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Choosing the right-sized rainwater tank
Take some time to work out where you want to use rainwater and how much you need. Also, look into local rainfall patterns. If most of the rain in your area falls in one season, then it is likely that your tank won’t cover your garden watering needs in the dry months. In a domestic situation, a tank with a 2000–5000 litre capacity should suffice.
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■ First, work out how much rain you could collect. Every millimetre of rain on a square metre of roof provides 1 litre of water. So, to calculate your total potential capacity, multiply the area of your roof (in sq.m) by the local annual rainfall (in millimetres).
■ Work out how much water you want to collect by using the water usage figures below.
■ Evaluate how much you will need of the total water you could collect from your roof – you probably won’t be able to, or want to, catch it all.
■ Now you are ready to choose your tank. Make sure you choose one that suits your budget and remember to factor in costs for delivery, installation and any accessories you will require.
Average water usage
Toilet
Non-efficient full flush - 11 litres
Non-efficient half flush - 5.5 litres
Efficient full flush - 6 litres
Efficient half flush - 3 litres
Shower
Non-efficient showerhead - Up to 23 litres a minute
Efficient showerhead - 9 litres a minute
Bath
Low bath - 50 litres
Full bath - 150 litres
Dishwashing
By hand - 18 litres
Non-efficient machine - 36 litres
Efficient machine - 16 litres
Clothes washing
Non-efficient top-loader - Up to 240 litres
Efficient top-loader - 110 litres
Efficient front-loader - 100 litres
General use
Washing, brushing teeth, etc - 18 litres per person per day
Garden
Sprinkler - 1000 litres an hour
Washing car
Hose - 17 litres a minute
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