may face extreme water restrictions and expensive water bills. Both of these issues will impact on the way we live.
Australia is characterised by extreme climatic variability and has the lowest average rainfall of any inhabited continent” Bureau of Meteorology 2006
One way to reduce this impact on our lives is to install a rain water tank.
Whilst installing a rain water tank has an initial cost, it is an investment that pays off over time with no ongoing cost to collect water. Generous Government rebates mean that the initial cost is reduced even further.
Household water bills are spiralling upwards as states struggle to expand desalination and recycling. Further rises are predicted. Of the 59 main water utilities in urban Australia, 53 increased residential water bills in the 2008-09 financial year according to the National Water Commission’s performance audit.” SMH April 2010
Benefits of water tanks
Here are just some of the benefits of installing a water tank:
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Save money by reducing your water bill
Water is not getting any cheaper. Along with ageing infrastructure and uncertain rainfall it may be prudent to invest in onsite storage as a means of combating future water price increases. -
The freedom to use water as you wish
Be free to use your water as needed during water restrictions in times of drought. -
Access to pure water that is not treated
Controversy and contradiction follows the arguments both for and against the fluoridation and the chlorination of mains water supply. -
Be less reliant on the mains water supply in case of infrastructure failure
What would you do as a result of your local water supply authority suffered a catastrophic failure? Would you be able to establish a reliable water supply for 2 weeks? -
Add value to your home
Rainwater tanks are an asset and can easily add to your homes appeal and value. -
Reap the benefits of clean pure water
Rainwater is generally much lower in salinity¹ than mains water, this reduces the corrosion of in-house appliances and may extend their life (including hot water services, kettles and irons) and is also good for low salinity plants in the garden. -
Reduce your footprint on environment
By installing a water tank you are helping to reducing environmental damage and cost associated with storm water run off. -
Take advantage of predicted rainfall
Installing a tank now means you’ll be prepared to start harvesting rainwater forecast to fall over the coming months.