How Rainwater Harvesting Saves Money
Water bills in Tasmania can be a sizeable ongoing expense, especially if you’re running sprinklers, washing clothes, flushing toilets or filling pools. Installing a water tank and harvesting rainwater can slash those bills, reduce dependence on the mains supply, and provide a reliable water source throughout the year.
The real financial benefits
1. Big reduction in mains water use
With a rainwater tank, much of your garden watering, laundry, toilet flushing and washing can come from collected rain, not mains water. Over a year, that adds up. Depending on household size and usage patterns, many homes see a noticeable drop in their water bill after switching.
2. Drought protection and drought-proofing
In dry seasons or during water restrictions, reliance on mains water can mean increased costs or limited usage. A tank buffers you from drought impacts, ensures water availability, and helps you avoid peak‑season price spikes or restrictions.
3. Potential rebates and government incentives
Some local councils or state schemes offer rebates, rebates on plumbing, or grants when you install a compliant rainwater harvesting system. That helps offset installation costs and shortens the payback period.
4. Value for resale and property improvements
Homes or properties with well-planned water tanks and harvesting systems often appeal to buyers, especially in rural or environmentally conscious markets. That added value can translate into a higher resale price or a faster sale.
How much can you really save?
Suppose you install a 100,000‑litre tank and your roof catchment area receives regular rainfall over the year. Depending on household usage (garden, laundry, toilets), you could harvest enough to cover 50 to 80% of water needs.
Savings depend on how much mains water you currently use, but even cutting usage by half can result in a substantial drop in your quarterly or annual water bill. Multiply that over the years, and the tank begins to pay for itself.
Non‑monetary benefits (that save money in the long run)
Less wear on mains infrastructure - You reduce strain on pumps and mains pipes, which can extend plumbing life.
Reduced risk of shortages - During droughts or restrictions, you maintain access to water, avoiding the cost or hassle of hauling water.
Environmental savings - Less mains-water use means less demand on municipal water supply and watershed ecosystems. Many homeowners value this intangible benefit.
What makes a harvesting system cost‑effective
To get the most out of your system:
Ensure adequate roof catchment area. Bigger roofs = more rain captured.
Use a suitable tank size. Too small, and you’ll still rely heavily on mains; too large, and you'll pay for capacity you don’t use.
Have proper setup and maintenance. Gutters, first-flush diverters, filters and good plumbing reduce waste and maximise water quality.
Use harvested water for high-volume, non‑drinking uses. Gardens, toilets, washing machines, and outdoor taps. This is where savings add up fast.
Long‑term savings: How to evaluate
Think of a tank as a long-term investment. Upfront cost and installation may seem high compared to just connecting to mains, but treat it like this:
Year 1: Some investment, some savings
Over 5 to 10 years: Water bills could drop substantially
Long term (10+ years): Potential payback happens, water becomes effectively “free,” and you have a valuable asset on your property.
What you should do before installing
Estimate your household’s water use (garden, appliances, toilets) and see how much of that rainwater could realistically cover.
Check your roof area and rainfall stats for your region.
Choose the right size of tank for your use.
Plan where the tank will go, close to the catchment area, with easy access, and a suitable base.
Rainwater harvesting isn’t just “green”, it’s smart economics. With modest investment, you can significantly reduce water costs, get long‑term security, and increase the value and resilience of your property. When you’re ready to explore tank and system options, give us a call, and we’ll help determine a size and setup that makes sense for you.
