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Rainwater Tanks Conserve Water at Home

by Ri Industries

Australians are urged to conserve water every day.  However, the problem is not ours alone.  A 2015 report by NASA states that 21 of the world’s 37 largest aquifers (underground reservoirs) have passed their sustainability tipping points, meaning more water was removed than replaced during the decade-long study period.

Aquifers can take thousands of years to fill up and only slowly recharge with water from snowmelt and rains. The NASA study found the Canning Basin in Australia’s western end had the third-highest rate of depletion in the world.

In 2007, the people of Adelaide were told that “critical human needs” might not be met in the future. Despite what many people believe, there is not an unending supply of water. It is imperative that we work together to conserve our water supply.

Aquifers supply roughly 35% of water used by humans worldwide. We need to find balance by removing less water than is added. Ri Industries blogs, such as this one, contain lots of simple tips for conserving water around the home.

Ri Industries concrete rainwater tanks are a great way to conserve water at home. The tanks can be installed above ground or below ground and they offer a number of advantages, such as:

  • The water stays cooler.
  • No algae develops.
  • The water has no after-taste.
  • They are bullet proof, vandal-proof and fire-proof.
  • Being underground means they are out of sight and don’t take up much of your valuable real estate.
  • Above ground tanks can be spray painted to fit in better with your surroundings.
  • Concrete is stronger and more durable.
  • Our reinforced concrete rainwater tanks are built to last and basically are maintenance free.

Learn more about our concrete rainwater tanks by calling us at 08 8444 8100.

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Save Money with Rainwater Harvesting

by Ri Industries

People often say that they would eat healthier or buy organic groceries if they didn’t cost more. They would replace older appliances with energy efficient models, if they could afford it. Wouldn’t it be great if doing something healthy and good for the environment could save you money? Ri Industries has a suggestion for you. Rainwater harvesting. 

Rainwater harvesting is simply the process of collecting rainwater and storing it for human use. Guess what? Rainwater is FREE! Once you have a rainwater tank installed you begin saving money on your water bill each and every month. Plus, using harvested rainwater means using less water from the mains thereby you will be helping the water conservation efforts. 

Did you know that stormwater can actually damage creeks and water habitats? It’s true. Rainwater harvesting can actually help protect against significant damage. 

Rainwater can be used to flush toilets, do laundry, water the garden, wash cars, and more. Using rainwater in and around your home can largely reduce the amount of water that you use. 

Ri Industries offers concrete rainwater tanks that can be installed above or below the ground. Their design makes them basically maintenance free. Call us to learn more, 08 8444 8100.

Rainwater Tanks Make a Difference to the Australian Climate

by Ri Industries

“In Australia water is a valuable commodity. Rainwater can provide a renewable supply of natural, soft, clear, and odourless water that can be used for a range of purposes including drinking, washing, bathing, laundry, and gardening. In some areas, it may represent the primary source of household water while in others it can supplement existing mains water supply.” – Government of South Australia

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The government of South Australia recommends the use of rainwater tanks to help conserve water. Ri Industries manufactures above ground or below ground concrete rainwater tanks for both residential and commercial use.

What are the benefits to the Ri Industries concrete rainwater tanks?

  • The water stays cooler.
  • No algae develops.
  • The water has no after-taste.
  • They are bullet proof, vandal-proof and fire-proof.
  • Being underground means they are out of sight and don’t take up much of your valuable real estate.
  • Above ground tanks can be spray painted to fit in better with your surroundings.
  • Concrete is stronger and more durable.

Give us a call at 08 8444 8100 to learn about our rainwater tanks and other products as well.

 

Don’t Waste Rainwater! Use Rainwater Tanks.

by Ri Industries

South Australians take steps every day to save water: shorter showers; turning off the tap when brushing teeth; and other techniques. But when it rains, many of us let the water go to waste. Ri Industries has a solution. Concrete rainwater tanks.

Why use rainwater tanks? Because rainwater is a valuable natural resource. Using rainwater can reduce water bills and provide alternatives during water restrictions. Using rainwater can also decrease stormwater runoff which will reduce local flooding.

One of the great things about using rainwater is that it can be used for almost all domestic uses. It is recommended that water used for drinking and cooking come from the public reticulated water supply, but for all other purposes rainwater is an excellent alternative.

Why use Ri Industries concrete rainwater tanks?

  • The water stays cooler.
  • No algae develops.
  • The water has no after-taste.
  • They are bullet proof, vandal-proof and fire-proof.
  • Being underground means they are out of sight and don’t take up much of your valuable real estate.
  • Above ground tanks can be spray painted to fit in better with your surroundings.
  • Concrete is stronger and more durable.

Showers, baths, gardening, dishes, clothes washing, toilet flushing are all activities perfect for using rainwater. Learn more by calling us at 08 8444 8100.

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Tips to Conserve Pool Water

by Ri Industries

Whew! It’s hot outside and nothing would feel better than a dip in the cool water of your pool. Go ahead. No need to feel guilty about “wasting” water. Ri Industries understands the importance of conserving water in South Australia, but there are ways to enjoy yourself and conserve pool water.

There are a number of effective ways to conserve water in the pool and spa:

  • What goes in does NOT have to come back out. Once the pool is filled do what you can to keep the water in the pool. Discourage splash fights, especially with people on the pool deck. Cannonballs may be fun, but their large splash typically sends water out of the pool. Fill squirts guns from the tap and not the pool.
  • Reduce evaporation by covering the pool during the highest evaporation times, early evening.
  • Reduce backwash from the filter. If you can, install a cartridge filter which does not require backwashing.

You work hard and deserve to enjoy your pool and/or spa. With a few adjustments, you can keep more water in the pool and help South Australia conserve water. For more information on our rainwater tanks, please call 08 8444 8100.

Rainwater Tanks Make Water Conservation Simple

by Ri Industries

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Ready for even more rainwater tank facts? Ri Industries is helping spread the word about the many benefits of using rainwater tanks Adelaide. Here are 9 more compelling reasons to install a rainwater tank at your home.

  • Rainwater tanks come in many different sizes; visit Ri Industries to learn more, or use our phone app to view specific details and measurements of our rainwater tanks.
  • Use of rainwater saves our oceans and rivers by reducing the amount of sewage discharged to these waterways.
  • By the numbers:

             10mm of rain fall results in 200sqm roof = 2,000 litres X 80%                    collection / rain bounce = 1,600 litres water stored;

  • 2,500 litres water stored will provide 4 litres / toilet flush ( 140 litre / week) as an alternative source with lower levels of salt and other substances.
  • Producing water from a rainwater tank is 5 times more energy efficient than when produced in a desalination plant.
  • Rainwater tanks can be buried underground out of sight and is a good option for smaller properties.
  • According to the Government, if southeast Queensland and Sydney homeowners increased rainwater tank installations by 5 percent, major water projects could be delayed for years.
  • Your garden will thrive when showered with your collected rainwater!

Learn even more about what a rainwater tank can mean to your home by calling Ri Industries at 08 8444 8100 and speaking with one of our experts.

How Much Water Can a Rainwater Tank Save?

by Ri Industries

Water conservation is especially important in Australia, but can take a bit of effort. By adjusting the way you bathe, do dishes, wash laundry, etc, you can save a little water here and a little water there. That’s great. Every drop counts. There is a way, however, to dramatically increase the amount of water you and your family save with little to no effort on your part! How? Have Ri Industries install a concrete rainwater tank. 

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How much water can you save with a rainwater tank? Here are some statistics based upon a family of four in Adelaide, with a 100m² roof catchment area and a 1000L tank. In one year, enough rainwater will be captured to:

  • Flush a toilet twice per day per person

OR

  • Provide one bath per person per week (150L tub)

OR

  • Run a sprinkler system for one hour five days a week (1.5 L/min)

OR

  • Wash dishes in the dishwasher every day

OR

  • Give each person a 5 minute shower twice a week (standard flow shower)

Now that’s saving a lot of water! Learn more about Ri Industries concrete rainwater tanks by calling 08 8444 8100.

10 Facts about Rainwater Tanks

by Ri Industries

Ri Rainwater Tanks

Are you considering installing a concrete rainwater tank on your property? There are many benefits to having a rainwater tank. Here are 10 facts about rainwater tanks Adelaide that may help you to make your decision to use a rainwater tank.

  1. Collecting rainwater is environmentally beneficial and a socially responsible way to use a natural resource.
  2. When water restrictions are imposed by government to help conserve water, rainwater tanks are an excellent alternative.
  3. Fewer than 20% of households in Australia use a rainwater tank.
  4. Rainwater can be used for drinking purposes if collected and stored properly.
  5. Over 40 percent of households in Adelaide have installed rainwater tanks–significantly higher than Sydney, Melbourne and other populous areas.
  6. A toilet can be flushed with rainwater. 
  7. Around 55,000 litres of water could be collected from a 100m2 roof area and used to supply part of your household’s water needs.      
  8. Washing your clothes with rainwater is safe and often a preferred method of laundering.
  9. Creativity is not lost when installing an above-ground water tank. Ri-Industries’ pre-cast tanks can be painted to blend into your landscape for an aesthetically pleasing look.
  10. Rainwater tanks are a cost effective way to collect and use water which reduces use of mains water and saves you money on your water bill.

If you are considering a rainwater tank as a viable option for your household in Adelaide or South Australia, Ri-Industries is sure to have what you are looking for. We offer above-ground and underground pre-cast concrete rainwater tanks. Contact us to further discuss your needs.

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What To Look For In A Rainwater Tank

by Ri Industries

South Australia is Australia’s driest state, and predictions say that it will only become hotter and drier as years go on.

Do you ever wish you had some sort of magical machine that could make it rain every day, or at least when you wanted it to?

Ri-Industries can make your wishes come true with our pre-cast concrete rainwater tanks. Rainwater tanks can help you harvest and save precious rainwater for a variety of uses around your home.

Here is a list of things that you should look for, so you can tell whether or not your rainwater has that magic touch.

Safety

At Ri-Industries, we believe in safety first. When purchasing and installing a rainwater tank, it is important to have a tight-fitting cover so that no children or animals can get access. A cover is also crucial so that water cannot be lost through evaporation and light cannot enter, which would promote harmful algae growth. Steel mesh is cast into all of Ri-Industries’ tanks and lids, and all fittings are made from brass so you can have peace of mind that everything fits together tightly and securely.

Discreteness

Even though a rainwater tank is efficient and environmentally friendly, it does not have to be an eye sore. With Ri-Industries, you can choose between an-above ground or underground rainwater tank, and both options offer aesthetically pleasing features. The underground rainwater tanks are out of sight and won’t take much space from your valuable real estate, while the above-ground tanks feature attractive conical or flat roofs. If you are building a new house, it can be especially easy to install a rainwater tank out of the way under the house, or at gutter level. Appearance is important when buying a rainwater tank, and discretion is key; that’s why Ri-Industries also offers to paint above ground tanks to fit in better with your surroundings.

Location

When installing your rainwater tank, you need to pay special mind to where you are placing it. For example, you should put your tank out of the path of the midday sun in order to avoid evaporation from the inspection holes. Thankfully, for those of us who are not rainwater-tank-placement experts, Ri-Industries is here to help. All Ri-Industries tanks are manufactured in our South Australian factory, and all inlets and outlets can be custom inserted at any required position to fit your specific needs.

Durability

This one is fairly self-explanatory. You want a reliable product that will last a long time without needing replacement. Ri-Industries’ concrete tanks are made from high frequency reinforced concrete, made from only the highest quality materials. All Ri-Industries rainwater tanks also come with a 10-15 year warranty, meaning you can be sure that your tank will go the distance.

Versatility

Did you know that some customers have used Ri-Industries rainwater tanks for a variety of uses, including installing them into the ground as cellars? You can install an underground rainwater tank and build a house or shed over the top. This can serve as a cheap, effective alternative to building a cellar out of bricks or pouring on onsite.

Keep these five features in mind when looking for your new rainwater tank, and you can’t go wrong. If you have any questions about your current or future rainwater tank, please do not hesitate to contact us!

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Your Rainwater Tank: What Can You Use The Water For?

by Ri Industries

In July 2006, South Australia began requiring that most new homes have a rainwater tank plumbed into the house, in an effort to reduce the demands on water supply in the region. As a result, South Australia has more rainwater tanks in backyards than any other state in Australia.

A rainwater tank is a great way to conserve water. Typically, rainwater tanks collect water that has run off your roof or gutters.  If you have a rainwater tank in your home, or are thinking of purchasing one, you may be wondering what you can use the rainwater for.

Here are some uses for the water collected from your rainwater tank.

Hot water systems

In most homes, hot water comes from a separate plumbing unit, so you can use rainwater to produce hot water for your use. Because the water is heated, your water will have less pathogens that cause illness. While still not recommended for drinking, having a hot water system hooked up to your rainwater tank can be used for other hot water uses, such as cleaning and showering.

Laundering

Another excellent use of a rainwater tank is for laundry. For either cold or hot water laundering, your rainwater can supply the water to your washing machine, which will save you money every time you start a load of laundry.

Toilet flushing

Ask your plumber to connect your toilet to your rainwater tank. Rainwater is an excellent water source for flushing your toilet. And with the average household flushing their toilet 2,000 times a year, think of the savings you can create when you use rainwater.

Irrigation

One of the most popular uses of rainwater is for irrigation. Rainwater can be applied to your lawn or garden through many methods, including a gravity-fed water hose, watering can or directly pumped to your sprinkler system.

Is rainwater safe to drink?

SA Water recommends that you not drink the water from your rainwater tank. Variables such as emissions from vehicles, gutter cleanliness and industry emissions can affect the quality of the collected rainwater. If you want to consume water from your rainwater tank, it is recommended you add a filtration system to purify the water.

No matter how you to choose to use your collected rainwater, your decision to use a rainwater tank is helping the local ecosystem by recycling water and putting less strain on local water mains. Consult with a plumber or rainwater tank expert to determine what size tank you need, and how you should use the water. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us about any rainwater tank needs.

3 Ways to Use Your Rainwater Tank

3 Ways to Use Your Rainwater Tank

by Ri Industries

3 Ways to Use Your Rainwater Tank

Do you ever think about the ways that you could use your Ri-Industries rainwater tank? We certainly do. The possibilities are seemingly endless, as rainwater tanks could serve every purpose from water recycling to storage. Hopefully Ri-Industries can help spark some new ideas for how our products can suit your needs. Now let us help you utilise your rainwater tank to the best of its potential; here are just three of the countless ways you can creatively repurpose this product.

  1. Water your plants-Keeping your plants well cared for can be a challenge, especially in this dry Southern Australian climate, but you can overcome the ways of nature by taking advantage of a Ri-Industries rainwater tank. Collect water in our concrete tanks and then use it to water your garden the smart way.
  2. Store your things-Did you know that you can convert your below-ground rainwater tank into a cellar? In the past, customers have installed rainwater tanks beneath an outdoor shed for use as extra storage space. Ri-Industries guarantees our rainwater tanks as bullet-proof, vandal proof, and fire proof, so you can have peace of mind knowing that your belongings are safe and sound.
  3. Record an album- Who knew that you could use your rainwater tank to make music? Plenty of people know that rainwater tanks are a way to collect and recycle water in your home. But Sydney music trio RUFUS used a rainwater tank in an entirely new way when they wrote, produced and recorded part of their debut album “Atlas” in a hollowed out water tank under one of their parents’ houses. Thanks to Ri-Industries’ high frequency reinforced concrete, you can rock out as much as you like in one of our rainwater tanks (after draining the water out, of course).

Have you thought of other ways to use your rainwater tank? Let us know! We always appreciate feedback from our customers.