Australia's predominantly dry climatic conditions have made water a scarce resource in the country. And while some states experience water shortage more dramatically than others, most people can agree that alternative sources of this resource are proving to be the most ideal option irrespective of where you reside. Whether you want to supplement your household's use or want an extra supply for backyard irrigation, the best solution is to invest in rainwater tanks. Nonetheless, what you may not realise about rainwater harvesting is that this measure goes beyond providing your residence with an ancillary source of water. Instead, it also helps with reducing your ecological footprint. Read on for a couple of the major reasons why investing in rainwater tanks contributes to environmental conservation.
Rainwater harvesting mitigates the volume of stormwater runoff
Although urban spaces are necessary to accommodate the growing population in cities, this has resulted in rainwater no longer making its way to soil and vegetation. Rather than it hydrating the land, the surplus volume is redirected into drainage pipes and subsequently channelled into waterways. While this measure is intended to minimise flooding in urban areas that can lead to extensive property loss, the excessive volume of the rainwater ends up eroding the landscape and destroying natural habitats. If the stormwater is contaminated, it ends up contributing to the pollution of the aforementioned waterways. A better remedy for this problem is to harvest the excess water directly. Rainwater storage tanks help by mitigating the volume of stormwater runoff; they help to conserve natural water bodies, pre-existing habitats and more.
Rainwater harvesting mitigates the exhaustion of groundwater reserves
Diminishing groundwater reserves is not a problem unique to Australia but rather one that affects the entire globe. As the population grows, there is an increased demand for freshwater that cannot be met by natural reservoirs, more so with climate change that is causing droughts that are not just more frequent but that last longer too. If you are looking for ways to minimise your household's impact on these subsiding reserves, you should consider investing in water tanks to facilitate rainwater harvesting. The great thing about rainwater harvesting is that it transforms water into a renewable resource, which goes a long way in reducing the disproportionate demand placed on groundwater resources. In the grand scheme of things, this harvested rainwater can also be utilised to refill these depleted reservoirs, which works as an added benefit to the environment.
