Even with 300 days of sunshine per year, we still manage to get a fair quantity of rain on the French Riviera. Short but torrential downpours occur throughout the winter months and can bestow large quantities of water. Using these tanks to collect rainwater has been around since man learned to take advantage of the rain. Although technology and materials have changed throughout time, the strategy and the goals remain the same: to collect rain water for household and human use. As a Riviera Home Owner – the money saved can be quite substantial plus, you will be doing your little bit for a greener planet.

Materials in Constructing a Rain Water Tank

In this current time, these storage devices are constructed using varied materials such as polyethylene plastic, galvanized steel and concrete. There are some tanks that are made of fiberglass and stainless steel, because these materials provide longevity as they are not affected by rust and are not easily corroded by chemicals.

Whatever materials are used, rain water tanks are made to be opaque so that sunlight does not penetrate into the stored water. The opaque construction also helps to prevent algae from cultivating in the water.

Some people who cannot afford to buy specialized tanks resort to recycling food storage barrels, as well as those used to liquor aging barrels, as makeshift tanks. However, these tanks lack the filtering and closed loop systems of specially engineered rain water tanks.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Using a Rain Water Tank

The presence of a rain water tank helps to supplement a household’s water supply, when used in conjunction with a mains water supply. Most families employ rain water as an alternate source of domestic water, as it is readily available and for free, as a Riviera Home Owner your water usage is linked to a meter. A family may use rain water to reduce use of their mains water supply in order to cut costs, especially if they use it for washing machines, garden watering and for washing vehicles. These tasks use great amounts of water, and having an alternate for mains water for these jobs could mean reduced water costs and as mentioned above, is of benefit to helping create a greener planet – Every Little Helps!

Rain water tanks should be paired with a filtration system, so that any natural contaminants like pathogens and even chemicals are not ingested by the household through drinking. However, if only being used for the toilets, washing machines or garden propagation the filtration systems are not necessary.

One area to think about if you are a Riviera Home Owner and not in the property for long periods of time, is the basic maintenance of the tank. It could be a tedious task to perform maintenance on the tank. In maintaining your rain water tank, you have to check for debris and vegetation that could find its way to your stored rain water. It is best of course to install screens so that large pieces of debris can be filtered and stopped from entering the tank.  Maintenance may also include draining the tank of residual water so that sediments and algae are removed, although installation of a filter system may eliminate this requirement for you.

Be careful, makeshift water tanks can pose a health risk as they are more likely to become havens for mosquito larvae.