Water Tanks in Auckland: A Guide to Choosing the Right Size for Summer

With summer on the horizon, many Auckland residents are considering the benefits of installing a water tank to help with water conservation and cost savings. Selecting the right tank size is crucial, especially with Auckland’s frequent water restrictions and dry spells during summer. This guide will walk you through the factors to consider when choosing the best water tank size for your household, helping you prepare for a water-efficient summer season.

1. Calculate Your Household Water Needs

The first step in choosing the right water tank size is understanding your household’s water requirements. Consider how much water you’ll need for non-drinking purposes like gardening, cleaning, and even emergency storage. Here are some typical uses for tank water in the summer:

Garden Watering: Gardens can be thirsty during summer, especially in Auckland’s drier months. Assess your garden’s size and the types of plants you maintain. For example, vegetable gardens may require more water than a low-maintenance flower bed.
Outdoor Cleaning and Car Washing: Many Aucklanders use tank water for outdoor cleaning and vehicle washing to avoid drawing on city water supplies, especially during water restrictions.
Household Storage: If you’re using tank water for non-potable purposes inside the home, such as flushing toilets or washing laundry, factor this into your estimate as well.

2. Consider Roof Size and Rainfall Patterns

Auckland’s climate, while humid, can vary greatly during the summer months, which affects how much water your tank will collect. Check the average summer rainfall in your area to estimate how much water your roof can catch. The larger your roof area, the more rainwater you’ll be able to collect.

If your roof size is small, consider a medium-sized tank that fits the roof’s rain-capturing capacity. Auckland residents with larger roof areas might opt for a larger tank, especially if they wish to store water for extended dry spells.

3. Types of Water Tanks and Their Capacities

Here’s a quick guide to tank sizes and their ideal uses:

Small Tanks (500–2,000 litres): Suitable for small households or apartments. Ideal for light garden watering or as a supplementary water source for small spaces.
Medium Tanks (2,000–5,000 litres): Great for typical family homes, offering enough water for garden use, outdoor cleaning, and some household purposes.
Large Tanks (10,000 litres and up): Best for properties with extensive gardens, or for households wanting substantial summer water storage.

4. Budget and Space Considerations

Water tank prices typically increase with capacity, so budget considerations may affect your choice. Additionally, measure the available space on your property. If you have a narrow area, slimline water tanks are compact and can fit alongside walls or fences, offering an efficient solution for urban properties in Auckland.

5. Future-Proofing with the Right Size

Climate change is expected to bring hotter, drier summers to New Zealand. Choosing a slightly larger tank can help you prepare for more frequent dry spells and support a sustainable lifestyle. Many Auckland homeowners find that having a larger tank is beneficial not only for their current needs but also for future water security.

Conclusion

Choosing the right water tank size for your Auckland home is essential for maximising the benefits of rainwater harvesting during summer. By assessing your water needs, rainfall, and roof area, you can select a tank that will provide ample water for outdoor and non-potable household use, helping you save on water bills and reduce environmental impact. With Just Tanks offering a range of tank sizes and styles, Auckland residents can find the perfect tank to ensure a water-efficient summer season.