The Complete Guide to Water Storage Tanks | Types, Sizes & Buying Advice
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Learn everything you need to know about water storage tanks. Discover tank types, sizes, materials, applications, installation tips, maintenance and how to choose the right water tank for your home, farm or business.
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The Complete Guide to Water Storage Tanks
Water is one of our most valuable resources, and having a reliable way to store it is becoming increasingly important. Whether you’re preparing for municipal water interruptions, collecting rainwater, supplying a farm, supporting a business or ensuring a reliable emergency reserve, a quality water storage tank is an investment in resilience.
Modern water tanks are available in a wide range of sizes, shapes and materials, making it easier than ever to find a solution for almost any property.
This guide explains everything you need to know about water storage tanks, including the different types available, common applications, installation considerations and maintenance tips to help you make an informed decision.
Why Water Storage Matters
Reliable water storage offers peace of mind and greater independence from unpredictable water supplies.
Benefits include:
- Backup water during municipal outages.
- Rainwater harvesting.
- Emergency fire protection.
- Irrigation storage.
- Livestock watering.
- Reduced reliance on municipal infrastructure.
- Improved water security during droughts.
- Consistent water supply for homes and businesses.
As water restrictions and infrastructure challenges become more common, water storage has become an essential part of responsible water management.
What Is a Water Storage Tank?
A water storage tank is a purpose-built container designed to safely store water for later use.
Depending on the application, stored water may be used for:
- Drinking (with suitable treatment where required).
- Household use.
- Irrigation.
- Agriculture.
- Industrial processes.
- Fire suppression.
- Rainwater harvesting.
- Commercial operations.
The tank itself is only one part of the system, which may also include pumps, filters, valves, pipework and level monitoring equipment.
Types of Water Storage Tanks
Different tank designs suit different installations.
Vertical Water Tanks
Vertical tanks are the most common option for residential and agricultural use.
Advantages include:
- Excellent storage capacity.
- Small ground footprint.
- Easy installation.
- Cost-effective.
- Wide range of capacities.
They are ideal for homes, farms and businesses with adequate vertical space.
Slimline Water Tanks
Slimline tanks are designed for areas where space is limited.
They are commonly installed:
- Along boundary walls.
- Beside garages.
- Behind buildings.
- In narrow service areas.
Despite their reduced width, they can still provide substantial storage capacity.
Horizontal Water Tanks
Horizontal tanks have a lower centre of gravity and are often used on trailers, vehicles or where height restrictions apply.
Common uses include:
- Water bowsers.
- Construction sites.
- Agricultural transport.
- Dust suppression.
Underground Water Tanks
Underground tanks maximise available land while protecting stored water from sunlight and temperature fluctuations.
They are suitable for:
- Urban properties.
- Commercial developments.
- Landscape-sensitive installations.
- Large rainwater harvesting systems.
Installation requires careful planning, excavation and appropriate structural support.
Choosing the Right Tank Size
Selecting the correct capacity depends on your water usage and intended application.
Typical residential options include:
| Capacity | Common Applications |
|---|---|
| 500–1,000 litres | Small backup supply, garden use |
| 2,000–3,000 litres | Small homes, rainwater collection |
| 5,000 litres | Average family home |
| 10,000 litres | Large households, irrigation |
| 20,000 litres and above | Farms, businesses, commercial storage |
The ideal size depends on daily consumption, rainfall patterns and available installation space.
Water Tank Materials
Most domestic water tanks are manufactured from food-grade polyethylene because it is durable, lightweight and resistant to corrosion.
Benefits include:
- UV resistance.
- Corrosion resistance.
- Lightweight construction.
- Long service life.
- Low maintenance.
- Suitable for potable water when certified.
Other materials, such as steel, concrete and fibreglass, are used in specialised applications.
Where Can Water Tanks Be Installed?
Water tanks can be installed in a variety of locations, including:
- Residential gardens.
- Farms.
- Commercial premises.
- Factories.
- Schools.
- Hospitals.
- Agricultural facilities.
- Industrial sites.
Always ensure there is sufficient access for delivery, installation and future maintenance.
Preparing the Base
A stable base is one of the most important aspects of a successful installation.
The base should be:
- Level.
- Firm.
- Well-compacted.
- Large enough to support the entire base of the tank.
- Free from sharp objects.
Common base materials include reinforced concrete slabs, compacted crusher dust and engineered gravel foundations.
A poor base can lead to uneven loading, deformation and reduced tank lifespan.
Water Tank Accessories
Many installations include additional components to improve performance and convenience.
Common accessories include:
- Tank connectors.
- Ball valves.
- Float valves.
- Overflow fittings.
- Tank level indicators.
- Leaf strainers.
- First-flush diverters.
- Pump kits.
- Pressure controllers.
- Filtration systems.
Choosing compatible accessories helps create a reliable and efficient water storage system.
Water Quality Considerations
If water will be used for drinking or food preparation, additional treatment may be required depending on the source.
Possible treatment methods include:
- Sediment filtration.
- Activated carbon filtration.
- Ultraviolet (UV) disinfection.
- Reverse osmosis.
- Chlorination.
Always ensure any treatment system is suitable for your specific water source and intended use.
Maintaining Your Water Tank
Routine maintenance helps preserve water quality and extend the life of your tank.
Recommended tasks include:
- Inspect the tank regularly for cracks or damage.
- Clean leaf strainers and gutters.
- Remove accumulated sediment when necessary.
- Check fittings for leaks.
- Ensure the lid remains secure to prevent contamination.
- Inspect overflow outlets for blockages.
A well-maintained tank can provide reliable service for many years.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid these common installation and ownership mistakes:
- Installing the tank on an uneven base.
- Choosing a tank that is too small.
- Ignoring local rainfall patterns.
- Leaving openings uncovered.
- Neglecting routine maintenance.
- Failing to include overflow management.
- Using incompatible fittings or pipe sizes.
Planning ahead helps avoid expensive corrections later.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do polyethylene water tanks last?
A high-quality UV-stabilised polyethylene tank can often provide decades of reliable service when installed on a suitable base and maintained according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.
Can rainwater stored in a tank be used for drinking?
Rainwater can be used for drinking if it is collected, stored and treated appropriately. The treatment required depends on the catchment surface, storage conditions and intended use.
Should I install one large tank or several smaller tanks?
Both approaches have advantages. Multiple interconnected tanks provide redundancy and can be easier to transport and position, while a single large tank may reduce the number of fittings and connections required.
Do water tanks need cleaning?
Yes. Over time, sediment, leaves and organic matter may accumulate inside the tank. Regular inspections and periodic cleaning help maintain water quality.
Conclusion
A water storage tank is more than just a container—it is a long-term investment in water security, sustainability and resilience. Whether you are preparing for municipal supply interruptions, harvesting rainwater or supporting agricultural operations, selecting the right tank size, installing it correctly and maintaining it properly will ensure dependable performance for years to come.
By understanding your water requirements and choosing quality components, you can build a storage system that serves your household, farm or business efficiently for decades.
Related Articles
Continue exploring our Water Storage Knowledge Centre:
- How to Choose the Right Water Tank
- Water Tank Installation Guide
- Rainwater Harvesting Explained
- How to Calculate Water Tank Size
- Slimline vs Vertical Water Tanks
- Above-Ground vs Underground Water Tanks
- Water Tank Maintenance Guide
- How to Clean a Water Storage Tank
- Food-Grade Polyethylene Water Tanks Explained
- Water Tank Accessories Explained