Editor's Note: This post was originally published on October 4, 2018 and has been revamped and updated for the purpose of accuracy and comprehensiveness.
Rainwater tanks are the simplest and most straightforward way to deal with the issue of water scarcity. The question is whether you’d benefit more by incorporating multiple water tanks on your property or if a single larger tank will do. This article will cover the factors that would influence your decision and the benefits of a multiple tank setup vs a single tank setup.
If tank space is an issue for you, then a large tank is clearly not your best option. However, two or three small water tanks might do the trick.
You could combine two different sizes together or even use different shapes to maximise space. If available space is too narrow, then slimline tanks, which have a narrower width and broader length, may be your next best alternative.
On the other hand, if you require only a small amount of water storage, then your best option would neither be multiple tanks nor one large tank when a single small tank would do.
If you want a water tank that’s easy to camouflage on your property, then slimline poly water tanks are your best bet. They’re available in different shapes, capacities and are easily installed into small spaces (e.g. under eaves). They’re perfect for narrow passages/spots on your property.
For those who prefer their tank completely out of sight, a wide variety of underground water tanks are available in the market.
Note: Drag the table sideways to view the full content.
|
Water Tank |
Capacity (Litres) |
|
|
Building approval on the size of water tanks installed above ground could limit your options. Check with your local government for any regulations you may be required to meet prior to purchase.
During bushfire, loss of electrical power is very likely. As such, you may be the only source of backup water for firefighters and volunteer firefighters to fight fire. That’s why the Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) recommends you to have an independent water supply worth 20,000 litres in anticipation of such event.
If you understand the wisdom of having your own water supply to combat bush fires, then large water storage tanks are definitely for you. One 22,500-litre water tank or one 25,000-litre tank would be appropriate.
Related article:
If You Have Fire on Your Property, Do You Have What You Need?
Here we explore the general advantages of both setups.
Having multiple water tanks increases the amount of rainwater you can harvest than if you only had one tank of the same size.
Should one of the tanks in a multiple tank setup fail, other tanks in the line-up will continue to store water, and thus, provide you with an ongoing water supply. In contrast, a single tank that gets damaged will be completely out of service.
A multiple tank setup gives you the option to store high-quality rainwater and lower-quality stormwater separately into different tanks, something you couldn’t do with a single tank alone.
If you have multiple structures in different areas around your property, you can utilise each one for rainwater catchment using multiple tanks across different locations and link them all together using a wet harvesting system.
Related article:
[Plumbing for Rainwater Harvesting]: Is A Wet Rainwater Harvesting System for You?
You never know when you might need to make changes around your property. With linked storage tanks, you can add or replace another tank in the line-up without sacrificing much of your water storage. Connecting multiple water tanks needs piping and installing several other components, but it’s a system that works well once set-up is done.
Related articles:
How to Link Water Tanks Together with Confidence
Every Must-Have Component for Rainwater Harvesting You Should Be Familiar With
When it comes to narrow, small or awkward spaces, multiple small tanks would be the best at maximising your rainwater collection. Arranging small rainwater tanks to suit the size and shape of your space is easier to do than squeezing one large tank into the same space.
A single water tank offers the simplest solution for any small-scale development that doesn't need intricate water storage system designs. No coupling or connections across different tanks is needed.
When your space is limited both vertically and horizontally, better one small tank that fits that tight spot than nothing.
Maintaining one single tank is easier and more straightforward than maintaining multiple tanks, which translates to lower maintenance costs.
If you’re all about the look of your property, then a single tank would look less noticeable than multiple rainwater tanks linked together in one spot.
As with any decision, everything depends on your priorities and the trade-offs you’re willing to make. Whichever you choose (multiple tanks over one large tank OR multiple tanks over a single tank), know that you are well on your way to a more productive property with the most versatile and high-quality water storage solutions.
Related topic:
Water Tanks Cost and Pricing Guide
Editor's Note: This post was originally published on October 4, 2018 and has been revamped and updated for the purpose of accuracy and comprehensiveness.