Agriculture is a water-intensive economic activity. Unfortunately, not every part of Australia has abundant water resources. If your rural farm runs out of water because of little annual rainfall, you should find ways of conserving water for the dry spell. One effective way to accomplish this is using a rainwater tank.

As part of a rainwater harvesting system, water tanks can store up to several thousand litres of water. 

Although relatively new on the market, polyethylene rainwater tanks have become a preferred choice for many modern farmers. Read along to learn why these tanks may be the best for your farm use.

Cost savings

Do you want to save money on your agricultural rainwater tank installation? Water tanks made of polyethylene are inexpensive compared to traditional tank construction materials such as concrete and steel. Plus, they are cheaper to install because of their lightweight design.

The lower upfront cost of polyethylene rainwater tanks makes them a budget-friendly option for farmers who cannot afford the higher initial investment required for concrete and steel alternatives.

Water safety

Water used on farms should be clean and safe for the intended purposes. Low-water quality can hurt farm productivity and result in financial losses for the farmer. This situation can happen to anyone who practises irrigation, rears livestock or does both.

Polyethylene is a non-toxic, non-hygroscopic polymer that keeps harmful bacteria and parasites at bay. As a result, you do not have to worry about your farm water getting contaminated.

Design flexibility

Polyethylene rainwater tanks come in all shapes and sizes to suit the requirements of different users in terms of water storage capacity, tank placement and installation, desired aesthetics and many more.

Your agricultural water usage will determine which size water tank is best for your rural farm. The available space will determine the tank shape you should choose. For example, consider using a slimline water tank if space is scarce on your property. Unlike a traditional round tank, this tank type has narrow dimensions to take up the smallest footprint possible while still providing adequate rainwater storage.

Like other types of rainwater tanks, polyethylene tanks have drawbacks. For instance, they are not built as strong as concrete and steel versions and might not provide comparable storage capacity. 

Get in touch with an industrial water tank supplier to learn more about your options. They'll look into your needs and help you make the right choice.