Storage for domestic, household use (potable) is required by code to be NSF approved for drinking water. RainBank Rainwater Systems of Seattle recommends that any storage for residential systems meet this standard. An irrigation system can be converted to domestic use safely if the cistern is NSF approved.
Available space, along with aesthetics, should be considered in what type of water tank best suits the intent and design.
Water tanks can be steel, polyethylene, fiberglass, or cement. There are bladder-type pillow tanks that can be placed in crawl spaces or buried tanks that have zero visual impact. Bolted together, galvanized steel water tanks have a liner inside the tank, while the steel shell provides protection and structure for the liner. Polyethylene (plastic) water tanks are the most cost effective. Additional tanks can easily be added in the future. Slimline tanks or Box tanks can be used for limited available space applications.
Installation requirements, codes, durability, warranty, and volume, should be considered as well.
A professional designer with experience in rainwater collection should have information to assist in making your decision for your water storage needs.
RainBank is an ARCSA accredited designer and full service installer of rainwater systems and also consults on water systems for both potable, household water use and non-potable for landscaping irrigation and toilet flushing. RainBank will design, install and package systems from 2,500 gallons to 50,000 gallons. Contact us.
Ken is a United States Navy veteran, having served on active duty during the Vietnam War era.
A career entrepreneur, Ken created a new business focus with a commercial dive company in Hawaii in the mid 1980′s to respond to and clean up oil spills, oil spill equipment training, service and maintenance for the oil co-op service industry. Ken is passionate about having a positive impact on the environment and is also a founding director of BANK-ON-RAIN (2011-2014), whose mission is to create grassroots solutions for rainwater collection for consumption and agriculture in developing areas of the planet.
It’s useful to know how using a tank can be a good way to store rainwater. I can see how using the right material is important for storing water safely, so I should refer to the list that you posted for the different water tanks I can choose from. I’ve been considering using a rainwater tank, so I should keep in mind to buy one that’s made from steel, polyethylene, fiberglass, or cement. Thanks for the information!
I find it interesting to know that water tanks can be steel, polyethylene, fiberglass, or cement. It seems like the fiberglass water tank that my brother got could work. How would the installation of that tank go if he were to install it?
I thought it was interesting that a professional designer with experience in rainwater collection should have information to assist in making your decision for your water storage needs. This is a really great way to have good, informed advice about your water needs. I would love to have a tank near my home. When I have the money saved, I will have a designer come look at my property to decide where to place the tank.
I want to have a rainwater system installed, but I don’t know where to store it. I didn’t realize you could have storage tanks put under ground! I’ll have to see if I can have one installed. It would be perfect, because it would be out of the way!