Wednesday, 19 December 2013

For immediate release

Media Release

Rainwater tanks part of Melbourne’s Water Future

The Rainwater Harvesting Association of Australia applauds the Victorian Government for recognising the importance of rain water tanks.

The Victorian Government are to be congratulated on including rainwater tanks in their innovative and sustainable approach to water management. ‘Melbourne’s Water Future’ from the Office of Living Victoria identifies the humble water tank as having far greater community benefits than just watering the garden. By collecting local rainfall and reducing stormwater runoff rainwater tanks improve drought security, waterway protection and flood mitigation at a city-wide scale.

Nearly one in three households in Victoria own a water tank (ABS, 2010) and more and more of these water tanks are now connected to the toilet and washing machines as well as the garden. Rainwater tanks can easily save a household 50,000 litres each year.

Colin Nash, Chairperson of the Rainwater Harvesting Association of Australia noted;

‘Of course, there are also the hidden benefits of ‘streak free’ washing of cars and windows with naturally soft rain water. Once a consumer has a rain water tank they watch the weather for rain and feel more connected to the environment – just like our country cousins.’

Counter intuitively , watering just before or even during a heavy summer rainfall event ensures the dual benefit of allowing head room for the tank to be topped up as well as ‘water banking’ additional water in the soil giving the lawn and garden an extra deep soak that will enable it to go longer between summer watering.

So there are all sorts of human, cost saving and environmental benefits of owning and operating a rain water tank in your back yard that are not at first apparent.

Find out more about rainwater harvesting at http://www.rainwaterharvesting.org.au/

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For more information please contact Michael Smit, 0418 372 489