sadevesisäiliöistä

Rainwater tanks are storage containers designed to collect, hold, and supply rainwater harvested from roofs or other catchment surfaces. They are commonly used in both domestic and agricultural settings to reduce reliance on municipal water supplies, lower water bills, and promote water conservation. The tanks are typically made from materials such as polyethylene, concrete, steel, or fiber-reinforced polymers, each offering different strengths, durability, and cost profiles.

In Finland, rainwater towers (sadevesisäiliöt) are particularly prevalent in rural areas and urban green spaces. Regulations governing their design, sizing, and installation are outlined in the Water Act and supplemented by local building codes. The tanks must be equipped with a first-flush system to divert the initial contaminated runoff, filtration or UV treatment for potable use, and spill-over mechanisms to prevent overfilling during heavy rainfall.

Typical storage capacities range from a few hundred to several thousand liters, depending on the catchment area and intended usage. Urban installations often integrate the tanks into building façades or as part of green roofs, providing dual benefits of stormwater management and urban heat island mitigation. Agricultural users employ larger tanks to irrigate fields, support livestock, or operate in regions with uneven precipitation patterns.

Maintenance of a rainwater tank involves regular cleaning of the intake grate, inspection of seals to prevent leaks, and periodic checks of the filtration or disinfection systems. When properly installed and maintained, rainwater tanks contribute to sustainable water management, lowering greenhouse gas emissions associated with water processing and providing resilience against drought periods.