Image show Ri-Industries concrete rainwater tanks being installed underground

Why Summer Is the Time to Upgrade Your Water Storage

Wednesday, 3 December 2025 by Ri Industries

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Cast iron covers: cast in or loose?

Tuesday, 7 October 2025 by Ri Industries

One of the most common questions our sales team receives is: What’s the difference between cast iron covers that are “cast in” and those that are “supplied loose”? Here’s a simple explanation – and how to choose the right option for the installation of your grease arrester, rainwater tank or vertical septic tank.

What does “cast in” mean?

“Cast in” means the cast iron cover is set directly into the concrete lid or ring of your tank during manufacture. This approach is most common when the tank is located in a garden bed, gravel area, or other landscaped space.

The main benefits are:

Security: The cover is fixed in place and can’t be moved by people or vehicles.
Durability: It’s better protected from impacts.
Neat finish: Once landscaping is complete, only the cast iron is visible for a clean, professional look.

Example:
The photo below shows cast iron covers cast into concrete rings for a tank installed in a garden bed. Once landscaping is complete, the result is stable, durable, and visually seamless.

In this next example, you can see a completed landscaped or lay-down area with the cast iron covers cast in, creating a neat, clean finish that vehicles cannot move or dislodge.

What does “supplied loose” mean?

“Supplied loose” means the cast iron cover is provided separately and placed on top of the tank lid during or after installation – not fixed in place. This is usually preferred when the final surface will be concrete, bitumen, or paving.

The main benefits are:

Flexibility: You can adjust the cover’s position to match the final surface level or slope.
Better integration: Concrete or bitumen can be poured right up to the edge of the cover, so the tank lid isn’t exposed.
Easy access: Covers can be removed if needed for maintenance.

Example:
Here, a loose-supplied cast iron grate that sits on a rainwater tank before a driveway is poured. Because it’s loose, the installer can easily raise or tilt the grate to match the gradient and ensure stormwater flows directly into the tank.

Common mistakes to avoid

Getting the levels wrong during installation can create issues later.

Example:

The example below shows a loose cover sitting too high after the bitumen was laid – a costly and difficult mistake to fix.

Example:

Similarly, while cast-in covers can look tidy next to paving like the example below, the finish is cleaner if the pavers extend over the tank lid and only the cast iron is exposed.

Our advice

After many years of supplying our products, we’ve found that cast iron covers are most often supplied loose, but the right choice ultimately depends on where the tank is installed and the type of surface finish around it. If the tank will be located in a garden bed or gravel area, casting the covers into the concrete lids or rings is usually best, as it prevents them from being moved by people or vehicles. However, if the finished surface will be bitumen, paving, or concrete, supplying the covers loose allows you to pour right up to the edge, avoid exposing the tank lid, and easily adjust the level – even raising or tilting the cover with risers or bricks if needed – to suit the final surface.

Whichever option you choose, it won’t affect how your septic tank, rainwater tank, or grease arrester functions. It’s purely about achieving the most practical, secure, and visually neat finish.

If you’re unsure which option is right for your project, contact our sales team on 8444 8100 to help you choose the best solution when you place your order.

Image shows Ri-Industries concrete rainwater tanks

Harnessing Rainwater – The Benefits of Concrete Rainwater Tanks in South Australia’s Dry Conditions

Wednesday, 15 May 2024 by Ri Industries

Harnessing rainwater by using concrete rainwater tanks is a wonderful solution for those living in dry conditions, especially when studies find that bushfires and dry conditions are expected to increase in South Australia. One option gaining traction is the utilisation of concrete rainwater tanks, offering a multitude of benefits that align perfectly with the needs of South Australia’s residents and environment.

Water Conservation and Security

Concrete rainwater tanks, such as the ones manufactured by Ri-Industries, serve as reservoirs for capturing and storing rainwater runoff from rooftops. This collected water can then be used for various purposes, such as watering gardens, flushing toilets, and even supplying potable water with proper filtration systems. During dry conditions, when traditional water sources dwindle, having a concrete rainwater tank provides a reliable and sustainable alternative, reducing dependency on mains water and safeguarding against shortages.

Durability and Longevity

Concrete is renowned for its durability and longevity, making it an ideal material for rainwater tanks, especially in regions prone to extreme weather conditions like South Australia. Unlike plastic or metal tanks, which may degrade over time due to UV exposure or corrosion, concrete tanks are robust and resistant to deterioration. They can withstand the harsh Australian climate, ensuring reliable water storage for decades with minimal maintenance.

Temperature Regulation

In regions characterised by hot summers, such as South Australia, concrete rainwater tanks offer an additional advantage – temperature regulation. The thermal mass of concrete helps moderate water temperature, keeping it cooler during hot weather and reducing the risk of bacterial growth. This feature not only preserves water quality but also enhances its usability for various domestic and agricultural purposes.

Environmental Sustainability

The adoption of concrete rainwater tanks aligns with broader environmental sustainability goals. By harvesting rainwater, home owners can reduce their reliance on mains water, which often involves energy-intensive treatment and distribution processes. Also, rainwater harvesting promotes groundwater recharge and reduces stormwater runoff, mitigating the risk of soil erosion and minimising pollution in waterways. These eco-friendly practices contribute to conserving natural resources and protecting South Australia’s delicate ecosystems.

Cost-Efficiency

While the initial investment in a concrete rainwater tank may seem significant, it offers substantial long-term savings. With rising water costs and potential water restrictions during dry periods, homeowners can offset expenses by using rainwater for non-potable purposes. Additionally, concrete tanks have low maintenance requirements and a lifespan measured in decades, offering excellent value for money compared to alternative storage solutions.

Enhanced Property Value

The presence of a concrete rainwater tank can enhance the appeal and value of residential properties in South Australia. With water conservation becoming an increasingly important consideration for homebuyers, a well-maintained rainwater harvesting system can be a compelling selling point. Properties equipped with concrete tanks demonstrate a commitment to sustainability and self-sufficiency, which resonates with environmentally conscious buyers.

Learn More

Concrete rainwater tanks offer a multitude of benefits, including water conservation, durability, temperature regulation, environmental sustainability, cost-efficiency, and enhanced property value. By harnessing rainwater, residents can mitigate the impact of dry conditions, reduce reliance on mains water, and contribute to a more water-secure future for the state. Are you ready to learn more? Call us on 08 8444 8100 and we’ll be happy to assist you.

Rainwater Harvesting Will Help Conserve Water and Lower Costs

Wednesday, 28 September 2022 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!

Introducing the EP10 Secondary Treatment System

Tuesday, 23 February 2021 by Ri Industries

Ri-Industries is pleased to announce our new Ri-Treat product called the EP10 Secondary Treatment System which allows you to reclaim your waste water by recycling and reusing water around the home. This product has replaced our previous Ri-Treat units, including the 3250, 4250 and 4500.

Like all our products, the EP10 is guaranteed superior quality and engineer designed. In fact, our customers repeatedly tell us that “Ri-Industries products are the best in South Australia.” What’s particularly exciting is that the EP10 is the only SA-manufactured secondary treatment system that’s been tested, certified and approved to the Australian Standard (AS/NZS 1546.3:2017) for South Australian conditions. After rigorous testing over the last 18 months, it has been approved by SA Health and carries the SAI Global ‘5 ticks’ StandardsMark License.

Choosing the Ri-Treat EP10 gives you a number of advantages:

A mono cast 50 MPa reinforced concrete construction, with no fibreglass or plastic structural components, means that no untreated effluent will escape into the environment.
The high-quality biofilter medium, with the added bonus of bristle filters, enhances the purity of the recycled water.
All irrigation pumps are Lowara stainless steel and are submersible, quiet, reliable and inexpensive to operate.
The Japanese Mac100 air blower offers the most reliable and efficient aeration and has a 2-year warranty.
Child-proof and vandal-proof lids give you additional peace of mind.
A 15-year warranty on tank construction – longer than comparable products.
The operation of the unit has other unique features, such as automatic sludge and skimmer returns.

Please note, our approvals only cover the manufacture and sale of the unit. Therefore, installation and commissioning are the responsibility of the purchaser and all servicing must be carried out by an authorised service agent.

If you have any additional questions about the EP10, please do not hesitate to contact us at 08 8444 8100. Our expert staff will be happy to assist you. In the meantime please check out the new EP10 website page and EP10 brochure for more information.

Why Rainwater Tanks are Popular and Important in South Australia

Wednesday, 3 February 2021 by Ri Industries

Rainwater tanks are popular and important in South Australia because they help us conserve water. Let’s look at how they are used and how much water they can save.

In South Australia, rainwater tanks are used in communities without access to reticulated water sources, in communities where good quality water supplies are limited, in areas where local regulations require rainwater storage be provided for bushfire prevention, and in urban areas, such as Adelaide and regional communities, which have access to mains water but owners want to conserve water.

Some advantages of rainwater tanks include:

The use of rainwater costs less than mains water
Rainwater causes less erosion to household appliances due to their low salinity content
Protects water supplies by conserving mains use
Rainwater is softer than mains water which may mean you use less soap, detergent, and shampoo

To read more about the benefits of rainwater tanks, please see our blog, What are the Benefits of Rainwater Harvesting.

One of the main benefits of rainwater harvesting is the ability to conserve to water. So, how much can you save? Put into everyday terms, a family of four in Adelaide, with a 100m² roof catchment area and a 1000L tank can capture enough rainwater in one year to:

Flush a toilet twice per day per person

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

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

Wash dishes in the dishwasher every day

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

If we’ve piqued your interest in rainwater harvesting and you would like to learn about our rainwater tanks, please see information on our website or call us at 8444 8100.

Rainwater Harvesting Benefits Farming and Agriculture

Wednesday, 6 January 2021 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.

How to Water Your Garden With Water Collected in a Rainwater Tank

Wednesday, 9 October 2019 by Ri Industries

Before we discuss how to water your garden with water collected in a rainwater tank, let’s discuss why you might want to use rainwater.

First, rainwater harvesting reduces pollution. When rain falls, oil, pesticides, animal waste and fertilisers from lawns, footpaths, driveways, and streets get washed into our sewers which then overflow into rivers and estuaries. By harvesting rainwater, we eliminate those possible contaminants joining the water. Harvested rainwater is also free of salts, pollutants, and chlorine that are found in ground and surface water.

Second, harvested rainwater reduces demand on our water supplies. This is especially important during the summer months and times of drought.

Now that you have decided to harvest rainwater, how do you actually capture the water? We recommend installing a Ri-Industries Concrete Rainwater Tank. Our underground 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 than plastic, steel or fibre glass.
Once the rainwater tank has been installed, you will need to move water from the tank to your garden. The best way to do this is with a pump.
Pump systems can be submerged underground or they can be free standing. They can provide enough pressure that the water flows similarly to mains water. You can also install a mains switch-over device to switch from rainwater to mains use when the rainwater runs out.

Another option to consider is having a header tank. This is a great option to use with underground tanks. The header tank will be placed at a higher level than the storage tank. A low-powered pump will transfer the water from the rainwater tank to the header tank, then you can use a gravity fed method to release the water. You can fit a garden tap near to the bottom of the header tank and use a soaker hose to transfer the water out of the tank, using gravity.

Watering your garden with harvested water is a great way to help conserve water and eliminate pollutants. Ri-Industries is proud to provide quality concrete rainwater tanks in Adelaide and surrounding areas for your use. Please call us to speak with one of our experts to learn more.

Times Are Dry

Wednesday, 13 February 2019 by Ri Industries

Adelaide just recorded its driest January since 1957 and water has been in short demand. This seems like a good time to discuss how you can save water in your home. Let’s look at water use in the bathroom and kitchen.

Did you know 40% of all water used in the home is used in the bathroom? To help conserve water and save money, the first thing to do is look at the appliances and look for products with a high star rating. The average home can save approximately $150/year by installing a standard 3-star rated shower head which costs approximately $20.

Some simple habit changes can also help save water in the bathroom:

Take shorter showers.
Use a timer in the shower to help you keep track of time.
Use a bucket to collect water while waiting for the water to get hot. Use the collected water on plants or other household uses.
Insulate hot water pipes.
Do not run water while shaving. Use water only to rinse off.
Only use as much water as is necessary in the bath.
Monitor the temperature as the bath fills to avoid adding water to regulate the temperature.
Collect used bathwater to use in the garden or to wash cars.
Use 4-star rated toilets.
Regularly check toilets for leaks and repair when needed.
Turn the water in the sink off when brushing teeth or shaving. Use running water only to rinse.

Another method to conserve water is to install a rainwater tank such as the one manufactured by Ri-Industries. Once the rain starts coming again, it can be collected from your roof and gutters. The rainwater tanks Adelaide can be connected to your toilet plumbing. Then, every time you flush, you are using rainwater, instead of water from the mains. Recycled rainwater is an excellent way to conserve water, plus it will save on your monthly water bills.

Let’s move to the kitchen where around 10% of total household water is consumed. Here are tips to help save water:

Dishwashers consume the most water in the kitchen. Look for the WELS label of water efficiency. The more stars, the more water efficient the appliance. Only run the dishwasher when it is full. If the dishwasher has a rinse-hold setting, use it in lieu of rinsing dishes with sink water.
Do not run water over frozen food to defrost. Instead, defrost overnight in the refrigerator.
Use washing-up liquid sparingly to limit the amount of rinsing required.
Waiting for the running water to warm up? Catch it in a container and use it to water plants, rinse dishes, or wash fruits and vegetables.
Use a plugged sink or a bowl of water whenever possible to avoid running the tap.

Small changes can mean big savings in water consumption. In dry times like these, it’s important for us all to make an effort. Call Ri-Industries, at 08 8444 8100, to learn more about our concrete rainwater tanks.

What are the Benefits of Rainwater Harvesting?

Thursday, 10 March 2016 by Ri Industries

Rainwater harvesting is a technique used for collecting, storing and using rainwater for landscape irrigation and other uses. The rainwater is collected from various hard surfaces such as rooftops and/or other manmade aboveground hard surfaces. For a dry climate such as we have here in South Australia, rainwater harvesting can make a huge beneficial impact on the environment.

Most rural households have to source all their water on their property, and rainwater often provides a better quality household supply than river, bore or dam water. Rainwater harvesting is not just for rural areas though. Although urban households may be connected to a reticulated, treated (mains) water supply, rainwater harvesting can significantly lower mains water usage.

What are the benefits of rainwater harvesting? It will reduce water bills, provide an alternative supply during water restrictions and help maintain a green, healthy garden. In fact, depending upon tank size and climate, rainwater harvesting can reduce mains water use by 100%. Rainwater harvesting also decreases stormwater runoff, thereby helping to reduce local flooding and scouring of creeks.

From yourhome.gov.au:

Rainwater can be collected from most roof types, depending on the quality of rainwater required.

For garden or lawn irrigation:

collect from any roof material except unsealed asbestos
ensure all gutters fall towards the outlets
preferably fit an effective leaf screen to the gutters
use gutter outlets that fit to the underside of the gutter.

For all other uses, also:

prevent vegetation from overhanging the roof
clean the roof and gutters before installing the system
fit a good quality leaf screen to gutters or use a leaf-shedding gutter.

For drinking water, also avoid collecting rainwater:

from sections of roof containing lead flashing or asbestos sheeting, and from roofs painted with pre-1980 paint — if they cannot be avoided, seal properly by preparing the surface and painting with a suitable potable-quality roof sealant, and do not collect rainwater from the first few rainfall events after sealing
in areas where airborne toxins are present from nearby activities such as crop-dusting and chemical processing.

It is important to note that if your rainwater is to be used for human consumption, the system must be designed, operated and maintained to ensure the water quality is suitable.

If you are interested in learning more about rainwater harvesting, please have a look at the concrete rainwater tanks on the Ri-Industries website or give us a call.

Compost to Conserve Water

Monday, 30 November 2015 by Ri Industries

Water conservation can be achieved using many methods. We’ve talked about a lot of them, but one method we haven’t touched on yet is composting. Yes, composting can actually help us conserve water!

Let’s start at the beginning by answering the question, what is compost? Quite simply, compost is decomposed organic matter. It is generally made up of vegetable peelings, fruit waste, grass clippings, tea bags, and plant prunings, but other materials may be added as well. Compost is well known for adding nutrients to gardens and plants, but it also helps to conserve water.

Using composted mulch in landscaping and agriculture has been shown to improve the efficiency of water use by reducing evaporation, improving water infiltration and storage, and reducing deep drainage.

Turf grown with the application of composted soil conditioner can require up to 30% less water. This can increase root penetration, resulting in deeper root systems that explore a larger soil area for moisture and nutrients, reducing deep drainage and irrigation requirements. In sandy soils, composted soil conditioners improve water retention and lateral root distribution in the soil, improving plant access to soil water, and reducing deep drainage and irrigation requirements.

Compost application tips:

Composted mulch is applied on the soil surface around the plants after planting. It should not touch the stems and trunks of plants.
Compost can be applied any time of the year.
For water conservation, apply prior to summer when soil evaporation is usually highest and when plants require the most water.
Compost exposed to full sun will not deliver its full benefits so use compost on the soil and then cover it with mulch.

Here at Ri Industries we’re always on the lookout for water conservation tips we can share. This one can be a fun project and result in beautiful foliage and tasty fruit and vegetables. How great is that?

For more ways Ri Industries can help, contact us at 08 8444 8100.

Save Money with Rainwater Harvesting

Thursday, 3 September 2015 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