Catchment
The roof collects rainfall. Roof condition, paint, overhanging trees and animal activity all affect what may enter the system.
The practical New Zealand guide
New to Tank Water? Everything a Rural Homeowner Should Know
Learn how your rainwater system works, how much water your household may use, when to arrange a refill, how to maintain your tank and how TankMate monitoring can take the guesswork out of rural living.
💧 Practical NZ Advice
🏡 Rural Homeowners
📱 Smart Monitoring
🚚 Delivery Support
Welcome to rural living
Living on Tank Water Is Simple Once You Understand the System
Moving from town supply to a rural or lifestyle property can feel like a major change. Your household water becomes a stored resource that is collected, treated, used and replenished.
Most tank-water problems are manageable when you know your capacity, understand household use and maintain the roof, gutters, filters, pump and treatment equipment.
Plan early. A hidden leak, visitors, a pool top-up or a long dry spell can reduce the tank level much faster than expected.
Your first-week checklist
- Find out the total tank capacity.
- Identify every tank connected to the house.
- Locate the pump, filters and any UV unit.
- Check how the current water level is measured.
- Locate the tanker filling point and assess access.
- Ask for maintenance, cleaning and testing records.
- Save your water carrier’s details before summer.
The basic system
How Roof-Collected Rainwater Reaches Your Tap
Most systems follow the same pathway from roof catchment through storage and treatment to the household.
🌧️
Rain
Rain
🏠
Roof
Roof
🍂
Gutters
Gutters
↘️
First Flush
First Flush
🛢️
Tank
Tank
⚙️
Pump
Pump
🔬
Filters / UV
Filters / UV
🚰
House
House
Prevention
Gutter guards, screens and a maintained first-flush diverter help reduce leaves, dirt and the first contaminants washed from the roof.
Storage
The tank should be covered, screened and protected from light, animals, insects and surface-water entry.
Treatment
Sediment and finer filters may be followed by UV treatment. Equipment must be correctly installed and maintained to work as intended.
Know what you own
Start by Learning About Your Water System
A few details make it easier to manage water use, maintenance and deliveries.
Tank Details
- Total capacity in litres
- Tank shape and material
- Number of connected tanks
- Overflow and inlet locations
Equipment
- Pump location and isolation
- Filter sizes and replacement dates
- UV model and service requirements
- First-flush diverter arrangement
Delivery Access
- Safe truck access and turning room
- Distance from truck to tank
- Clear delivery connection point
- Gate, hose and access instructions
Calculator 1
How Long Might Your Water Last?
A practical planning allowance is around 100 litres per person per day, but actual use varies considerably. Showers, washing machines, toilets, leaks, irrigation, guests and household habits can move the number up or down.
Planning tip
Treat the result as a guide, not a guarantee. A connected sensor provides much better visibility because it measures what is actually happening in your tank.
Household Water-Use Calculator
Estimate your daily use, water remaining and approximate days of supply.
400 Lestimated daily use
12,500 Lwater currently available
31 daysapproximate supply remaining
Estimate only. Actual use and accessible tank volume vary.
Smart tank monitoring
Never Guess Your Tank Level Again
TankMate lets you monitor the tank from your phone, see water-level changes and receive alerts before your supply becomes critically low. It is especially useful for busy families, rural properties, rental homes, baches and tanks that are difficult to inspect.
- Check your tank level remotely
- Receive low-level notifications
- Track water-use trends over time
- Identify unusual or unexpected water loss sooner
- Monitor holiday homes and rental properties
- Plan water deliveries before demand peaks
- Ask about monitored refill arrangements
Reactive versus proactive
A Smarter Way to Manage Tank Water
| Traditional Tank Checking | TankMate Monitoring |
|---|---|
| Climb up or open the tank | Check the level from your phone |
| Estimate or tap the side | See a current tank-level reading |
| No useful history | Review changing water-use patterns |
| Notice water loss late | Spot unusual changes sooner |
| React when nearly empty | Plan a refill in advance |
| Hard to manage remotely | Monitor a bach or rental from anywhere |
More than a sensor
Tank Monitoring Supported by Your Water Carrier
Artesian & Solway Water can help with TankMate sensor supply, installation, setup and ongoing monitoring options. Rather than simply purchasing a device and working it out alone, you can connect your tank-management system with the company that delivers your water.
- Sensor selection and supply
- Installation options
- Account and alert setup
- Multiple-property monitoring
- Holiday-home and rental support
- Optional monitored refill service, where eligible
Optional monitored refills
Take the Stress Out of Reordering
Where suitable, monitoring can help trigger early contact or a planned refill before the tank reaches a critical level. Eligibility, service area, access and delivery terms apply.
25%
A Sensible Reorder Point
We recommend planning your delivery at approximately 25% remaining rather than waiting until the tank is nearly empty.
Plan before the rush
Don’t Wait Until the Tank Runs Dry
During long dry periods, delivery demand can rise quickly and wait times can extend. Ordering early provides more flexibility and reduces the risk of losing household supply.
- Order earlier when prolonged dry weather is forecast.
- Allow for guests, tenants or holiday bookings.
- Investigate unexpected increases in water use.
- Do not rely on one forecast rain event to refill a low tank.
- Keep household and pool water planning separate.
Calculator 2
How Much Rainwater Could Your Roof Collect?
As a simple starting point, one millimetre of rain falling on one square metre of roof represents roughly one litre of water before losses. Real collection is lower because of first flush, splash, wind, overflow and system inefficiency.
Example
A 200 m² roof receiving 20 mm of rain at 85% efficiency could collect about 3,400 litres.
Rainfall Collection Calculator
3,400 Lestimated water collected
Estimate only. Actual collection depends on the roof, first flush, pipework, losses and available tank capacity.
Calculator 3
Estimate Your Tank Capacity
Use these simple calculators when the tank label is missing. Measurements should be internal where possible, and unusual shapes may require manufacturer information.
Cylindrical Tank
24,053 Lestimated cylindrical volume
Rectangular Tank
12,000 Lestimated rectangular volume
Capacity calculations are approximate and may differ from nominal manufacturer capacity.
Protecting household water
Water Quality Starts Before the Water Reaches the Tank
A treatment unit cannot make up for a neglected catchment. Good water management uses several protective steps rather than relying on one filter or device.
Roof & Gutters
Keep catchment surfaces suitable, remove leaves and debris, and reduce contamination from overhanging branches and animals.
First Flush
Inspect and empty the first-flush system as required so it continues diverting the first dirty runoff away from storage.
Tank Protection
Keep lids secure and inlet and overflow openings screened to help prevent insects, animals, debris and light entering.
Filters
Replace or clean cartridges according to condition and manufacturer instructions. A blocked filter can reduce pressure and performance.
UV Treatment
UV systems require suitable pre-filtration, power, a functioning lamp and regular servicing. Follow the equipment manufacturer’s requirements.
Testing & Advice
Seek professional or public-health advice when contamination is suspected, after significant system issues, or where occupants may be particularly vulnerable.
Important
This guide is general information and is not a substitute for property-specific plumbing, treatment or public-health advice. Follow current New Zealand guidance and the instructions supplied with your system.
Tank cleaning and sediment
Inspect Your Tank Regularly and Arrange Cleaning When Needed
Sediment, leaves, insects and other debris can accumulate over time. New Zealand household-water guidance recommends keeping the complete collection system maintained, checking tanks regularly and cleaning them when required.
Building Performance also notes that draining and cleaning a tank regularly is sensible, with an interval such as five years used as a general reference while recognising that the actual need depends on what enters the tank and how sediment is managed.
Arrange inspection or cleaning when:
- Visible sediment or sludge has accumulated.
- The water develops unusual colour, taste or odour.
- An animal, insects or significant debris may have entered.
- The property has been vacant or poorly maintained.
- The tank or catchment may have been contaminated.
- A professional recommends cleaning after inspection.
Never enter a tank without specialist controls
Water tanks can present serious confined-space and access hazards. Homeowners should use a suitably equipped professional rather than entering a tank themselves.
Coordinate cleaning and refill water
Artesian & Solway Water works alongside independent tank-cleaning contractors across Auckland, Rodney, Matakana, Mangawhai and surrounding areas. We can coordinate a fresh drinking-water delivery around your chosen cleaner.
TankMate after cleaning
TankMate can confirm the refill level after a clean and help you monitor the fresh supply without repeatedly opening or climbing onto the tank.
Routine care
A Simple Tank-Water Maintenance Schedule
Regularly
- Check the tank level.
- Look for obvious leaks.
- Check pump pressure and sound.
- Keep lids and screens secure.
- Remove visible gutter debris.
Every Few Months
- Clean gutters and leaf screens.
- Service the first-flush system.
- Inspect filter condition.
- Check overflow screens.
- Review TankMate usage trends.
At Least Annually
- Inspect the tank and catchment system.
- Service UV and treatment equipment.
- Review filter replacement needs.
- Assess sediment and cleaning needs.
- Confirm delivery access remains safe.
Avoid preventable problems
Common Mistakes New Tank Owners Make
Waiting until the tank is emptyDry-period delivery demand can rise rapidly.
Assuming forecast rain will solve itA light rain event may collect much less than expected.
Ignoring a running toilet or leaking pipeSmall continuous losses can consume thousands of litres.
Not knowing the tank capacityYou cannot accurately plan water use or deliveries without it.
Neglecting filters and UV equipmentTreatment equipment only works when correctly maintained.
Filling a pool from the household tankKeep pool filling separate from essential household storage.
Leaving delivery planning until guests arriveExtra people can substantially increase daily use.
Relying entirely on guessworkA TankMate sensor provides a clearer view and low-level alerts.
Plan through the year
Seasonal Tank-Water Guide
☀️ Summer
Monitor levels frequently, investigate unusual use and arrange water before delivery demand peaks.
🍂 Autumn
Clear leaves, clean gutters and service the first-flush system before heavier rainfall.
🌧️ Winter
Check overflows, drainage and whether rainfall is entering the tank efficiently.
🌱 Spring
Service filters and UV equipment and prepare the system before warmer, drier weather.
Moving to a lifestyle property?
New Rural Homeowner Checklist
Save this list for settlement day or send it to anyone moving into a home supplied by rainwater tanks.
- Record tank size and number of tanks.
- Find the pump and water isolation points.
- Identify filters, UV and service intervals.
- Ask when the tank was last inspected or cleaned.
- Find the water-delivery connection point.
- Check driveway and turning access for a tanker.
- Save a reliable water carrier’s phone number.
- Set a reorder level before summer.
- Consider TankMate monitoring and alerts.
Google Reviews
Trusted by Customers Across Auckland, Rodney & Northland
Customers consistently mention fast delivery, excellent communication, easy ordering and reliable service.
★★★★★
“Delivery was much faster than I could have hoped for and the ordering process was very easy and straightforward.”— Charlotte King
★★★★★
“Great service, excellent communication and very happy.”— Jack Cooper
★★★★★
“Water tastes incredible, delivery was prompt and they have live tracking and a great communication system.”— W H
Tank-water questions
Frequently Asked Questions
How much water does an average household use?
For simple planning, allow around 100 litres per person per day. Actual use varies greatly depending on appliances, showers, toilets, irrigation, leaks and household habits.
When should I order a water delivery?
We recommend planning a delivery at approximately 25% remaining, particularly during dry weather. Ordering early gives you more choice and reduces the risk of running out during peak demand.
How can I tell how much water is left in my tank?
Options include a visual gauge, manual inspection or a smart TankMate sensor. TankMate provides remote level readings and low-level alerts without opening or climbing onto the tank.
Can TankMate monitor a holiday home?
Yes. Remote monitoring is particularly useful for baches, rental properties and homes that are not occupied every day, subject to the sensor model and connectivity available at the property.
Can Artesian & Solway Water install TankMate?
Installation options are available. Contact us with your tank type, location and connectivity details so we can recommend a suitable sensor and setup.
Can you automatically arrange water when my tank gets low?
Optional monitored refill arrangements may be available for eligible customers. Service area, access, tank setup and delivery terms apply.
How much rainwater will my roof collect?
As a rough guide, one millimetre of rain over one square metre of roof equals one litre before losses. First flush, wind, splash, overflow and collection efficiency reduce the amount that reaches the tank.
How often should a rainwater tank be cleaned?
Inspect the tank and complete system regularly and arrange cleaning when sediment or contamination makes it necessary. Building Performance uses five years as a general reference while noting that actual needs depend on what enters the tank and how sediment is managed.
Should I enter the tank to clean it?
No untrained homeowner should enter a tank. Tanks can present serious confined-space, access and atmospheric hazards. Use a suitably equipped professional.
Can you supply water after my tank is cleaned?
Yes. We can coordinate a fresh drinking-water delivery around your chosen independent tank cleaner across our service areas.
Do filters and UV systems need maintenance?
Yes. Filters need inspection and replacement or cleaning, and UV systems require servicing and lamp replacement in accordance with the manufacturer’s requirements.
Can delivered water be mixed with rainwater?
Delivered drinking water is commonly added to household rainwater tanks. The condition of the tank, roof catchment and downstream treatment still affects the quality of water supplied to the home.
What are signs of a possible leak?
A level falling faster than normal, a pump cycling when no water is being used, damp ground, running toilets and unexpected changes in TankMate readings can all warrant investigation.
Can I use my household tank to fill a swimming pool?
Doing so can quickly reduce essential household storage. It is usually better to arrange a separate pool-water delivery and preserve the rainwater tank for household use.
What happens to the water system during a power cut?
Most household pumps and UV systems require electricity. Unless the property has backup power or gravity supply, water pressure and UV treatment may stop during an outage.
How close does the delivery truck need to get?
This depends on the property, hose route and safe truck access. Include clear access notes and photos when booking so the delivery can be planned correctly.
Take the Guesswork Out of Tank-Water Living
Monitor your tank, understand household use and arrange reliable drinking-water delivery before your supply becomes critically low.
09 425 0086 | 027 544 4006 | info@artesianwater.net.nz
Guide reviewed July 2026. General information only; follow current New Zealand public-health and equipment-manufacturer guidance.