Lately, we’ve seen an uptick in demand for water storage tanks in smaller residences, and we’d like to share why this could be a great idea for your home.

The Jarvis team on their way to install a Thin Tank.

Exterior Water Tanks Aren’t Just for Rural Homes

You may live in a smaller house and consider that water storage tanks are only for rural lifestyle blocks or places that have a bit more room.

As a matter of fact, water tanks come in many sizes and can be installed in a discreet, tucked away area outside your home.

Be Prepared for Emergencies

Many Kiwis have grab’n’go backpacks and water containers in case of an earthquake, flood or other major event.

It’s a great first step to keep one or two portable water containers stored in the pantry, but what happens if your home is affected by the emergency and you can’t access parts of the house without compromising your safety? What if you — or a loved one — are injured, and it’s impossible to carry the water container outside?

There’s no guarantee an outdoor water tank will be immune to the destruction caused by a major event, but there’s less likelihood of your access being entirely cut off in the case of an emergency.

In the event of an emergency, it's not guaranteed that you'll be able to access the water containers you've stored inside your home.

What Sizes Do Urban Water Tanks Come In?

Smaller, slim-line water tanks are a great option if you don’t have heaps of room outside. These tanks can be placed in tight spaces, along exterior walls or under your deck.

Although smaller water tanks are convenient, we still recommend using the biggest water tank you can fit into your space — the more water you have on hand, the better.

Thin Tanks are designed to fit in tight spaces, making them a perfect choice for urban and high-density areas.

We proudly install the brands Devan, Promax and Thin Tanks. Here are some examples of tanks we install, but there are many more sizes available. Jarvis can help you choose which size works best in your space.

Other Benefits of Installing a Water Tank

Exterior water tanks usually collect rainwater from your roof. When collected safely, this water can be nicer-quality than regular tap water (if filtered). It’s free from the chlorine and other chemicals that are used in the region’s water supply. This can be especially beneficial if you want to use the excess water for gardening or other purposes where the absence of chemicals is recommended.

Opting for a water storage tank is a step toward a more eco-friendly home: relying less on the council’s water supply can decrease your household's environmental footprint.

A water tank may also add value to your property. Sustainability is front-of-mind for some homebuyers nowadays, so having a professionally-installed water storage system will make your property more attractive.

It’s important that your roof and gutters are reasonably well-maintained to collect rainwater effectively and hygienically. Our team will assess the area and look out for red flags before installation — you can also learn what keep an eye out for with this article from the NZ Government.