Across Australia it can be said increasingly, homeowners are investing in rainwater tanks. This allows harvesting of rainwater from their roof and guttering to be stored in tanks, thus the water can be used for internal and external requirements.
What are the benefits?
Investing in rainwater tanks allowing for the harvest of rainwater proves to provide a significant reduction and reliance on main water systems, which in turn reduces the pressure on water dams and reservoirs and therefore prevents the need for larger constructions disrupting the natural habitats.
Having a rainwater tank on your property serves a variety of purposes in and around your home; from watering your garden plants, flushing your toilet, cleaning your car, and even drinking water. Statistically, homeowners with rainwaters tanks or harvesting systems can save up to 70% of their water bill compared to those who do not harvest rainwater.
Rainwater tanks can be used simply for the exterior of the home, property maintenance and watering of your plants and gardens. This may not cause too many issues or concerns, however, if you intend on using the harvested water within your home, such as bathing, drinking or used near your family, then there are some considerations to be mindful of and certain dangers relating to this.
Australian Drinking Water guidelines must be adhered to guarantee against contaminants and other dangers. They will be the first barrier in stopping debris and contaminants from entering your systems, but using gutter guards which do not tank water-rated can cause further problems – so here are three reasons why you need to ensure yours are:
Reputation
Prior to purchasing or contracting a company to install a gutter protection system at your property, it is imperative that the system complies and has been ‘tank water rated’. The product must be tested by the Australian Water Quality Centre and meet the AS4020 water standard. This is a significant testing process and will ensure the company’s reputation within the industry. The purpose of this testing standard is to verify that the system is compliant with filtering out contaminants whilst still allowing the water to run freely, resulting in clean water harvesting.
The prevention of pests, birds, and other rodents is a part of the required criteria to be met for the system to be compliant with AS4020, which also means not only are they able to prevent issues but also any contamination that may arise from having such pests around the property, thus, maintaining clean, safe water storage tanks.
Safe Gutter Guards
Ensuring your gutter guard system has been correctly tested and rated will guarantee that the materials themselves are void from allowing any chemicals or dangerous substances from entering the water system.
The use of standard gutter protection systems or materials that have not undergone stringent and compliant testing may help with filtering contaminants just the same, however, the materials in which they are made are not always suitable if in contact with items used for consumption. Plastics are of notable concern, as some chemicals that the plastic secretes into your water if consumed can be potentially harmful and dangerous to the human body. Furthermore, metal guards are susceptible to seeping corrosion into your drinking water or those that have been poorly powder coated can emit chemicals into the water in the same way plastics can.
Safer drinking water
If you are contemplating harvesting or collecting rainwater for the purpose of utilization within the home for drinking water for the family, it is imperative that your gutter guard system has been water tank rated. This will provide you with the first stages of the relevant filtration needed to ensure it is completely safe to consume. Collecting rainwater to use as drinking water, will be beneficial when it comes to saving money on utility bills.
If you are thinking about harvesting rainwater, begin by installing the correct gutter guards to your property to guarantee that the water you collect is safe. If you are unsure if your existing guards meet the required standard or want to find out more about water tank-rated guards, then get in touch with one of our specialists at King Group Australia today!