Water storage tanks, including those designed to “Minimize Footprint,” play a crucial role in water resource management. These tanks store water for irrigation, fire protection, and domestic use, but their environmental impact is a consideration in responsible water management.
So, are water tanks ecofriendly? This article will explore the environmental impact of water storage tanks and provide tips on how to minimize their footprint.
Environmental Impact of Water Storage Tanks
As a water storage tank owner and operator, you are not only responsible for ensuring that this asset is always in its optimal condition. Your duty also includes doing what you can to reduce the impact of your water tank on the environment by using sustainable methods.
If not handled properly and responsibly, water storage tanks may have repercussions on the environment. The most common environmental impacts include:
Land Use
Water storage tank installation requires a significant amount of land. When we clear land for human use, we can accidentally destroy and divide up animal homes. This is a big problem, especially in places where animals are already struggling to find places to live. In some cases, the installation of water storage tanks can also lead to the displacement of native species.
Water Quality
Water storage tanks can affect water quality in several ways. Without regular inspection and maintenance, these tanks can become a breeding ground for mosquitoes and other pests carrying diseases like West Nile Virus and Dengue fever, which can cause health hazards to anyone nearby.
Another thing is that they can accumulate debris and pollutants, which can affect water quality. Moreover, if the tank is not properly maintained, bacteria can grow and multiply, leading to water contamination.
Energy Use
Water storage tanks require energy to pump water in and out, and if the tank is located far from the point of use, energy consumption can increase significantly. This can increase greenhouse gas emissions, which contribute to climate change.
How to Minimize the Environmental Footprint of Water Storage Tanks
Choose the Right Location
Choosing the right location for water storage tanks is critical in minimizing their environmental footprint. When you’re picking a spot, think about how it will affect the world around it. Try not to choose places that are natural habitats for animals or places that already have a lot of buildings. The location should also be easily accessible to minimize the need for energy-intensive transportation.
Consider Tank Size
The size of the water storage tank should be based on the expected water demand. An inadequate tank size will fail to fulfill the water requirements, whereas an excessively large tank will cause superfluous energy consumption. To minimize the environmental footprint, choose an appropriately sized tank for the intended use.
Use Sustainable Materials
Are water tanks sustainable? Indeed, they could be if you also choose sustainable materials such as recycled steel or plastic. Using these materials is better for the environment than using the old-fashioned ones, and when they’re all worn out, you can recycle them instead of throwing them away.
Proper Maintenance
Proper maintenance of water storage tanks is critical in ensuring their longevity and minimizing their environmental footprint. Regular inspections and cleaning can prevent the accumulation of debris and pollutants, which can affect water quality.
Energy Efficient Pumping
Consider using energy-efficient pumps and choosing the appropriate pumping system to minimize energy consumption. Using a gravity-fed system is a better way to save energy than a pump-fed system. It works even better when you put the water storage tank higher up. Choosing an appropriately sized pump for the tank and intended use can also reduce energy consumption.
Rainwater Harvesting
Rainwater harvesting is a sustainable alternative to traditional water storage tanks. This way of doing things means you can collect rainwater from your roof and other spots and save it to use later. Utilizing this method also reduces the reliance on municipal water supply and allows for alternative usages of collected rainwater, such as irrigation and non-potable purposes.
Discover How Raven Tank’s Water Tank Services Can Help You Go Green!
By choosing Raven Tanks to install, inspect, clean, and maintain your water storage tanks, you are already doing your part in saving the planet. We adhere to national standards and regulations, use cutting-edge technology, and use a personalized approach, to keep your water tanks operating efficiently and sustainably.
At Raven Tanks, we only provide the most reliable and ecofriendly water storage tanks in a variety of sizes and materials, including recycled steel and plastic, to meet your specific needs. We also offer a range of accessories and services, such as level indicators and tank inspections, to ensure your tank functions properly and efficiently.
We service all major towns and cities in Australia, particularly Darwin, Geelong, Ipswich, Perth, Newcastle, Melbourne, Sydney, and Canberra. Contact us now and get a free quote of our services!