Whether you have a rural property that depends on a water tank, or you want to join the 26% of Australians who've already installed rainwater tanks on their properties, you'll want to ensure that the water in your tank is healthy. Unlike water that comes via a tap, the cleanliness of the water in your tank is your responsibility. If you don't maintain your tank properly, your water may not be fit for many uses. These top tips will tell you just how to do that.
Remove Your Gutter Trash
Rainwater collected from your roof runs through your gutters into your tank. Your guttering can be a source of leaves, dead animals and all sorts of dirt. Clean your gutters every three months and install gutter meshing to reduce the buildup of leaves and debris.
Install Mosquito and Pest Control
Like any source of sitting water, water tanks can be an ideal breeding ground for mosquitoes and pests. Add mosquito-proof mesh to all openings on the tank that mosquitoes can get through. This needs to be checked regularly and maintained. The mesh should also be durable enough to keep vermin and other pests out. Consider fitting a water diverter to your tank. This is a simple downpipe attachment that will divert the first flush of water from the roof and prevent it from entering the tank. This diverted water is where most contaminants and mosquito larvae are likely to be. Flushing it away will help reduce contamination of your tank.
Keep on Top of Your Pumps and Pipes
You will need to check and maintain your pumps every 6 months. Poorly working pumps can affect the quality of your water and the efficiency of your flow. In addition to checking pumps, you'll want to regularly check for leaks throughout your water system. If you're collecting rainwater to lighten your water bill, you don't want to lose any en route to your home.
Arrange a Regular De-Sludging
No matter how well you look after your rainwater tank, it is likely that you'll need to de-sludge it every few years. Find a qualified contractor in your area who can do the job for you properly.
Know Your Water Quality
If you intend to use your rainwater for flushing the loo or as a feed into your washing machine, you needn't worry too much about the quality of your water. However, water that is going to come into contact with your body, via a shower or as drinking water, is a different story. You'll want to know that this water is clean. Check the quality of your water every six months to ensure that it is of a useable standard. Online labs can run a standard suite of analytical tests that will check for harmful microbes and chemicals.
Share25 April 2016
Welcome to my blog. My name is Jenny, and I love to read. Recently, I came across the idea of a man who was running a machinery-free farm. He wasn't from a group that believed in those ideas, but rather, he was a regular person who decided he wanted to farm in completely sustainable ways that didn't waste energy or resources. I am a teacher, and I wanted to research this idea further so I could share it with my students. I read all about using antique farm equipment, and I interviewed several of my relatives about their memories on the farm. Ultimately, a blend of antique and modern equipment seems like the best idea. If you want to explore this concept with me, please read my posts. They are designed to enlighten and interest you.
