Saving Water in Small Spaces

Water is a precious commodity. There are a number of ways in
which you can reduce your water consumption and increase the efficiency of the
water you use at home. One of the best ways is to install a water tank. Unfortunately too many of us believe we don’t
have the space for a water tank. That is why we have compiled a list of the
different space saving water tanks designed to work in small spaces for you.

Before we dive in it is also worth noting that you don’t need
a massive water tank to save a significant amount of water. This study by the
ACT Government (http://www.planning.act.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0004/890779/Rainwater_tanks.pdf)
shows that if you live in a typical townhouse and you divert just one of your
downpipes to a water tank you can save about 25kL a year with a 500 litre
tank. Alternatively you could occupy
your entire courtyard with a 30,000 litre tank and only save an additional 5kL. So with that in mind here we go for the small
spaces water tank summary.

The Slimline

No water tanks summary would be complete without mentioning
the slimline water tank. It is the
original space saving water tank and it has done a fantastic job of bringing
water tanks into our suburban homes. They come in all sorts of shapes and sizes
from the ultra-thin to the not so slim. Pretty
much everyone is aware of this type of water tank but with current trends towards
higher density living they are still too space hungry for many households so
let’s move on.

Furniture Tanks

Furniture rainwater tanks are the newest products on this
list and they are particularly targeted at modern subdivisions and townhouses
with courtyards. They offer an attractive alternative to other water tanks and
because they are dual-purpose you also gain an outdoor entertaining area at the
same time. Win win. The photo below
shows an installed water tank lounge (yes that grey lounge is a water tank!).
There is currently only one company that sells these but they do delivery
Australia wide.

Photo courtesy of http://www.rosemarkwatertanks.com.au

Bladder Tanks

Bladder tanks are made from a
flexible membrane which is designed to be hidden away under your house or deck.
The flexible membrane allows it to be installed in tight places without the
need for any major renovations. They come in any number of sizes to suit pier
spacing and house configuration and there are a number of suppliers available.

The Rectangle Tank

Rectangle tanks are rigid water tanks designed to fit under
decks. They are more limited in their ability to fit through tight spaces
during installation than the bladder tanks but they are also significantly
cheaper. Rectangle / under deck tanks come in many shapes and sizes to fit
under most elevated decks and there are a number of suppliers available.

In-Ground /
Underground Water Tanks

Underground water tanks provide the ultimate in space saving
because they only occupy space under ground. The biggest drawback is obviously
that you need to dig up the ground to put it there. These are best suited to
new developments so you can plan for them without needing to dig up your nicely
manicured yard. Underground tanks come in all shapes and sizes and colours too
(not that you’ll ever see the colour).

Retaining Wall Tanks

Retaining wall water tanks generally come in precast
concrete sections that can be used as a retaining wall or garden bed. They can
also be clad with stone to disguise them further. This can be a pretty major
installation so, like underground tanks, they will be cheaper if you plan for
them.

Which Type of space saving water tank to you prefer?