Water tanks are of various categories. They are highly used to store water for different purposes. Water can be stored in a water tank for drinking or any other use. Depending on the use of the water tank, the materials used for constructing it and the size and shape of the tank might vary. One main type of water tank seen is known as rain water tanks.
A rain water tank is used to store rain water falling from roof tops. Rain water is usually stored in the tanks through rain gutters. These tanks are generally used to store soft rain water for various uses especially in houses. This helps to reduce the usage of water from other sources which are comparatively scarce. Thus rain water tanks help in attaining self sufficiency.
Rain water can be stored in special tanks for use in drier periods when water is not available for plenty use. Retentions of storm water can also be performed using this rain water tanks. Rain water stored in rain water tanks can be used for washing clothes, gardening, washing cars or for flushing toilets. if the water if not contaminated, they can also be used for drinking purposes.
The main disadvantage of using water tanks is that they are difficult to maintain. The upfront cost in case of rain water tanks is often high. If they are not properly maintained, rain water tanks can cause serious health problems to those who are using it. Small rain water tanks can be used for small household purposes and will be easy to maintain as well. They are generally referred to as rain barrels.