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At some point, homeowners and businesses may consider investing in a water tank to help manage water usage and reduce their water bills. However, purchasing a water tank requires a significant upfront investment, and it’s essential to determine if the investment is worth it in the long run.
In this article, we’ll discuss how to calculate the cost-effectiveness of a water tank using a case study and show you how to make an informed decision.
What is a Water Tank?
A water tank is a container designed to store and hold water. It’s usually installed on the property and can be above or below ground level. Water tanks are available in various sizes and materials, and they come with different features, such as filters and pumps, depending on the intended use.
Why Invest in a Water Tank?
There are several reasons to invest in a water tank, including:
- Reduced Water Bills
By capturing and storing rainwater, you can reduce your reliance on municipal water supply, which can significantly reduce your water bills.
- Water Conservation
Water tanks provide an excellent opportunity to conserve water and promote sustainable living. By using stored rainwater for watering plants, washing cars, and flushing toilets, you can reduce your overall water consumption and make a positive impact on the environment.
- Emergency Water Supply
Water tanks can serve as an emergency water supply during power outages or natural disasters. By having a backup water supply, you can ensure that you and your family have access to clean drinking water in case of an emergency.
How to Calculate the Cost-Effectiveness of a Water Tank
To determine if a water tank is cost-effective, you need to calculate the upfront cost, ongoing maintenance cost, and potential savings over time. Let’s look at the case study of a family living in a suburban home in the United States to see how this is done.
Use our water tank calculator to know the size of your storage tank capacity.
Case Study
The family of four uses around 100 gallons of water per day, and they are considering purchasing a 1,000-gallon water tank to capture rainwater. The upfront cost of the water tank, including installation, is $2,500. The family expects the tank to last for at least 20 years.
The cost of water in their area is $0.005 per gallon, and the average rainfall in their area is 40 inches per year. Based on these figures, the family can expect to save around $1,460 per year by using the water tank. This is calculated as follows:
Annual rainfall = 40 inches x 1,800 square feet of roof area (assumed for this case study) = 72,000 gallons of water.
Assuming that 50% of the captured water is used for outdoor purposes (watering plants, washing cars, etc.) and 50% for indoor purposes (flushing toilets), the family will save 50% x 72,000 gallons x $0.005 per gallon = $180 per year on their water bills.
The family can also expect to save money on their wastewater bill. In this case, the family pays $0.006 per gallon of wastewater. Assuming that 80% of the captured water is reused, the family will save 80% x 72,000 gallons x $0.006 per gallon = $345.60 per year on their wastewater bill.
Finally, the family will also save money on their lawn and garden care expenses. By using the captured rainwater instead of municipal water, they can save $0.03 per gallon. Assuming they use 5,000 gallons of captured water for lawn and garden care per year, they will save 5,000 gallons x $0.03 per gallon = $150 per year.
Overall, the investment in a water tank system in this case study is highly beneficial and has the potential to pay for itself within a few years. The case study demonstrates that incorporating a water tank into a sustainable home design can be a practical and cost-effective solution for reducing water waste, promoting self-sufficiency, and saving money.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the case study presented in this article highlights the cost-effectiveness of incorporating a water tank system into a home’s design. By capturing rainwater and reusing it for indoor and outdoor purposes, families can save money on their water bills, reduce their reliance on municipal water sources, and contribute to a more sustainable future.
The case study showed that the upfront cost of a water tank system can be quickly offset by the expected annual savings. In the case presented, a $2,500 investment in a 1,000-gallon water tank system resulted in an estimated annual savings of $1,460, not including the additional savings on wastewater and lawn and garden care.
Moreover, the benefits of a water tank system extend beyond financial savings. Water conservation practices can contribute to reducing pressure on municipal water supplies, mitigating the effects of droughts, and promoting a more sustainable future.
Overall, the case study highlights the potential for cost savings and environmental benefits that can be achieved by incorporating a water tank system into a sustainable home design. As we continue to face challenges in preserving natural resources and mitigating the effects of climate change, water conservation practices such as rainwater harvesting and reuse can play a significant role in promoting a more sustainable future.
Dev is a senior editor on this blog. He has a BSC degree in Hydrology and is currently pursuing his second major in Water Engineering. He’s passionate about writing about water and things related to it.