from people using their water for gardening. Many people
enjoy the look of beautiful lawns and lush gardens, however
this is using precious water that is needed for bathing or
cooking or drinking. Gardens account for most of the water
used in the home and is therefore the biggest domestic
contributor to the water shortage. No matter what type of
water problems you are experience, and whether you are in
Sydney, Brisbane, or Perth, or anywhere else in the world
for that matter, there is a way to have lush gardens
without using up your city's water supply.
Using rainwater tanks is the perfect way for you to create
the garden of your dreams and keep it green all year round.
The most important part of the operation is to have enough
rainwater tanks and the right types of systems to suit your
needs and your gardens. By using slimline tanks you can
keep your tanks out of the way so they don't take up
valuable space in your garden. It's also a good idea to get
modular tanks so you can simply add another unit or two
anytime to increase your storage capacity. Slimline tanks
are typically round or elliptical, and can look a bit
unsightly in your backyard however some new tanks are
rectangular and flat so that fit together and look just
like a normal wall or fence
Using rainwater for your gardens is also a great idea
because you don't have to do anything to the water before
you use it for your plants and vegetables. In fact, some
research shows the water even healthier than watering them
out of your own water supply, depending on where your local
water comes from. Most mains water is treated with
chemicals to take out any colour and smell. The water is
then delivered through underground pipes which can be over
50 years old! Compare that to rainwater which falls
directly from the sky.
Once you have a tank, you will need a method of getting the
rainwater to your gardens. This can be as simple as
watering can or hose for small blocks, or with an
integrated set up with pumps and controllers which is
better for larger gardens. If you are concerned with small
particles getting caught in the sprinklers or you also
intend on using the water in your home then you might
consider a first- flush filter or an inline filter to take
out any dirt or sediment. Be sure that there is also a
cover that will keep out bugs and animals so the water does
not become a breeding ground for mosquitoes and bacteria.
Rainwater tanks will make big difference to your garden and
water use and will cost you a lot less than you think.
Water is free from the sky so why pay for it!
----------------------------------------------------
Dave is an Architect and General Manager at Superwall
Systems, an innovative water tank company based in Perth,
Australia which produces the 'Supertank'- The world's only
structural water tank. Build your house out of water!
http://www.superwall.com.au
