Now’s a good time to start thinking about collecting rainwater ahead of a potentially long, dry summer.

Why not look at installing a water tank on your property to capture the rain for outside use? It’s perfect for cleaning the car and boat or keeping the flowers, vegetables and lawns alive.

The process is simple:

• Find a spot on your property where you would like to place a tank
• Talk to a tank manufacturing company about colour, size, cost and delivery.

When building consents are needed

Discuss your plans and get the right advice on whether or not you need a building or resource consent.

A building consent is not required if the tank meets the requirements for capacity and height-above-ground.

For example, if the tank does not exceed 35,000 litres, is not plumbed into a house as drinking water, and is supported directly by ground, it can be installed 1.5 metres from the boundary without building consent.

Tanks supported on a structure have limits on size before they need consent. 

Your council should be able to help if you need more information.

Where to buy a rainwater tank

There are many retailers that sell rainwater tanks. Tanks less than 1,000 litres in size may be available from your local hardware store (example pictured right).

Larger tanks can be sourced from a specialist manufacturer. Google ‘domestic water tanks’ for suppliers in your area.

Nelson City Council have some great tips and tricks on how to install your own rainwater tank, which you can check out here.

For more information on collecting and using rainwater see smarterhomes.org.nz

Doing your bit to save water

There are a number of simple ways in which we can reduce water around the house:

Indoors

• Fill the sink to wash vegetables and rinse dishes
• Turn the tap off while you are brushing your teeth
• Only use your dishwasher and washing machine when you have a full load
• Promote shorter showers and shallower baths
• Use a bowl to scrub vegetables in the kitchen sink and pour the used water on your plants
• Keep water in a covered jug in the fridge to save running the tap for cold water
• If the toilet leaks or a tap drips, fix it right away.

Outside

• If you have to water the garden, do it in the early morning or evening to reduce evaporation
• Use a broom instead of a hose to clean paths and driveways
• Check taps, pipes and connections regularly for possible leaks
• If you have rainwater storage, use this supply to water your garden or when you need to wash your car or boat
• When washing your car, boat, trailer, jet ski etc, limit hose use to a quick spray at the beginning, then wash using a bucket. A running hose can waste as much as 10 litres of water a minute
• Remind visitors and guests if water supplies are limited.

This blog is based on information from the Thames-Coromandel District Council. Click here for more information on water conservation in their District.

Images show Marley Twist®, a compact rainwater diverter that lets you quick connect your downpipe to a small collection tank or barrel.