Storing Rainwater For Irrigation: What Tanks Are Available?

Storing rainwater for irrigation is one of the main uses for plastic rain harvesting tanks. Rain is a free resource and if filtered before the water input into the tank, it can be stored for irrigation, in turn, reducing water bills. Larger irrigation systems generally require high flows of water than is available directly from the mains water supply, so the irrigation storage tank acts as a buffer for when this is needed.

Using harvested rainwater for irrigation can improve plants and gardens as rainwater can flush the salt build-up from plants and soil. Harvested rainwater is also generally free from pollutants and man-made contaminants such as chlorination resulting in water that is clean and healthy for plants and trees, whilst saving money on mains water bills and reducing erosion maintenance and landscaping needs.

Advantages of rainwater for irrigation

The benefits of Storing rainwater for irrigation systems are listed below.

• Helps in reducing the water bill decreasing the demand for mains water.
• Reduces the need for imported water promoting water and energy conservation.
• Filtration systems generally are not required for landscape irrigation and are simple and easy to install.
• It is an excellent source of water for landscape irrigation with no chemicals and dissolved salts and free from all minerals.

Why use plastic rainwater water tanks for irrigation?

Plastic tanks in opaque colours such as black or dark green do not allow light into the tank reducing the risk of algae growing and being lightweight and relatively inexpensive can be installed quickly. There are other advantages of using plastic rainwater tanks for irrigation water storage including

• Available in many shapes, colours & sizes.
• Above ground, tanks can be vertical, horizontal or slimline
• Ribbed underground tanks are available for where they need to be buried
• Will not rust or corrode
• Lightweight for ease of installation compared to steel tanks
• Quick assembly compared to sectional galvanised tanks
• Help meet standards of energy and water efficiency ratings and codes

View the full range of water tanks here

Do irrigation tanks need to comply with Fluid Category 5 regulations?

Rain harvesting tanks which are used irrigation water storage do not need to comply with WRAS fluid category 5 regulation if they are not connected to the mains water supply. Often irrigation tanks which are primarily filled by rainwater are often linked to mains water back up or part fill valve which then requires these tanks to comply with fluid category regulations for connections to the mains water supply. The Water Supply (Water Fitting) Regulations 1999 requirements are to protect water from the water tank being drawn back into the mains water supply through the means of backflow prevention devices on the tank.

View our Fluid Category 5 Vertical Water tanks here

Slimline Rainwater Tanks for Irrigation

Horizontal Tanks for Irrigation

Vertical Plastic Water Tanks for Irrigation

Other uses for Rain harvesting systems

Overall, rainwater harvesting is viewed as part of a socially acceptable and environmentally responsible for promoting self-sufficiency.  Rainwater Harvesting Systems can also be used for many other uses where potable drinking is not required including

• Agricultural purposes- irrigation, spraying and livestock watering
• Flushing toilets
• Watering for gardens, lawns, and plants
• Washing vehicles and equipment
• Fire protection

For more advice on storing rainwater for irrigation, pricing of rain harvesting tanks and availability – please get in touch today!