CSIRO research workshop on rainwater tank maintenance

Water Tactics recently attended a CSIRO research workshop on rainwater tank maintenance in Brisbane.  The aim of the workshop was to canvass the opinions of various stakeholders in the rainwater industry as to how best to ensure the longevity of rainwater harvesting systems.  This issue is critical  in order that future water security policies based on supplementation of the recticulated water supply by rainwater can rely on the projected contribution afforded by existing and future rainwater tank installations.

At the basis of the workshop discussion was the fact that all rainwater storage systems require some level of maintenance in order to ensure longevity of the system and to ensure the quality of the stored rainwater.

The strategies  examined ranged from public education campaigns to encourage DIY maintenance  right through to compulsory registration and inspection of tanks.  There was also debate on the more technical aspects of rainwater system design and implementation, aiming to improve the quality of rainwater harvesting installations and facilitate ongoing tank maintenance.

Our participation in the workshop focused on a strategy of allowing the public to monitor and maintain responsibility for their own rainwater systems while pointing out that governments need to do more in educating and empowering tank owners to maintain their tanks.

In support of this approach, we are of the opinion that:

1. Rainwater tank installations and tank owners are unique and diverse.   Any attempt to regulate and legislate some a diverse sector of the community is likely to be difficult, expensive and probably ineffective.
2. Generally, people are more motivated by positive messages that fear or negativity.
3. If  tank owners are acknowledged and commended for the contribution they are making to water conservation, there will be more motivation to protect the longevity of their rainwater systems.
4. In an increasingly regulated society, the threat of compulsory inspection is more likely to result people abandoning rainwater harvesting.
5. Currently, the majority of rainwater systems are working effectively so the best approach would be to work with the majority instead of trying to regulate or legislate for the minority situation i.e. failed tank systems.
6. Regardless of the quality of installation, all tanks systems need to be monitored and maintained.  Tank maintenance is not complex.  A rainwater system is just another household/property component for which preventative maintenance is beneficial.

In order to effect this, we consider there should be:

1. Acknowledgement that everyone with a functional rainwater tank is contributing to overall water conservation and that this contribution is valued at all times – not only during periods of drought.
2. Public education regarding the necessity to monitor and maintain rainwater tanks.
3. Promotion of rainwater tank maintenance as part of normal household maintenance.
4. Quality information to allow DIY maintenance with back-up support and access to expert assistance in case of problems.
5. Handover information kits for those purchasing a property with a rainwater harvesting system already installed.

The next phase following the CSIRO research workshop on rainwater tank maintenance is to take the proposed strategies to sectors of the community to gather data on  their response to the various suggestions.

environmental impact, rainwater harvesting, tank maintenance, water conservation, water usage