October 15 2002

Water Tank Sales on the Rise as Drought Grip Tightens

Water tank sales have been on the increase in urban areas in recent months as homeowners embrace a traditional method to conserve water.

As part of Council’s promotion for National Water Week, Penrith City Mayor Greg Davies visited City Rainwater Tanks at St Marys, who have been manufacturing water tanks for homes and industry for 12 years.

Director Alex Dunlop said people’s awareness of the need to conserve water in the face of one the worst droughts in Australia has resulted in increased sales over the past few months.

"We’re going through a high at the moment because of people’s awareness about preserving water," he said. "It’s not about the cost, because water is not expensive, it’s about conservation. People want to save water and one way of doing that is through installing a water tank.

Mr Dunlop said roof areas are enormous catchments and even under a small carport, a tank will collect 11,000 litres of water a year. The run-off from a home roof can add up to 120,000 litres a year.

He set up the City Rainwater Tanks Aust Pty Ltd 12 years ago after discovering the difficulty of buying a water tank in cities. The company also has a second branch at Ingleburn.

Councillor Davies said rainwater tanks are now classified as exempt development under new rules introduced in 2000, so people no longer need planning approval for a tank at home if it is smaller than 10,000 litres.

"Rainwater tanks have the potential to collect an enormous amount of water, which can be used on the garden, topping up pools and cleaning the car," he said.

"All we suggest is that people discuss plans with their neighbours, if it will be close to the boundary or fence line.

"Another major benefit of water tanks is in the reduction of stormwater run-off which flows into the creeks and rivers, often collecting pollutants from the road and gutters on the way."

Councillor Davies said Council had a number of water saving strategies in place as part of its conservation initiatives, including the use of recycled water for parks, reserves and sporting fields. As part of the Every Drops Counts program, council will also be looking at reducing the amount if water it uses in the Civic Centre, swimming pools, halls and childcare centres.

During National Water Week being held from October 20 to 26, a series of interactive displays will be held in the Civic Centre foyer to show how water can be saved around the house, at work and in the garden.

They will be held between 12.30pm and 1.30pm from Tuesday, October 22until Thursday, October 24, and will include information about the latest water saving products, such as water tanks, showerheads, hot water systems and water saving aerators.

For information about Council’s water reduction programs or the displays at the Civic Centre, call Vanessa Steele on 4732 7580.

For more information, please contact Amanda Kane, Public Relations Officer, Penrith City Council, on 4732 7632 or mobile 0417 654 798 or Alex Dunlop at City Rainwater Tanks Aust Pty Ltd on 9623 2414

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