A water tank is by definition an airtight container of different possible volumes whose use is to store water. Depending on where it comes from, rainwater or water service, the tank may or may not be for food use.
Water tank: function and regulations
A water tank can have several functions, in particular constitute a reserve of water for sanitary or non-sanitary use and more commonly a reserve of water for watering or the use of domestic washing machines and WCs . The recovery of rainwater for the use of the garden does not justify any approach and does not involve any constraint. Conversely, the use of collected rainwater for sanitary purposes is subject to a declaration at the town hall, “non-potable water” signage on the container and dedicated distribution in the home.
Water tank: what uses?
Food use
Small volume water containers for food use are often translucent and square or rectangular in shape. From approximately 12 to 230 l , their configuration varies and adapts to the needs of the user: wheelbarrow water tank (approximately 120 l); mobile water tank on wheels (230 l); suspended water tank or standing tank (from approximately 12 to + 100 l).
The water tanks for food and large volume use are made of black polyethylene . They are offered for volumes ranging from 150 l to 30,000 l and are vertical in configuration and mainly cylindrical in shape .
Non food use
A water tank for non-sanitary use is more like a rain catcher , whose function it often has. Its volume can vary from a few hundred liters (150/250/300 l) to several thousand if it is an underground tank (the latter will justify the use of a pump for water distribution) . Its aesthetics can be raw (configuration of a shaft), neat (and look like a Roman column or an amphora), square, contemporary, or even play on imitation stone or a flowerpot.
A water tank for non-food use can also be a plastic barrel, from 60 to 200 l for example. The square tanks for agricultural use are also excellent water reserves and offer a capacity of 1,000 l . They have a cap on the top and a tap at the bottom of the tank. Barrels , made of plastic but especially wood, can be very good water reservoirs.
Water tank: price and distribution
Water tanks, depending on their type, are sold by professional and consumer DIY superstores, specialist sanitary and watering distributors, garden centres, on the Internet and possibly by plumbers .
The price range is wide. Count:
- around $25 for a 60 l drum for non-food use and without a tap;
- $60 for a 250 l rain collector;
- $200 for a 100 l suspended drinking water tank with tap;
- $600 for a wheelbarrow tank for food use of 120 l;
- $300 for a mobile drinking water tank of 230 l;
- and from several hundred to several thousand euros for an underground rainwater collector, depending on its volume and equipment ( installation , pump, etc.).
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