Living things need water to develop properly, and these includes the vibrant plants and vegetation in your garden. While rainwater or the constant supply from your taps may be enough, storing water can be an excellent route to take in some instances.
Apart from reducing water use and waste, opting for a water storage solution is both a cost-saving and environment-friendly choice. To start collecting water for your garden, check out these water storage options:
Water Barrels
This is one of the most common water storage options for many homeowners, and for good reason. Rain barrels don’t require much space and can be highly customized to match the look of your home. This means you can still adhere to various garden design principles even with these water containers on your lawn. Apart from having an aesthetic function, there are plain rain barrels made from all sorts of materials, with plastic, wood, and metal being the most common.
Rain barrels are easy to assemble and use; just place one below the downspout or gutter to collect water. Do this only after checking rainwater collection policies and guidelines in your local community. If not permitted, you can use tap water to fill it.
Water Tanks
If you live in an area where the water supply can become highly deficient in some parts of the year, you’ll definitely need a bigger storage tank.
Unlike water barrels, though, getting a water tank requires professional help. For one, you have to find out how much water your household needs and actually consumes. A good rule of thumb is to have a 5000-liter capacity tank in areas with ample rainfall. For jurisdictions with dry summers, a larger 10,000- liter capacity tank may be ideal. These tanks, however, are best for properties with spacious gardens.
If you want a water storage option that’s hidden in plain sight, check out websites like https://www.watertankfactory.com.au/types/underdeck-water-tanks/ or talk to water storage companies near you.
There are various types of water tanks you can choose from, but these are the most common options for household use:
Steel Tanks
This type of water storage equipment often comes in either carbon welded steel or stainless steel. It’s durable, fire-resistant, and often used in several food processing industries, particularly in making wine, beer, and other beverages. Simply put, any type of liquid can be stored in steel tanks, except for corrosive chemicals.
Concrete Water Tanks
Concrete water tanks are heavy, but they can be made faster than the other options as the materials for them are widely available. These are also fire-resistant but may be more susceptible to algae growth.
If you’re planning to use the water you store in these for anything other than watering your plants or washing your clothes, you need to make sure it has undergone stages of water purifying processes to avoid potential health problems.
Polyethylene Tanks
More commonly known as a plastic tank, this storage solution is perfect for homeowners who want to save on costs and need a fairly huge tank that’s easier to move.
Polyethylene tanks are often used for collecting rainwater for both outdoor and indoor purposes. As these tanks often come in a dark blue color, sunlight can’t penetrate them, preventing algae proliferation.
Frame Tanks
Frame tanks look almost similar to portable swimming pools, only they come in sturdier structures. There’s often no need to assemble frame tanks. This storage option can quickly be folded open, filled with water, drained, and stored for future use.
While they’re more popularly used as water tanks by firefighters, homeowners can buy these items commercially and in multiple sizes. One can hold anywhere from 500 to 5,000 gallons of water. Because of its portability, you can use it for long trips outdoors, too.
Standard Water Storage Containers
Who says you can’t use regular water storage containers for your garden? These traditional water storage tools can come in either non-stackable or stackable options. If you have limited space in your home or garden, it’s best to purchase stackable containers so you can place one on top of the other without a problem.
Like water tanks and barrels, these water storage solutions come in several sizes. Choose a container that’s free of bisphenol A (BPA) and resistant to ultra violet (UV) rays for safety.
The Wrap-Up
There are many considerations in choosing the best storage solution for your garden. If you have manageable water requirements and want to go for a stylish vibe, get a customizable water barrel. For those whose water needs include indoor use, a water tank is the most viable solution.
Right off the bat, homeowners should consider the materials, size, and durability of each water storage equipment they’re looking to get. If you’re serious about choosing the best one, it’s essential to seek advice from water storage service providers to find out what other qualities you should look for in water storage options.