An on-site detention tank holds onto stormwater runoff before slowly releasing it into the soil over time as it reaches capacity. In contrast, a rainwater tank (as the name suggests) stores rain after it falls. This allows you to use the water to flush your toilet or water plants. Both can be vital for managing your water usage, but not every home has the space to fit two tanks; this is why many people choose to combine them. However, there are plenty of benefits beyond this, many of which will help the environment in and around your home.
1. Reusable water
The combined tank still fulfils the function of a rainwater tank, allowing you to store rainwater to use in many different ways. The New South Wales government does not recommend drinking the water from this tank and instead advocates the public supply, but you can still use it to clean your car, water your plants, flush toilets or wash clothes.
While it is good to err on the side of caution when it comes to drinking the tank’s supply, it will serve your other needs well by providing an additional source of water – one which does not add a lot to your bills. Rainwater is better for plants than tap water – the latter contains more acid that (while not harmful) is not as conducive to plant growth as rainwater.
2. Flood protection
On-site detention tanks can contain and dissipate storm runoff. This avoids any stormwater surges, which many Australian properties simply don’t have defences against – and in the process stops groundwater flooding. This keeps your garden in good condition while also protecting the environment around it.
The slow release of water is much more manageable, turning a potential flood into an innovative way to water your plants and soil. The increase of urbanisation in recent decades has put a lot more pressure on pre-existing drainage infrastructure, and the use of stormwater detention can mitigate this and prevent problems in future. As it stands, OSD tanks could be instrumental in avoiding flood damage, so you must not forego detention, even if you only have the space for one tank.
3. Built to last
Water tanks of all kinds must last for a long time to be effective – and they must contain the best materials to do the job. Concrete water tanks, in particular, are highly durable and should easily manage to last years with a good quality of maintenance.
The substance can also protect water from bacteria and contaminants while also keeping it cool throughout the year. To ensure that the water is of high quality, the concrete in a water tank helps the water to maintain its effectiveness no matter how you may use it.
If you’re looking for a company that has the experience, knowledge and track record with onsite detention tanks, then contact us at Rain Cycle on 1800 006 176 or visit us at: raincycle.com.au. We have 30 years of experience in onsite and rainwater tanks.
We cover all Sydney Suburbs, South Coast, Southern Highlands, Riverina, Laguna, the Blue Mountains and Hawkesbury, Bateman’s Bay, North and Mid North Coast, Nowra, Narooma, Balmoral, Mallacoota, Cobargo, Avondale, Glenn Ines, Glenmore, Tarago, Mogo, Albury, Faulconbridge, Maraylya, Torrumbarry, Sherbrooke, Little Hartley, Strathdickie, Linden, Bowen Mountain, Cattail, Kyogle, Bryon Bay, Murwillumbah, Lismore, Yamba, Grafton, Snowy Mountains, Evan Heads and the surrounding areas.
