Reliable access to water is important for homes, farms and businesses across New Zealand. Whether you’re collecting rainwater, preparing for periods of restricted supply or simply looking for additional water storage, the right water storage tank can provide a practical long-term solution.

With different sizes, shapes, materials and applications available, choosing a tank isn’t simply about finding the biggest option. Your water requirements, available space, property type and intended use all need to be considered.

In this guide, we’ll look at the main types of water storage tanks NZ, how to choose the right size, what affects pricing and what to consider before installation.

What Are Water Storage Tanks?

Water storage tanks are containers designed to collect and store water for later use. In New Zealand, they are commonly used for rainwater collection, household water supply, rural properties, agricultural applications and commercial water storage.

A properly selected and installed tank can help property owners make better use of available water while providing an additional supply when it is needed.

Why Are Water Storage Tanks Popular in New Zealand?

New Zealand properties can have very different water requirements depending on their location and use. Rural properties may need substantial storage because they are not connected to a reliable mains supply, while urban homeowners may install rainwater tanks to collect rainfall or provide backup water.

Some of the common reasons for installing water storage tanks include:

• Collecting and storing rainwater
• Providing backup water storage
• Supporting rural and agricultural properties
• Reducing dependence on mains water
• Supplying water for gardens and outdoor areas
• Supporting commercial and industrial operations
• Preparing for periods of limited water availability

Types of Water Storage Tanks in NZ

Choosing the right type of tank starts with understanding how you intend to use the stored water.

Residential Water Tanks

Residential water tanks are commonly used for homes, lifestyle properties and properties requiring additional water storage.

Depending on the system, stored water may be used for gardening, outdoor activities, toilets, laundry or other household applications.

Rainwater Storage Tanks

Rainwater tanks collect rainfall from suitable roof catchment areas and store it for future use.

They can be particularly useful for properties looking to make better use of rainfall instead of allowing water to run directly into stormwater systems.

Rural Water Storage Tanks

Rural properties often require considerably more water storage than standard residential properties.

Large water storage tanks in NZ can be used on farms, lifestyle blocks and other rural properties where water availability and storage capacity are important considerations.

Potable Water Tanks

If stored water is intended for drinking, the tank and associated components need to be suitable for potable-water storage.

This includes considering the tank material, fittings, plumbing, filtration and overall water treatment system.

Commercial Water Storage Tanks

Businesses and commercial sites may require larger-capacity tanks to support their operational water requirements.

The appropriate solution depends on the property’s water demand, available space and intended application.

How Do You Choose the Right Water Storage Tank?

There isn’t one tank size or design that works for every property. Before purchasing a tank, consider several important factors.

Determine Your Water Requirements

Start by estimating how much water your property uses.

For a household, this could include:

• Drinking water
• Showers and baths
• Toilets
• Laundry
• Cleaning
• Gardening

For farms and businesses, additional requirements may include livestock, irrigation, production processes and other operational uses.

Consider Your Available Space

The available installation area can influence the shape and capacity of your tank.

Measure the proposed site carefully and consider access for delivery, installation and future maintenance.

Think About Your Water Source

Your tank requirements will depend partly on where the water comes from.

Possible sources include:

• Rainwater
• Mains water
• Bore water
• Other approved water sources

If you’re collecting rainwater, your roof catchment area and local rainfall patterns are also important factors.

Choose an Appropriate Capacity

Water tanks are available in a wide range of capacities.

Smaller tanks may be suitable for supplementary garden or household use, while larger tanks are commonly considered for rural, agricultural and commercial applications.

The ideal capacity depends on your expected water consumption, available water supply and how long you need stored water to last.

What Affects Water Tank Prices in NZ?

If you’re comparing water tank prices in NZ, don’t look at capacity alone.

The overall cost can be influenced by:

• Tank size
• Tank material
• Tank design
• Delivery distance
• Site accessibility
• Installation requirements
• Pumps
• Filters
• Plumbing
• Tank fittings
• Ground preparation

A larger tank may have a higher upfront cost, but choosing an unsuitable smaller tank can also result in additional costs later if more storage is required.

It’s therefore useful to consider the complete system rather than comparing tank prices in isolation.

What Is Involved in Water Tank Installation?

Installing a water storage tank involves more than simply placing the tank on a property.

Depending on the application, installation may involve:

1. Preparing a suitable foundation
2. Delivering and positioning the tank
3. Connecting inlet and outlet pipes
4. Installing overflow arrangements
5. Connecting pumps where required
6. Installing filtration equipment
7. Connecting the tank to the relevant plumbing
8. Checking the system for leaks and correct operation

Site access is particularly important for large tanks. Make sure there is sufficient access for the delivery vehicle and installation equipment before ordering.

Benefits of Installing a Water Storage Tank

Additional Water Security

Stored water can provide an additional supply when your normal water source is unavailable or restricted.

Rainwater Collection

Rainwater tanks allow suitable properties to collect and store rainfall for later use.

Support for Rural Properties

Large tanks can provide valuable storage for farms, lifestyle blocks and rural properties where mains water may not be available.

Flexible Water Use

Stored water can be used for appropriate household, garden, agricultural or commercial applications depending on the system.

Better Preparedness

Having additional water storage can help properties prepare for periods when water availability may be reduced.

How Much Water Storage Do You Need?

The answer depends on several factors rather than simply the number of people living at the property.

Consider:

• Number of occupants
• Daily water consumption
• Property type
• Rainfall
• Roof catchment area
• Tank refill rate
• Garden or irrigation requirements
• Livestock requirements
• Desired backup period

For this reason, two properties of the same size may require completely different tank capacities.

Maintaining Your Water Storage Tank

Regular maintenance can help keep your water storage system operating effectively.

Depending on the system, maintenance may include:

• Checking the tank for visible damage
• Inspecting pipes and fittings
• Checking overflow outlets
• Cleaning filters
• Inspecting pumps
• Keeping gutters and roof catchment areas clean
• Checking for contamination or debris
• Following the tank manufacturer’s maintenance recommendations

Rainwater systems should also be checked periodically to ensure that the collection and filtration components are working properly.

Frequently Asked Questions

What size water tank should I buy in NZ?

The appropriate size depends on your water consumption, rainfall, catchment area, property type and required backup period. A household, lifestyle block and farm may all require different capacities.

Are water storage tanks suitable for rainwater?

Yes. Many tanks are designed specifically for collecting and storing rainwater. The complete system should be appropriately configured for the intended use.

Can stored tank water be used for drinking?

It can be, provided the complete system is designed and maintained for potable-water use and meets the relevant requirements. Tank suitability, filtration, treatment and plumbing all need to be considered.

How much do water storage tanks cost in New Zealand?

The price varies depending on capacity, material, design, delivery and installation requirements. Additional equipment such as pumps and filtration can also affect the total cost.

Are large water tanks suitable for rural properties?

Yes. Large-capacity tanks are commonly considered for rural properties where substantial water storage is required.

How often should a water tank be maintained?

Maintenance requirements vary according to the tank and system. Regular inspections of the tank, fittings, filters, gutters, pumps and associated components can help identify problems early.

Choosing Water Storage Tanks in NZ

The right water storage tank in NZ should match the way you use water, the conditions of your property and the amount of storage you actually need.

Before making a decision, consider your water source, required capacity, available installation space, tank specifications and the complete cost of installation. For larger or more complex systems, professional advice can also help ensure the tank and supporting equipment are appropriate for the application.

Whether you’re looking for a rainwater tank for your home, additional storage for a lifestyle property or a larger solution for a rural or commercial site, taking the time to assess your requirements can help you choose a practical water storage solution for the long term.