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.

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!