Best Water Tanks for Saving Money

Smart Picks for Homes, Farms & Acreage

If you’re looking to cut water bills, reduce mains dependence, and collect free rainwater, choosing the right tank makes all the difference. Modern water storage solutions have become one of the smartest upgrades for Australian homes — especially during dry seasons and rising water costs.

💧 Why Water Tanks Help You Save

Water storage tanks reduce mains usage by supplying free harvested rainwater for:

Lawn & garden irrigation

Car washing

Laundry systems (with filtration)

Pool top-ups

Outdoor cleaning

Livestock & crops (rural use)

Less mains usage = lower utility bills, and depending on tank size + rainfall, many homeowners see meaningful savings from month one.

🏆 1. Slimline Water Tanks (Best for Small Spaces)

Ideal for: Suburban homes, side-access areas, tight blocks

Why they help you save:

Fit along fences or driveways

Capture roof run-off efficiently

Cost-effective installation

Perfect for garden irrigation

Slimline tanks are popular because they don’t disrupt landscaping and allow homes with limited yard space to still capture rainwater.

Common sizes: 1000L – 5000L

🏡 2. Poly Water Tanks (Best Overall Value)

Ideal for: Residential + rural properties

Poly tanks are affordable, durable, UV-resistant, and handle Australian climates well.

Savings benefits include:

Low maintenance costs

Long lifespan

Works with gutter systems on sheds & homes

Available in large sizes for more rain capture

Common sizes: 3000L – 50,000L

For homeowners who want maximum water capture at the lowest price per litre, poly tanks are often the most economical option.

🏗️ 3. Steel Water Tanks (Best for Hot Regions & Bush Areas)

Ideal for: Farms, rural locations, hot climates

Steel tanks are popular in regions with high sun exposure because they resist heat and support larger capacities.

Money-saving advantages:

Lower evaporation rate

Large storage for livestock & crops

Long replacement cycles

Fire readiness benefits

Common sizes: 10,000L – 250,000L+

🏘️ 4. Underground Water Tanks (Best Space Saver)

Ideal for: New builds, small yards, modern homes

Underground tanks hide the entire system, helping homeowners maintain outdoor living space.

How they save:

Collect rainwater from roof

Can connect to toilets + laundry for deeper savings

Outdoor area stays clean + usable

Most efficient when paired with pressure pumps + filtration for indoor use.

🌱 5. Rainwater Harvesting Systems (Best Long-Term ROI)

These are kits + tanks combined with filters and pumps. They offer the highest savings potential because they can replace indoor mains use.

Systems can supply:

✔ Laundry
✔ Toilets
✔ Garden irrigation
✔ Outdoor taps

This reduces annual water usage significantly — especially during summer.

💸 How Much Can Homeowners Actually Save?

Savings vary by:

Roof size (catchment potential)

Rainfall volume

Tank size

Usage type (indoor vs outdoor)

Local water pricing

But on average, households can offset:

✔ 30%–60% of outdoor water use, or
✔ Up to 20%–40% of total water use (if connected indoors)

In some regions with heavy lawn & garden watering, the savings are even higher.

☀️ Best Tank Types for Australian Conditions

For maximising financial return:

🧾 Government Rebates & Incentives

Some councils offer rebates for installing rainwater tanks depending on region and configuration.

Indoor connections often qualify for higher incentives because they:

Reduce mains demand

Improve long-term sustainability

Always check local council websites for up-to-date eligibility.

🧠 Final Takeaway

For homeowners wanting to save money, the best water tanks deliver:

✔ Free rainwater supply
✔ Lower utility bills
✔ Reduced drought risk
✔ Higher property value

For maximum savings, poly tanks and rainwater harvesting systems typically provide the best return on investment for Australian homes.