Benefits of Using Concrete Tanks for Rainwater Storage Over Other Materials

Today, the importance of employing sustainable practices such as collecting and reusing rainwater cannot be stressed enough. Whether for irrigation use or household plumbing, rainwater harvesting reduces the need to solely depend on municipality treated water to promote self-sufficiency and water conservation. As such, the material used to store this water for later use is equally as important if you want the convenience of proper backup supply, in the event of shortages.  

The case for underground concrete water tanks

Underground concrete water tanks are a great investment for any business or household, as they save valuable property space while at the same time providing consistent water storage. Additionally, your underground water tank can be customised to suit your desired size, and you can harvest much greater volumes of water for later use. Concrete water storage tanks offer a year-round water supply that will help you reduce municipal water consumption. Although it requires a larger investment upfront, a concrete underground tank is perhaps one of the most durable tanks for rainwater storage. Here's a comparison with other materials, and why concrete offers you the superior product:

Plastic 

Plastic water storage tanks are generally preferred since they are less expensive, lightweight and easy to maneuver compared to other materials. However, as an underground water tank, plastic tanks have more drawbacks than benefits. This is because they require additional materials such as metal frames to support the tanks and provide some degree of strength. A plastic water tank is also likely to breakdown over time, and you are limited to relatively smaller dimensions for water storage. 

Steel Tanks 

Steel tanks have increasingly become a good choice for water storage due to their excellent performance, strength and lifespan. The most-used steel underground water tank is stainless steel as it offers great rust prevention and can last 20 years or more.

However, because steel tanks are particularly lightweight, the tank can rise or float in the event of excess groundwater or flooding. Steel tanks require water at all times to stay in place. Steel tanks are also at the mercy of the elements, and call for regular inspection and maintenance to guarantee performance. 

As seen above, concrete makes a superior material for underground water tanks, as they are extremely durable and can store water for long periods without altering the quality of the water. They also keep water cooler due to their insulation value and require less maintenance