How much water do I really have stored?

Two large rain water tanks were installed in this new home to supply the extensive irrigation system. A series of 4 smaller connected tanks are located in the basement with a larger underground tank located at the rear of the home serving as an overflow for the inside tanks.

Both the inside and outside tank levels are displayed on the central touchscreen located in the kitchen. In addition to monitoring and displaying the tank levels, the touchscreen allows the owners to make changes to the irrigation schedules for the various zones around the property.

Although the tank level displays were a requested feature, for this client they also earned their keep. The client thought that one of the tank readouts seemed to be incorrect as the level had dropped by more than 50,000 litres over the previous week and asked us to come and check the system. When the software was found to be responding properly we checked the tank with a 3 metre dipstick, no mean feat with the tank access hatch being covered with a very heavy marble cover! The tank level reported by the control system (approximately half empty at that point) was confirmed as being correct so more investigation was required.

After much searching a small leak was found where an external light had been attached to what was thought to be a retaining wall but was in fact the side of the tank. The amount of water seeping out was not enough to be noticed in the garden but was certainly obvious from the tank level display on the touchscreen. Conservation was important for this client and although keeping an eye on the tank levels was a favoured feature of the touchscreen design it now become a trusted tool in their effort to save water.