Frequently Asked Questions
QUESTION – Why should I collect rainwater?
ANSWER – Rainwater provides an excellent source of high quality water when ground water is unacceptable or unavailable, or it can be used to augment limited groundwater supplies. Rainwater is of very high quality with zero hardness, zero chlorine or chemicals and sodium free. Rainwater is also free, the only cost is for collection and use.
QUESTION – How much water can I collect?
ANSWER – One inch of rain falling on 1,000 square feet of roof area will yield approximately 600 gallons of water.
QUESTION – What size tank do I need?
ANSWER – This depends on the rainfall in your area and what the tank will be used for. For whole of house supply we recommend at least 20,000 gallons. We also recommend that you put in the largest tank you can either fit or afford as the more water you can can store the better off you will be. Please contact BlueScope Water for more details speicific to your personal situation.
QUESTION – What do I need to set up a rainwater collection system?
ANSWER – Most rainwater collection systems consist of a roof from which to collect the water, a gutter and conveyance system to get the water from the roof to the tank, a filter/strainer to remove leaves and other organic matter from entering the tank, a tank in which to store the rainwater and a pump to give adequate pressure from the tank. If the tank is being used for potable water then an appropriate filtration setup may be desired, but in many instances where the water is being used for non-potable application (over 95% of our household water is for non-potable applications) such as garden irrigation then filtration is not required.
QUESTION – How long will the water in my tank last?
ANSWER – The water coming out can only be as good as the water going in to the tank, but each PIONEER GALAXY™ water tank has a steel roof and walls that keeps light out of the tank, and tanks for rainwater collection are sealed to keep dust and frogs and insects out of the tank. This helps the water remain clean and fresh for longer.
QUESTION – Can I store potable water?
ANSWER – A standard PIONEER GALAXY™ water tank for residential rainwater collection uses an AQUALINER™ water storage liner which is NSF/ANSI 61 certified for the storage of potable water.
For more information contact BlueScope Water direct.
