Choosing the right water tank can make a big difference to how well your property stores, manages and uses water. Whether you live in town, run a rural property, manage a farm or need water storage for a commercial site, the right tank can help improve water security and make better use of rainwater.
At Great Northern Tanks, we supply water tanks across Australia, including options suited to homes, farms, remote properties, commercial sites and industrial projects. This guide explains what to consider before buying a water tank, so you can choose a size, style and system that suits your location and water needs.
Before choosing a tank, think about how the water will be used. A household may need a tank for garden watering, toilets, laundry or general backup supply. A farm may need water for livestock, irrigation, sheds or machinery washdown. A commercial site may need storage for cleaning, site operations, emergency use or process water.
Common water tank uses include:
Once you know how the water will be used, it becomes easier to choose the right tank size, material and accessories.
Tank size is one of the most important decisions. A small tank may be enough for garden watering, while a large-capacity tank may be needed for farms, rural properties or commercial sites.
When choosing a size, consider:
For homes in Australian towns and suburbs, smaller round tanks or slimline tanks may be suitable. For rural areas, farms and remote locations, larger poly tanks or steel panel tanks may be a better choice. If your property has limited water access, it is often worth choosing more storage than you think you need.
Different tank materials suit different sites and applications. The best option depends on your space, budget, location and water storage needs.
Poly water tanks are popular for homes, gardens, sheds, small farms and rural blocks. They are lightweight, practical and available in many sizes. They are also a good option for rainwater storage and general outdoor use.
Poly tanks come in round and slimline styles. A slimline tank is useful for narrow spaces beside homes, fences or sheds. A round poly tank is often better when you have more room and want extra storage capacity.
Steel panel tanks are designed for larger water storage needs. They are often used on farms, cattle stations, commercial sites, industrial properties and remote locations.
These tanks are a strong choice when you need high-capacity water storage for livestock, irrigation, rainwater harvesting, fire reserve water or backup supply. Steel panel tanks are also useful for properties that need a long-term water storage solution in tough Australian conditions.
Stainless steel water tanks are often chosen for their clean finish, strength and corrosion resistance. They can suit homes, rural properties and some commercial applications.
A stainless steel tank may be a good option if you want a durable tank for rainwater storage and prefer a steel finish. The right choice will depend on your required capacity, site layout and budget.
Australia has many different climates, so location matters when choosing a water tank. A property in a high-rainfall coastal area will have different needs from a remote station, dry rural block or industrial site in the Northern Territory.
For Australian properties exposed to heat, storms, strong sun or remote access conditions, it is important to choose a tank that suits the environment. Consider the ground conditions, delivery access, available space and whether the tank will be easy to maintain over time.
If you live in a rural or remote area, also think about how often water can be delivered or collected. Larger storage may help reduce the need for frequent refills.
A water tank needs a suitable site. Before buying, check where the tank will go and whether the area is ready for installation.
Think about:
A well-prepared base helps support the tank and protect it over time. Larger tanks may need more planning, especially if they require assembly, machinery access or connection to existing water systems.
A good water storage system is more than just the tank. Depending on how you use the water, you may also need pumps, filtration, fittings, pipework, tank level indicators or water monitoring.
A pump can help move water to taps, gardens, troughs or buildings. Filtration may be useful if the water is used inside the home or for drinking water purposes. Water monitoring can help you track tank levels, which is especially useful for farms, remote properties and commercial sites.
Useful accessories may include:
Choosing the right accessories from the start can make your tank easier to use and maintain.
Most water tanks are simple to maintain, but regular checks can help keep your system working well.
Basic maintenance includes:
Good maintenance helps protect water quality and extends the life of your water storage system.
Every property is different. A tank that suits a suburban home may not be right for a farm, commercial site or remote property. Before choosing a water tank, it is worth speaking with a team that understands Australian conditions and can help match the tank to your actual needs.
Great Northern Tanks supplies poly water tanks, steel panel tanks, stainless steel water tanks, pumps, filtration, fittings and water storage accessories across Australia. Whether you need a simple rainwater tank for your home or a large-capacity water storage system for a rural or commercial site, our team can help you compare your options.
A good water tank should suit your space, location, water use and long-term plans. By choosing the right size, material and accessories, you can create a water storage system that is practical, reliable and easy to manage.
Looking for water tanks in Australia? Contact Great Northern Tanks for friendly advice and a quote on a tank system that suits your home, farm, business or remote property.
