In New Zealand, underground retention tanks are essential for controlling storm water runoff and conserving water resources. It is crucial to choose the right tank size in order to fulfil functional requirements and abide by specific local council laws, according to your region. In addition to highlighting specific recommendations from the municipalities of Auckland, Hamilton, Taupo, and Wellington, this article also discusses the factors that affect underground tank size.
Factors affecting Underground Retention Tank Size:
There are several factors to take into account when choosing the appropriate size for an underground retention tank. The following factors affect the size of retention tanks:
1.Intended Water Use: The required storage space needed depends on whether the collected rainwater is for potable use, laundry, toilet flushing, or garden irrigation. For example, a bigger tank is required for multiple household purposes of rainwater than for outdoor usage alone.
2. Roof Catchment Area: The amount of water collected is directly impacted by the size of the roof area which directs water into the tank. A larger tank is justified by the larger roof surfaces which are capable of collecting more rainwater.
3. Local Rainfall Patterns: While locations with less frequent rainfall may need larger tanks to store water for dry times, regions with greater annual rainfall can replenish tanks more regularly, perhaps allowing for smaller tanks.
4. Available Space: The size of the tank which can be installed is restricted by the amount of physically accessible space on the site, both above and below ground. You should consider space of your site intended for installation before selecting retention tank size.
5. Council Regulations: Tank installation and sizing can be influenced by specific rules or incentives set by local authorities/councils.
Council Specific Guidelines:
Auckland Council:
Resources are available from Auckland Council to help locals choose the right tank size. Based on variables like expected water usage, roof area, and household occupancy. The council’s rainwater tank size calculator helps you to determine the ideal tank size. Although smaller tanks also have advantages, larger tanks are often better at collecting and holding rainwater. Tanks that fit into residential plumbing systems range in size from 200-liter rain barrels to 25,000-liter tanks as per council laws.
Hamilton City Council:
The Hamilton City Council advises that rainwater tanks have a minimum reuse volume of 5,000 liters (5 cubic meters), unless the building is single-story and the roof area is less than 60 square meters, in which case a 3,000-liter (3 cubic meter) tank is recommended. These suggestions are intended to balance the demands for stormwater retention and water reuse.
Taupo District Council:
Taupo underground water retention tank sizes aren’t specially mentioned for this district. For the most up-to-date and region-specific information, you should directly contact with the Taupo District Council.
Wellington City Council:
The sources accessible provide comprehensive information about Wellington’s retention tank size. The recommended size ranges from 3000L to 9000L depending on your roof area. To guarantee compliance to local laws and get advice specific to area’s conditions, residents should get in touch with the Wellington City Council.
Conclusion:
In New Zealand, the intended water usage, roof catchment area, local rainfall, available space, and compliance with local council laws must all be carefully taken into account when choosing the right size for an underground retention tank. Residents in areas, such Taupo, must speak with their local councils directly, even if authorities in places like Auckland and Hamilton offer particular recommendations and resources to help with this process. This guarantees that the selected tank size complies area regulations as well as individual and environmental demands, encouraging sustainable water management techniques nationwide.