Are you struggling to secure a reliable water supply on your rural property? Have you ever wondered how much water your livestock actually need, or whether rainwater harvesting could slash your water bills? If you’re living on a farm, managing a remote homestead, or simply looking for greater water independence, you’re definitely not alone.
Rural rainwater tanks have become absolutely essential for rural Australia. With unpredictable rainfall patterns and limited access to mains water, having a dependable storage system isn’t just convenient it’s critical for survival. Whether you’re watering crops, keeping livestock hydrated, or simply running your household, the right tank can make all the difference.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about choosing the perfect rainwater tank for your rural property. From calculating your water needs to understanding different materials, costs, and installation tips, we’ve got you covered. Let’s get stuck into it!
What Size Rural Rainwater Tanks Do I Need for a Farm?
Getting the size right is probably the most important decision you’ll make. Too small, and you’ll run dry during drought. Too big, and you’ve wasted money on capacity you’ll never fill.
Calculating Water Requirements for Livestock
Your animals drink more than you might think. Cattle can consume up to 80 litres daily during hot weather, while sheep need around 10 litres each. Horses sit somewhere in between at roughly 45 litres per day. Multiply these figures by your herd size and factor in seasonal variations summer demands can double your usual consumption.
Irrigation and Crop Water Needs
Crops and gardens add another layer of complexity. A productive vegetable garden might need 1,000 litres weekly during peak growing season. Larger scale irrigation? You’re looking at significantly more. Consider your annual rainfall patterns and plan for those inevitable dry spells.
Household Usage in Rural Properties
The average Australian household uses around 340 litres daily. On rural properties without mains backup, you’ll want at least three months’ storage capacity. For a family of four, that’s roughly 30,000 litres minimum though most farmers opt for considerably more.
Types of Rural Rainwater Tanks
Poly (Polyethylene) Tanks
Poly tanks dominate the Australian market, and for good reason. They’re lightweight, affordable, and come in virtually any size imaginable. Modern polyethylene is UV-stabilised, meaning it won’t degrade under our harsh sun. Plus, they’re food-grade safe and won’t corrode.
Steel and Colorbond Tanks
Steel tanks offer exceptional durability and can handle massive capacities—some exceeding 500,000 litres. Colorbond options blend beautifully with rural landscapes and resist rust when properly maintained. They’re particularly popular for fire-fighting reserves due to their structural integrity.
Concrete Tanks
Concrete tanks are the old faithful of rainwater storage. They naturally keep water cool, which reduces algae growth. Installation is more complex and expensive, but these tanks can last generations with minimal maintenance. They’re ideal for permanent installations where you want set-and-forget reliability.
Fibreglass Tanks
Fibreglass offers excellent corrosion resistance and maintains consistent water temperature. These tanks are lighter than concrete yet sturdier than poly options. They’re particularly useful in areas with challenging soil conditions or where chemical resistance matters.
Underground and Bladder Tanks
Short on space? Underground tanks and bladder systems solve that problem brilliantly. Bladder tanks fit under decks or in crawl spaces, while underground options free up your property entirely. Both require careful planning but offer fantastic flexibility for tight sites.
What Is the Best Material for a Rainwater Tank in Rural Areas?
There’s no single best material it depends entirely on your situation. Poly tanks offer the best value for most applications, combining affordability with durability. Steel suits properties needing massive capacity or bushfire resilience. Concrete works brilliantly for permanent installations where budget allows.
Consider your local conditions too. Coastal properties benefit from corrosion-resistant materials like poly or fibreglass. Fire-prone areas should prioritise steel or concrete. And if you’re in a tight spot physically, underground or bladder options might be your only viable choice.
How Long Do Rural Rainwater Tanks Last?
Quality poly tanks typically last 20-25 years with proper care. Steel tanks can exceed 30 years, particularly galvanised or Colorbond varieties. Concrete? We’re talking 50 years or more some century-old concrete tanks are still going strong across rural Australia.
Maintenance matters enormously here. Regular cleaning, gutter maintenance, and prompt repairs to minor damage can add decades to any tank’s lifespan. Neglect, however, accelerates deterioration dramatically regardless of material quality.
Best Rural Rainwater Tanks Shapes for Farms and Remote Properties
Round Tanks
Round tanks remain the most structurally efficient design. They handle pressure evenly, maximise capacity for their footprint, and resist damage better than angular alternatives. If space isn’t constrained, round tanks typically offer the best value per litre stored.
Slimline Tanks
Slimline tanks squeeze impressive capacity into narrow spaces. They’re perfect alongside sheds, against fences, or in corridors between buildings. While they cost slightly more per litre than round tanks, their versatility often justifies the premium.
Modular and Custom Configurations
Multiple smaller tanks connected together offer flexibility that single large tanks can’t match. You can add capacity incrementally as budget allows, position tanks at different elevations for gravity-fed systems, and maintain access to water even if one tank needs repairs.
Can You Drink Rainwater from a Tank in Australia?
Water Quality Considerations
Absolutely millions of Australians drink tank water daily. However, quality depends heavily on your collection and storage system. Clean gutters, leaf guards, and first-flush diverters dramatically improve water quality. Regular tank inspections help identify contamination before it becomes problematic.
Filtration and Treatment Options
For drinking water, consider adding filtration. Basic sediment filters remove particles, while UV treatment kills bacteria and pathogens. Carbon filters improve taste by removing dissolved organic compounds. A multi stage system combining these elements delivers water quality rivalling or exceeding town supply.
Choosing the Right Tank for Off Grid and Remote Living
Off-grid properties face unique challenges. You’ll need sufficient storage to bridge extended dry periods often six months or longer in some regions. Multiple tanks provide redundancy if one fails. And gravity-fed systems reduce reliance on pumps and electricity.
Consider your roof catchment area too. Even the biggest tank is useless without adequate collection surface. Some off-grid properties supplement rainwater with bore water or trucked supplies during extreme droughts planning for this possibility saves headaches later.
Installation Tips for Rural Rainwater Tanks
Site Preparation and Base Requirements
A solid, level base is non-negotiable. Compacted gravel or concrete pads distribute weight evenly and prevent tank distortion. Position tanks close to collection points but accessible for maintenance and potential future upgrades.
Connecting to Gutters and Downpipes
Properly sized gutters and downpipes maximise collection during heavy rainfall. First-flush diverters discard the initial dirty runoff, significantly improving stored water quality. Leaf screens prevent debris entering your tank system.
Pump and Plumbing Considerations
Match pump capacity to your actual usage patterns. Oversized pumps waste electricity; undersized ones frustrate with poor pressure. Variable speed pumps offer the best efficiency for properties with fluctuating demand throughout the day.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Buying a Rural Rainwater Tanks
Underestimating water needs tops the list. Most rural property owners wish they’d bought bigger tanks initially. Skimping on quality saves money briefly but costs more through premature replacement. And neglecting site preparation causes expensive problems down the track.
Don’t forget about accessibility for cleaning and maintenance either. Tanks squeezed into impossible corners become nightmare to service. Finally, verify warranty terms reputable manufacturers stand behind their products with meaningful guarantees.
Finding Your Perfect Rural Rainwater tanks Solution
Choosing the right rural rainwater tanks for your rural property isn’t rocket science, but it does require careful thought. Consider your actual water needs across livestock, irrigation, and household use. Match these requirements to appropriate tank materials, sizes, and configurations that suit your specific site conditions.
Remember that initial cost isn’t everything. A quality tank lasting 25 years delivers far better value than a budget option failing after ten. Factor in installation, maintenance, and potential rebates when calculating your true investment. And don’t hesitate to seek professional advice for complex installations.
Your perfect rainwater solution is out there it just takes some homework to find it. With the right tank in place, you’ll enjoy water security that transforms rural living from challenging to genuinely rewarding. Here’s to making every drop count on your property!