What Size Water Tank Do I Need
You'll need to evaluate several key factors to determine your ideal water tank size. For fire-prone areas, start with a 20,000-liter minimum reserve. Add roughly 30,000 liters per person in your household for annual domestic use. For gardens, calculate your area needs (6L/m²/day for vegetables, 4L/m²/day for lawns, 2L/m²/day for native plants). Your roof's catchment area and local rainfall patterns will affect collection capacity. For a family of four, a GT 250 tank (247,874 liters) provides extensive coverage. Understanding these elements will help you make the best choice for your specific situation.
Fire Reserve
A critical 20,000-liter fire reserve should be factored into your water tank capacity if you live in a fire-prone area. This reserve guarantees you'll have access to emergency water during bushfire season, which can make a significant difference in protecting your property.
When selecting your tank size, you'll need to add this 20,000-liter requirement on top of your regular household water needs. For example, if you're a four-person household typically requiring a GT 150 tank (149,948 liters), you should consider upgrading to a GT 250 (247,874 liters) to accommodate both your daily usage and fire safety requirements.
You'll want to guarantee your fire reserve remains untouched during regular water usage. Consider installing a dedicated fire reserve outlet at the appropriate height in your tank, preventing the reserve from being accidentally depleted. This setup allows you to access your daily water supply while maintaining your emergency reserve.
If you're unsure about your specific requirements, you can consult with local fire authorities who'll help determine if you need additional capacity based on your property's location and risk factors.
Irrigation
Several key factors determine your irrigation tank size requirements: your water source reliability, potential harvesting capacity, and expected usage volume. You'll need to calculate your garden's water needs by considering the types of plants, soil conditions, and seasonal variations in rainfall.
| Usage Type | Water Needs | Tank Size Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Vegetable Garden | 6L/m²/day | High demand in growing season |
| Lawn Areas | 4L/m²/day | Moderate, seasonal peaks |
| Native Gardens | 2L/m²/day | Lower, drought-tolerant |
To determine your ideal tank size, you'll need to multiply your garden area by daily water requirements and plan for dry spells. If you're irrigating 100m² of mixed gardens, you might need up to 400L daily during peak season. Don't forget to factor in your rainfall patterns – if you experience long dry periods, you'll want to size up your tank to maintain continuous supply.
Consider installing a larger tank than your immediate calculations suggest, as this provides a buffer during drought periods and allows for future garden expansion. You can also implement water-efficient irrigation systems to maximize your storage capacity's effectiveness.
Water Source
When choosing a water tank, your primary water source plays a crucial role in determining the right size. If you're relying on rainwater harvesting, you'll need to calculate your roof's catchment area and local annual rainfall to estimate your collection capacity.
For those connecting to municipal water supplies, you'll want to take into account peak usage times and potential water restrictions that might affect your supply.
Your water source will impact both tank size and configuration requirements. You'll need to verify your tank's inlet and outlet positions align with your water source's delivery method, whether it's rainwater from gutters or pressurized municipal supply lines.
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Rainwater harvesting requires careful evaluation of your roof area, with larger surfaces potentially supporting tanks up to GT 250 (247,874 litres).
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Municipal water connections need proper pressure regulation and may benefit from smaller tanks like GT 90 (92,570 litres).
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Multiple water sources might require specialized fittings and larger capacity tanks to manage different input streams effectively.
Think about installing a wet or dry system based on your primary water source - wet systems collect water underground, while dry systems direct water straight into your tank.
Harvesting Factors
Building on your water source selection, multiple harvesting factors will affect your tank's size requirements.
Your roof's catchment area serves as your primary collection surface, directly impacting how much rainwater you'll harvest throughout the year. Once you know the square metre area, multiple this by your annual rainfall and you'll have an idea of how much rainwater you'll be able to harvest each year.
If you're unsure on what your annual rainfall is, you can go the the Bureau of Meteorology website to look it up.
For ideal harvesting, you'll need to account for your household size - remember that each person typically uses about 30,000 litres annually.
Consider connecting specific domestic functions to your tank system. If you're planning to use harvested water for multiple purposes like irrigation, toilet flushing, and laundry, you'll need a larger capacity.
The GT series offers various sizes to match your needs, from the GT 90 for two-person households to the GT 250 for six-person families, assuring you can maximize your water harvesting potential.
Domestic Usage Volume
Throughout the year, your household's water consumption patterns directly influence the tank size you'll need. By understanding that each person uses approximately 30,000 litres annually, you can better calculate your total household requirements. This baseline helps you determine whether you'll need a GT 90 for a two-person home or a larger GT 250 for a six-person household.
Your domestic usage volume depends on several key factors that you'll need to take into account when selecting your tank size:
- Number of occupants in your home (multiply by 30,000 litres per person annually)
- Connected applications (toilets, washing machines, gardens, or pool top-ups)
- Seasonal variations in water consumption (summer garden watering, winter indoor usage)
For ideal water security, you'll want to match your tank's capacity to your specific needs. If you're a two-person household, the GT 90 with its 92,570-litre capacity will typically suffice.
However, if you're planning to connect multiple domestic applications or have a larger family, you'll need to think about upgrading to a larger model to guarantee adequate supply throughout the year.
Total Usage Volume
Understanding your tank's total usable volume differs from its gross capacity, as not all water in your tank is accessible. The positioning of inlets and outlets affects how much water you can actually use, typically resulting in about 90-95% of the gross capacity being available for regular consumption.
To determine your total usable volume, you'll need to assess your household size and daily usage patterns. The average person uses about 82 liters per day, which helps calculate your minimum tank requirements.
| Gross Capacity/th> | Usable Volume | Model | Annual Usage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 People | 92,570L | 87,941L | GT 90 | 60,000L |
| 3 People | 110,166L | 104,657L | GT 110 | 90,000L |
| 4 People | 149,948L | 142,450L | GT 150 | 120,000L |
| 6 People | 247,974L | 235,480L | GT 250 | 180,000L |
| 8 People | 300,065L | 285,061L | GT 300 | 240,000L |
This data is provided as a guide only, and is not a representation of exact figures. You'll want to select a tank that provides at least 20% more capacity than your annual usage to account for dry spells and confirm you've got enough reserve for emergencies.
Pioneer Water Tank Sizes
Pioneer Water Tanks offers a diverse range of water storage solutions, with capacities from 12,200 liters (GT10 model) to 500,065 liters (GTi500 model). Each tank features a consistent height of 2.18 meters for models GT10 through GT250, and 3.24 meters for larger models GTi290 through GTi500, with diameters increasing proportionally to accommodate greater volumes. This variety ensures suitability for various applications, from residential to agricultural and industrial needs. Pioneer's tanks are engineered for durability and longevity, providing reliable water storage across Australia.
| MODEL | DIAMETER | HEIGHT | LITRES | GALLONS |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GT10 | 2.67m | 2.18m | 12,200 | 2,600 |
| GT20 | 3.34m | 2.18m | 19,100 | 4,200 |
| GT30 | 4.01m | 2.18m | 27,542 | 6,053 |
| GT40 | 4.68m | 2.18m | 37,574 | 8,258 |
| GT50 | 5.35m | 2.18m | 48,963 | 10,761 |
| GT60 | 6.02m | 2.18m | 62,111 | 13,651 |
| GT80 | 6.69m | 2.18m | 76,504 | 16,814 |
| GT90 | 7.35m | 2.18m | 92,570 | 20,345 |
| GT110 | 8.02m | 2.18m | 110,116 | 24,212 |
| GT130 | 8.69m | 2.18m | 129,292 | 28,416 |
| GT150 | 9.36m | 2.18m | 149,948 | 32,956 |
| GT170 | 10.03m | 2.18m | 172,134 | 37,832 |
| GT200 | 10.70m | 2.18m | 195,851 | 43,044 |
| GT220 | 11.36m | 2.18m | 221,604 | 48,704 |
| GT250 | 12.03m | 2.18m | 247,874 | 54,478 |
| GT290 | 10.70m | 3.24m | 290,632 | 63,876 |
| GTi330 | 11.36m | 3.24m | 328,096 | 72,109 |
| GTi370 | 12.03m | 3.24m | 367,831 | 80,784 |
| GTi410 | 12.70m | 3.24m | 409,860 | 90,157 |
| GTi500 | 14.04m | 3.24m | 500,065 | 109,999 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Connect Multiple Water Tanks Together to Increase Storage Capacity?
You can connect water tanks in series or parallel to expand your storage capacity, increase water pressure, and enhance collection efficiency.
When linking tanks, you'll need proper plumbing connections, matching overflow heights, and balanced inlet/outlet configurations.
Be certain to maintain at least 1m clearance between tanks and use compatible materials for all connections to prevent leaks and guarantee peak system performance.
How Often Should I Clean and Inspect My Water Tank?
You should inspect your water tank every 6 months and perform a thorough cleaning at least once a year.
Check for debris in the catchment system, examine your tank liner for damage, and verify overflow devices are working properly.
Don't forget to inspect seals, connections, and accessories during these checks.
If you notice any discoloration or unusual odors, schedule an immediate inspection to maintain water quality.
What Happens to My Water Tank During Freezing Temperatures?
During freezing temperatures, you'll need to protect your water tank to prevent damage. If water freezes inside your tank, it can expand and potentially crack the liner or damage the structure.
You can insulate your tank with specialised covers or heating elements to maintain above-freezing temperatures. It's also wise to keep your tank as full as possible during cold weather, as a larger water volume takes longer to freeze.
Does Tank Color Affect Water Temperature or Quality Inside?
You'll be amazed at how dramatically tank color can impact your water!
While COLORBOND® steel tanks come in various colors, darker shades absorb more heat, potentially warming your water slightly on sunny days.
However, thanks to the advanced five-layer Aqualiner FRESH® technology, your water quality remains unaffected regardless of the tank's exterior color.
The liner acts as an excellent insulator and protective barrier between the steel and your water.
Can I Relocate My Water Tank After Installation if Needed?
While you can relocate your water tank, it's not recommended due to potential damage risks and complexity.
You'll need to completely drain the tank, carefully dismantle it, and guarantee proper reinstallation at the new site.
This process requires professional expertise since improper handling could damage the Aqualiner FRESH® liner or compromise the tank's structural integrity.
It's best to carefully plan your initial installation location.
Conclusion
You'll find that sizing your water tank correctly makes all the difference in meeting your household needs. Consider that a typical family of four uses approximately 120,000 liters of water annually, which means you'll need at least a 150,000-liter tank for reliable water storage. By carefully evaluating your usage patterns, rainfall data, and specific requirements, you can select a tank that provides long-term water security.