As urban development expands across Australia, the need for sustainable and effective water management systems has never been more critical.
With increasing pressure from local councils to meet stringent stormwater management and Water Sensitive Urban Design (WSUD) requirements, developers and builders are turning to decentralised rainwater harvesting systems to solve the challenges posed by urban stormwater runoff.
In contrast to centralised systems that collect and manage stormwater at a single large facility, decentralised rainwater harvesting involves installing multiple smaller systems across a development.
These systems capture, store and reuse rainwater onsite, reducing reliance on mains water and managing stormwater at its source.
Made to Measure Steel tanks and Aquacomb systems by Kingspan Water Tanks are two popular decentralised rainwater harvesting solutions that help manage stormwater and bushfire, meet onsite detention (OSD) requirements and conserve water for non-potable uses.
Kingspan Water Tanks have become a go-to option for Australian developers and builders seeking durable, cost-effective and scalable solutions for rainwater harvesting and onsite detention.
Dual Functionality: Steel tanks can be used for rainwater harvesting and stormwater detention. This means developers and builders can reduce their overall infrastructure costs by combining detention and retention systems in a single made-to-measure Kingspan Water Tank.
Durability: Kingspan Water Tanks are built to last. The steel tanks made from Bluescopes AQUAPLATE steel are resistant to extreme weather conditions and UV exposure, making them a reliable choice for long-term water storage in Australia’s varied climate. Kingspan Water Tanks come with a 20-year corrosion warranty/10-year construction warranty.
Modularity: Steel tanks can be customised to fit the specific needs of any development, from residential lots to commercial and industrial sites. Their flexibility makes them ideal for decentralised water management across a wide range of urban developments.
Compliance with OSD Requirements: Many local councils now require developers and builders to implement OSD systems to manage stormwater runoff. Steel tanks can be engineered to meet these requirements, helping projects stay compliant while reducing the risk of flooding and erosion.
Sustainability: Using a steel tank for rainwater harvesting reduces the demand on mains water, lowering a development’s overall water consumption and promoting sustainable water use.
The Aquacomb system is a modular, in-slab rainwater harvesting and storage solution designed to be entirely housed within a concrete slab under a built area or unbuilt area (carport/portico) or under any hard-covered surface. It’s ideal for its discreet installation and efficient water-management capabilities.
Space-Saving Design: Aquacomb’s pods, each with a capacity of either 240L or 320L in-slab modules, are ideal for developments with limited space. By installing the system, in-slab in built areas and below driveways, developers and builders can maximise usable land without sacrificing stormwater management.
High Storage Capacity: Despite its compact size, Aquacomb offers high water-storage capacity, making it an excellent choice for rainwater harvesting and onsite detention.
Easy Installation: The modular nature of Aquacomb allows for quick and easy installation, reducing construction time and labour costs. This is especially beneficial for developers and builders looking to complete projects on tight schedules.
Minimal Maintenance: Aquacomb systems require very little maintenance, making them a low-cost, hassle-free solution for long-term water management.
Flexibility Across Applications: Aquacomb can be used for a range of water management applications, from rainwater harvesting for non-potable uses like irrigation and toilet flushing to stormwater detention. This versatility makes it an ideal choice for residential, commercial and industrial developments.
Compliance with WSUD and OSD Requirements: Many councils require developments to meet WSUD guidelines and implement OSD systems. Decentralised rainwater harvesting solutions such as Kingspan Water Tanks and Aquacomb will help with these regulations while providing added value through rainwater reuse.
Reduced Pressure on Stormwater Infrastructure: By managing stormwater onsite, decentralised systems reduce the burden on local stormwater infrastructure. This can lower the risk of flooding and erosion in urban areas, which is especially important as cities expand and impervious surfaces increase.
Sustainability and Water Conservation: Decentralised rainwater harvesting reduces reliance on mains water and helps conserve precious water resources. Systems that promote water reuse are becoming essential in sustainable development.
Cost Savings: Implementing a decentralised rainwater harvesting system can reduce water bills, lower infrastructure costs and minimise the risk of flooding-related damage—all of which lead to significant long-term savings for developers and builders.
Flexibility Across Development Types: Whether it’s for a residential subdivision, a commercial building or an industrial site, Kingspan Water Tanks can be adapted to fit a wide range of project needs. This flexibility and product range makes them an attractive option for developers and builders working across various sectors.
For larger Projects—Kingspan Water Tanks offer commercial and industrial tanks. Kingspan’s commercial and industrial tanks are built to withstand Australia’s harsh conditions, designed to suit most commercial and industrial uses.
Their Industrial Square and Flat Panel Round Tanks, and Glass Fused-To-Steel Tanks can be engineered to suit a wide range of commercial and industrial applications, storing up to 20ML of water.
For developers and builders looking to stay ahead of the curve in sustainable water management, investing in decentralised rainwater harvesting systems by utilising the Kingspan Water Tanks range is not just a regulatory necessity but a forward-thinking solution for building resilient and water efficient communities.
Click here to access our water-management solution range, access BIM files and Kingspan’s CPD course.
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