Rain Water Tanks for Suburban Living; Houses, Flats & Units

Drought and water restrictions have driven market demand for domestic rain water tanks. Once a water-saving device saved for rural areas, rain water tanks are now part of the urban streetscape. Check out some of the options currently available.

Bluescope Steel Waterpoint

This steel rainwater tank by Bluescope is the domestic equivalent of the traditional rural water tank. The slimline version (pictured) fits under the eaves of your house and provides water into the home's mains system for use in toilets, cold water washing and outside taps. The 3000 litre water harvesting system has been proven to reduce both water consumption and stormwater discharge by 20 per cent. The tanks are made from AQUAPLATE steel and have a proven high quality food grade polymer (plastic) liner which provides a healthy clean-tasting water source. They are available in various sizes from 480-4,000 litres.
Suitable for: those after a traditional looking tank
RRP: from $285 non-painted and $345 painted

Stratco Modular Rainwater tank

The Stratco modular rainwater tank has been designed especially for homes, units and townhouses where space is limited. The steel tank is available in two-module and three-module designs, depending on your needs. The two-module system holds 740 litres and the three-module system holds 1130 litres. Should your existing concrete base be uneven, adjustable feet are available for both stand sizes. Great value for money.
Suitable for: homes, units and townhouses short on space
RRP: from $339

The Waterwall

Designers Gail Davidson and Mitch O'Sullivan have produced a multi-purpose rainwater tank especially for urban homes. A previous winner of The New Inventors on the ABC, the Waterwall looks and works like plastic duplo - each panel has the ability to interconnect with another, transforming itself into a fence. The Waterwall is the slimmest tank ever produced yet it is still capable of holding over 1000 litres. Its dimpled pockets provide the strength to hold water. The product is available nationally through Bunnings.
Suitable for: small spaces
RRP: $999

Misty rainwater tank

Terry Brennan has invented the Misty Rainwater tank as an attractive water feature perfect for balconies, courtyards, units or caravans. The system collects the excess water from downpipes, filters it with a "leaf strainer" device and collects it in the rounded tank. It has a capacity of 60 litres which is enough for drinking water only. Don’t expect to collect enough water for your garden or laundry.
Suitable for: people who rely on bottled water for drinking
RRP: $195

New Water Rain Reviva Sac

As the name suggests, this water collection method uses a sac (or bladder) rather than a tank. The flexibility of the plastic-like material enables the sac to contour to irregular foundations. It can be rolled or folded so that it will pass through restricted openings before unfolding to the full capacity. Hence a large rainwater tank can be installed under a house even if there is only a small access way. Installation is so easy that you can remove the tank if you're having a party, place in storage over winter or even take it on holiday to collect fresh water.

Suitable for: home owners looking for flexibility
RRP: from $2050 including the bag, frame, piping, tap and the pump

Stockist details

Bluescope Steel
Distribution: Bluescope Steel distributes nationally
Online: www.bluescopesteel.com.au

Stratco
Distribution: contact your local store for distribution details
Online: www.stratco.com.au

Waterwall
Distribution: Bunnings stocks the Waterwall nationwide
Online: www.bunnings.com.au

Misty Rainwater Tanks
Distribution: Misty Rainwater Tanks are available nationwide
Online: www.mistyrainwatertanks.com.au

New Water
Distribution: distributes nationally
Online: www.newwater.com.au

Rainmaster
Distribution: Rainmaster distributes nationally
Online: www.rainmaster.com.au

Photos: Stratco, Rainmaster, Bluescope, Misty, New Water, Waterwall