Above-Ground Vs Below-Ground Rainwater Tanks
Rainwater harvesting is a great way to make use of the water that naturally falls on your land, reducing your water bills and protecting your farm against droughts. The first decision you need to make when setting up a rainwater harvesting system is whether to install a tank above ground or below ground. Here are some of the advantages and disadvantages of each option.
Advantages of Above-Ground Rainwater Tanks
The main benefit of above-ground rainwater tanks is that they are easy to install. All you need is a solid set of instructions and some basic tools. They are also easy to access for maintenance purposes. Finally, they are significantly cheaper than below-ground systems, both in terms of their purchase cost and the cost of installation.
Disadvantages of Above-Ground Rainwater Tanks
The main disadvantage of above-ground rainwater tanks is that you have to find somewhere to put them. If your farm does not have much flat and stable land available, then this problem could make above-ground tanks a no-go option for you or at least limit how much above-ground storage you are able to install.
Advantages of Below-Ground Rainwater Tanks
If you do not have enough space to install all the above-ground tanks you need, then below-ground installation is an obvious solution. The main benefit of this method is the amount of space you save, which could leave you with more land available for growing crops or grazing animals. Below-ground rainwater tanks also look better than above-ground tanks, as they are hidden away under the earth.
Another advantage of below-ground rainwater tanks is that they store water in a cool, dark environment, which helps to reduce the growth of bacteria. You will still need to treat the water before drinking it, but it could be suitable for watering crops. Lower bacterial growth means that your rainwater tank is less likely to smell or create a health hazard for your family or livestock. As the water is stored at a constant temperature, it is also less likely to freeze in the cold winter months.
Disadvantages of Below-Ground Rainwater Tanks
The main disadvantage of a below-ground tank is that it costs more to purchase and install than an above-ground tank. You also have to deal with the disruption of digging a hole for the installation. However, given the long-term benefits of below-ground tanks, you might decide that this investment of time and money is worthwhile.
To learn more, contact a rainwater tank supplier.