Image show Ri-Industries concrete rainwater tanks being installed underground

Why Summer Is the Time to Upgrade Your Water Storage

by Ri Industries

Image show Ri-Industries concrete rainwater tanks being installed underground

As summer approaches, homeowners across South Australia are getting ready for higher temperatures, drier conditions, and increased water use. Whether you’re maintaining your garden, preparing for fire season, or simply trying to reduce your reliance on mains water, the right water storage system can make all the difference.

For many families, an underground concrete rainwater tank is becoming the smart, long-term home upgrade especially as we head into another hot South Australian summer.

Here’s why now is the ideal time to plan ahead.

  1. Hot Weather Means Higher Water Use

Gardens, lawns, pets, cooling systems, and everyday household needs all place extra demand on your water supply during summer.

An underground tank helps you:

  • Capture and store more rainwater
  • Keep gardens greener for longer
  • Reduce your reliance on mains water during peak-use periods
  • Have more control over your home’s water supply

A little planning now saves stress and costs when the heat hits.

  1. Underground Tanks Keep Water Cooler and Cleaner

Above-ground tanks heat up quickly in summer, encouraging algae, odours, and aftertaste. Underground concrete tanks naturally stay cool and dark, which helps:

  • Prevent algae growth
  • Maintain fresh, clean-tasting water
  • Reduce evaporation losses
  • Keep your water supply protected from extreme temperatures

It’s one of the biggest advantages for homeowners who want a stable, low-maintenance solution.

  1. A Smarter Option for Bushfire Preparation

South Australia’s fire season is unpredictable, but your home’s readiness shouldn’t be.

An underground tank provides:

  • A secure, protected water supply in case of emergency
  • A fire-resistant and vandal-proof structure
  • Reliable reserves that won’t evaporate or heat up

For rural and semi-rural homeowners especially, it’s an important layer of protection.

  1. Maximise Your Outdoor Space

Unlike bulky above-ground tanks, underground storage keeps your outdoor areas open and usable.

You gain:

  • More space for landscaping
  • Cleaner visual appeal
  • Room for future upgrades
  • Flexibility for new structures or entertainment areas

It’s a practical choice for growing families or anyone planning to update their outdoor areas.

  1. A Long-Term Home Upgrade With Lasting Value

Ri-Industries tanks are built locally right here in South Australia using:

  • High-frequency vibrated reinforced concrete
  • Steel mesh
  • Brass fittings
  • Fully engineered designs built to last

Once installed, they require minimal maintenance and deliver decades of reliable performance making them a true set-and-forget investment for your home.

With summer fast approaching, now is the perfect time to upgrade your residential water storage. Whether you’re looking to protect your family during hot weather, boost your garden, or prepare for emergencies, a Ri-Industries underground concrete tank gives you security and peace of mind.

If you’d like help choosing the right tank for your home, our team is here to guide you.

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Rainwater Harvesting Will Help Conserve Water and Lower Costs

by Ri Industries

Rainwater harvesting is an excellent way to conserve water and lower expenses. The rainfall we’ve been seeing in South Australia makes this a great time to learn about rainwater harvesting and see if it’s something you’d like to do. 

First, let’s answer the question, ‘What is rainwater harvesting?’. Simply put, it’s collecting and storing rain for later use. So now, let’s take a look at how the water can be used and how it is collected. 

Harvested rainwater provides clean water where water is scarce or polluted. It can be used to flush toilets, do laundry, water the garden, wash cars, and more. However, if you want to be able to drink the water, the system must be designed, operated, and maintained to ensure the water quality is suitable. 

It’s often thought that rainwater harvesting is only done in rural areas. In fact, many urban households harvest rainwater to significantly lower mains water usage. According to www.sa.gov.au, “South Australian building rules require that new dwellings and some extensions or alterations, have an additional water supply to supplement mains water. The most common way to meet the additional water supply requirement is to install plumbed minimum-sized rainwater tanks.”

Is harvesting rainwater more costly than only using mains water? No! Once the tank is installed and your water use is supplemented by the harvested rainwater, your water bills should be lower. After all, rainwater is free!

Harvested rainwater is collected from various hard surfaces such as rooftops and/or other man made above ground hard surfaces. The water is stored in a tank. The below diagram (credit: treehugger.com) shows how rainwater harvesting works.

Ri-Industries manufactures underground concrete rainwater tanks. Concrete rainwater tanks offer a number of advantages:

  • The water stays cooler.
  • No algae develops.
  • The water has no after-taste.
  • They are vandal-proof and fire-proof.
  • Being underground means they are out of sight and don’t take up much of your valuable real estate.
  • Concrete is stronger and more durable.

Our rainwater tanks are built to stand the test of time. They’re made from high frequency vibrated reinforced concrete using the highest quality of materials. Steel mesh is cast into the rainwater tanks and lids, and all fittings are made from brass – to give additional peace of mind. We also have full engineering approval for below ground tanks. This means you can rest easy knowing that a Ri-Industries rainwater tank will serve you well, wherever it is installed. We can also custom make inlets and outlets to suit your specific requirements. 

Are you ready to conserve water and save money? Call us at 08 8444 8100 and let know how we can help you!

 

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Rainwater Harvesting Benefits Farming and Agriculture

by Ri Industries

Farming and agriculture play an important role in Australia. Rainwater tanks contribute to their success by reducing their reliance on mother nature.

Farms require an abundance of water to keep their crops and livestock healthy. In Australia, which is known for its dry climate, rainwater tanks Adelaide can help keep the water flowing despite a lack of rain. Another concern of farmers is the outbreak of disease or parasites. When this occurs, it’s in their best interest to have access to their own clean water supply.

Farmers use rainwater harvesting, which is the primary and most efficient component of water supply management for rural and regional Australia, to fill the rainwater tanks. Rainwater that falls on the roofs of houses, sheds, and other farm buildings is collected and stored in tanks. This is an easy way to locally collect water and use it where and when it’s needed.

The collected water can be used in various applications such as feeding stock, spraying crops, and storing water for firefighting. The quality of rainwater is typically superior to water from sources such as dams and local waterways which means it can also be used for domestic use.

Rainwater harvesting is expected to become more popular in the years to come. This is in part due to the cost-effectiveness of rainwater harvesting as compared to setting up main water and sewage services in semi-rural and rural areas. In fact, rainwater harvesting is so cost-efficient that arguments have been made that it should be used more widely in urban areas as well.

The bottom line is that safely storing water in tanks is a cost-effective way to see you through many types of water crises, including drought. If you’d like to learn more about rainwater harvesting and/or Ri-Industries rainwater tanks, we have a range of articles you can read available on our website. Of course, we’ll be happy to take your call to answer questions as well. You can reach us at 08 8444 8100.