Making it through the long winter
Four Mistakes You Don't Want To Make With Your Rainwater Tanks
Meghan West
Rainwater tanks can be a great way to keep your landscape green even in the hottest months of the summer. They're also a good alternative for people who live in areas with water restrictions during drought seasons.
However, rainwater tanks aren't just a matter of attaching a tank to the side of your house and waiting for rainwater to start collecting. There are several things you need to do to ensure your rainwater tank does its job effectively, and that it's not doing more harm than good.
Here are four mistakes you don't want to make with your rainwater tanks:
1. Using Water In Rainwater Tanks That Contains Harmful Chemicals
You shouldn't use rainwater for drinking or cooking purposes unless you know the water is safe. Rainwater can contain harmful chemicals that are bad for you and your family's health. If your roof is made from asbestos or fibreglass, the rainwater that runs off into your tank will contain chemicals from those materials. The best way to prevent this from happening is by using a filter system that traps any harmful particles before they enter the tank. You should also paint your roof with non-toxic paint so it doesn't contaminate the water when it rains.
2. Not Cleaning Your Rainwater Tank Gutters Or Roof Regularly
The catchment area, which includes the roof and gutters, needs to be clean so that the water is free from dirt and other pollutants. This can lead to the accumulation of bacteria, making it unsafe for use. Failure to clean the catchment area also means leaves and debris will clog the gutters and pipes, causing leaks and other problems with your system.
3. Buying The Wrong Size Rainwater Tank
The size of your rainwater tank should be based on how much water you consume in your home and what you're going to use it for. Many people make the mistake of purchasing a small tank that doesn't fit their families' needs, meaning they have to spend more money on water than they should. Before buying a tank, it's important to consider how big your household is and how much water you use on average each day. This will help you determine what type of tank you need.
4. Not Installing A First Flush Diverter With Your Rainwater Tanks
This diverter prevents the first batch of rainwater from entering your tanks because it contains more dirt compared to subsequent batches of water falling from a clean roof after a few hours without rain. This device is important since accumulated particles in the tank will contaminate your entire supply of water, rendering it unfit for use.
The installation of a rainwater tank is one of the best ways to reduce your water bill. If used correctly, rainwater tanks can save you water and costs. For more information on the installation and purchase of rainwater tanks, contact a supplier today.
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It's been a long and hard winter for many farmers in my area. We rely on agricultural suppliers and stores to get us feed and supplies through the winter. It can be hard to balance the books and sometimes you need to make some hard decisions to have enough money to make it through the winter. If you are a farmer making some hard decision on how to afford to keep your livestock and crops healthy through a long winter, then this blog has tips on how to make it through a long winter as a farmer with a limited operational budget.