In cities today, a great deal of resources, funding and effort go into removing water from our properties. It is channeled down drains and in coastal towns often out to sea. At a time when we were receiving rainfalls that would fill a tank, our suburbs in Sydney, were under heavy water restrictions because the dam catchment area was not collecting the rain. Historically, most houses had water tanks but over time various levels of governments around the world have pushed for the removal of suburban water storage tanks.
As a result of climate change there is an increasing move to have some water storage on the suburban block again. Manufacturers have created tanks of all shapes and sizes in every colour imaginable to make them blend in with the urban landscape. Often people become interested in installing one but are deterred by the purchase price verses the perceived benefit or by local council restrictions.
Seven years ago we created a small storage tank for a small courtyard from a 200 litre olive barrel. It is pictured here, the construction and installation was very simple and the total cost was less than $50 at that time. This tank lives on, now in our chook yard, it collects water from the chook shed roof and feeds it to a trough via a float valve. Automatically watered chickens!
To construct and install a similar solution requires very little mechanical skill and knowledge and very basic tools that you may already have or can borrow from a friendly neighbour.
Tools required are
A drill and drill bit, usually 3/4 of an inch( depends on size of tap inlet pipe)
Hole saw to cut hole for overflow pipe.
A shifting spanner and multigrips.
Hacksaw.
Components needed
Olive barrel or similar
Try the farmers markets or landscaping supplies. A 200 litre barrel is about $25 where we live. If you are really ambitious there are 1000 litre cubes that sell for about $250. Note some of these contained chemicals so ensure the container you buy is food grade if you intend to use the water on your vegetable crop.
Tap
This need not be new, look for a second hand one at the markets of ask around. There are old taps everywhere. If the tap is without a threaded pipe on it's inlet side you will need to visit the plumbing store and buy a short length. Take the tap with you to make sure you get the right size if you are not sure. Also you will need a nut that fits this pipe as well to fix it to the tank.
Threaded elbow and nut.
This will need to match the size and profile of your existing down pipe. This is like playing with Lego. You need an elbow that is the same profile as your existing down pipe and a threaded adapter to connect it to your tank to make the overflow so that excess water goes back to the drain.
Flyscreen mesh
This is to cover the top to stop it becoming a mosquito breeding source, this is very important.
Construction
If at all possible elevate the tank to make it easier to fill watering cans and give you more hose pressure.
To create your tank drill a hole for the tap as close to the bottom of the container as possible. If you us a drill bit the ex size of the threaded pipe you will find that it will seal perfectly with just the nut on the inside. If you are concerned about leaks a small dab of silicone will do the job.
Position the tank where you will install it. Mark the down pipe with a pencil and the cut it using a hacksaw. Make sure the cut is square. You can purchase a joiner from the plumbing store that will enable the pipe to be joined if you later choose to remove the tank as we did.
The tank will sit next to the existing downpipe so the inlet pipe will need to be angled over the centre of the barrel. Make up your overflow elbow and slip it over the downpipe. Mark the side of the container for the hole for the overflow. You may need to trim a little from the lower section of the downpipe to get the height right.
Once the overflow is attached and the tank is in position secure the flyscreen over the top, This can be done using part of the old lid with the centre removed to allow the water in or by just using tie wire. Attaching screen to the lid is the best looking option.
This water can be used in your garden, ponds, car washing and more. You should also make sure your gutters are kept clean an free of debris for cleaner and faster collection of water.
