Rain Harvesting: Tank Care and Maintenance

Rain Harvesting: Tank Care and Maintenance

You can successfully manage your water needs and ensure the best quality of water is available to you by applying the following eight Rain Harvesting steps:

  1. Limit sources of contamination
  2. Plan for volume
  3. Filter leaves and debris
  4. Divert the first flush
  5. Secure the system
  6. Manage standing water
  7. Consider a safety net
  8. Monitor and maintain

Apply the eight Rain Harvesting steps

  1. Limit sources of contamination
  • Check your roof surface for vegetation and materials and trim overhanging vegetation
  • Install some form of gutter mesh to prevent blockages
  • Ensure your roof is kept clean and mould free. Be careful of any chemicals used and ensure that they do not enter the tank.

 

  1. Plan for volume
  • Consider your annual rainfall, seasonality, roof surface area and how these apply to your rainwater needs
  • Use a Maelstrom filter to minimise water loss and restrict particles from entering the tank
  • Use a high-level tank overflow to boost storage volume
  • A tank level monitor, e.g. TankMate, is useful
  • Consider a back-up tank.
    Maelstrom Filter

 

  1. Filter leaves and debris
  • Use Leaf Eater rain heads, leaf diversion systems and/or a Maelstrom filter to keep leaves, debris and mosquitoes out of your system.
    Maelstrom Filter

 

  1. Divert the first flush
  • Install first flush diverters to keep the most contaminated rainwater out of your rainwater tank.

 

  1. Secure the system
  • Use a tank screen and insect proof screens to keep out leaves, mosquitoes and animals
  • Install an air gap to prevent stormwater backflow.
  • Use mosquito barrier screens on all pipes and openings
  • Protect the tank from sunlight to prevent algae growth.
    Maelstrom Filter

 

  1. Manage standing water
  • Use a wet-dry valve or first flush in-ground diverter to drain your pipes in between rainfall events
  • Install a Maelstrom or solar shield to block sunlight and prevent algae growth.
    Tank Managment 

  1. Consider a safety net
  • Use a rainwater filter system after your pump to reduce sediment, colour and odour
  • A 20-micron pleated filter and a 1-micron polyspun filter are the first choice
  • A third filter containing a carbon filter is required if there are any odours or a smell of chorline.
  • A UV filter will ensure that any harmful bacteria that pass the filters will be rendered harmless.
    Tank Filtration

 

  1. Monitor and maintain
  • Install a tank level monitor or tank gauge to monitor your water level and usage
  • WiFi gauges are useful to monitor tank usage and water availability from a remote location
  • Regular tank cleans are still the best way to check and ensure your system is clean and the preventative measures are working
  • Emptying the tank will ensure the best cleaning operation
  • Remember that you will require a refill for your tank, so order the water to arrive when the clean is complete
  • A back-up water tank with a pump will ensure water is available when you need it.
    Tank Monitors 

 

 

We offer on-site repairs and installations.

 

For further information and assistance, please call or pop in and discuss with one of our knowledgeable team.