How necessary are water storage tanks in the UK?

Rain water always seems to be in great supply in the UK, so the question asked by many is whether it really is worth installing a metal water storage tank? A number of factors would need to be considered to quantify their value. This can be worked out by calculating water savings over a long-term period of 10 years or more.

Installing a water storage tank without protecting the inner shell with a tank liner, will affect being able to determine the true value of your investment as the tank may start to rust and leak within the ten year period. However, a well protected and maintained tank will positively influence a worthy investment. So with a little bit of TLC all good water storage tanks should all be functioning well after 10 years.

Nearly 800 grass fires have been started in the southern parts of Wales since the beginning of April 2015. Hoping for rain is not the most scientific way of dealing with this man-made devastation to the country-side. Water is much needed to extinguish the flames before there are human fatalities and where that water is sourced will determine the true cost of extinguishing flames. Water storage tanks placed at strategic points with the appropriate fire hose attachments could offer some advantage in lowering the cost of fighting flames by using non-mains water. Helicopters used to dump sea water on raging fires costs the fire department `bucket-loads` of money.

So, work out the amount of water `saved` by the water storage tank compared to mains water usage. Subtract from that the actual cost of the water storage tank, tank liner and any maintenance costs to determine whether you will save (positive) or loose (negative) from utilizing a water tank over 10 years.
Then add on the cost of replacing any items you will `loose` or be unable to support without the mostly guaranteed supply of water from the tank. What is the cost of crop lose during periods of drought (the summers are reportedly getting warmer as a consequence of Global Warming).

Where tanks are in place, the maintenance to reduce future costs can be achieved by tank liner replacements.