One of the main benefits of owning a plastic storage tank at home is the convenience of catching rainwater for later use. When it rains, rainwater typically pours on the roof, down the gutter, and into the yard or street. What a waste. Gathering rainwater and repurposing it for later use not only helps homeowners save money, but it also saves the environment. How do rainwater harvesting systems work exactly? Heres how.
The main purpose of a rainwater harvesting system is to create a waterway that serves as a conduit for rainwater from one area to another. The waterway usually starts from the roof, or other solid surface raised enough to catch water, and is called a catchment surface. Water then is distributed through a distribution system including pipes, downspouts, and gutters. Finally, water is gathered into a huge plastic tank.
The plastic storage tank can either be placed above or under the ground. It can be manufactured from a wide variety of materials such as metal and plastic. It has an output hose bib that can be connected to a water hose, so water stored inside can be used. It has a specially-made cover to prevent (1) mosquito from breeding in, (2) water losses due to evaporation, (3) algal growth, and (4) dirt contamination. Most importantly, it needs regular cleaning and maintenance to keep it always functioning well.
But Why Collect Rainwater?
Aside from being a high quality source of water for home use, harvesting and using rainwater is sustainable and renewable. Here are some of the other advantages of harvesting and storing rainwater:
First, collecting rainwater diminishes water accumulation and lessens water overflow in storm water drains. This in turn, prevents erosion and flooding. How? Harvesting rainwater reduces water runoff when storm peaks.
Rainwater, when used in watering plants, improves growth. It is free from minerals, salts, and many other man-made pollutants. It is also free of any contaminations.
Aside from environmental benefits, rainwater collection helps reduce water bills at home. It also lessens demand on the clean water supply of the community because it provides an alternative source for washing clothes, cleaning cars, watering plants in the garden, and water for toilet flushing. However, it is not recommended as a supply for drinking water unless it has undergone treatment first.
Lastly, harvested rainwater is 100% free!
Rainwater Collection for Commercial Use
Surprisingly, harvested rainwater stored in a plastic tank serves commercial purposes, too. It is used for building maintenance, and emergency fire water storage.
Plastic Tanks for Other Commercial Purposes
For commercial purposes, plastic tanks are used in industrial and agricultural settings. In farms, these are used for transportation and bulk storage of water, feeds, fertilizer, and pesticides. For various other commercial uses, there are many other types of plastic tanks.
There are vertical plastic water tanks, vertical liquid storage tanks, underground water storage tanks, emergency water tanks, and many more. There are horizontal plastic storage tanks used for commercial and residential hauling.
Plastic tanks are made of durable, strong materials that can withstand any weather and stress. With proper care and maintenance, they can last for many years to come.
