Frequently Asked Questions – Tank a Day Challenge
Please note: in response to the recent media coverage surrounding lead and rainwater tanks:
Is the water in the rainwater tank safe for use indoors?
BlueScope Steel will install the rainwater tank for outdoor uses only—such as watering gardens, vegetable patches, flower beds, lawns and cleaning.
Schools that want to extend the use of their rainwater tank indoors - for example flushing toilets - can do so using their own funds and under their own responsibility. If your school wishes to do this, you should get an individual site readiness assessment from an accredited plumber.
BlueScope Steel recommends the school take advice from and comply with state and local building and health authorities when extending the system for any indoor use.
How can we ensure that the water in the rainwater tank is safe for drinking?
Under the terms and conditions of the Tank A Day Challenge, BlueScope Steel will install the rainwater tank for outdoor uses only—such as for watering gardens, vegetable patches, flower beds, lawns and cleaning.
BlueScope Steel recommends that schools that want to extend the use of their rainwater tank for drinking purposes must get an individual site readiness assessment from an accredited plumber as well as take advice from and comply with the requirements of state and local building and health authorities.
In all situations where water from a tank is to be used for drinking purposes - good catchment (roofing materials, flashings and guttering) and regular tank maintenance is extremely important. The use of a properly maintained first-flush diverter will also ensure the quality of water going into a water tanks. If a roof is to be used as a rainwater catchment for drinking, schools must ensure that that roofing works be carried out in accordance with the relevant government standards.
Rainwater harvesting is playing an important role in addressing Australia’s drought. Research shows that about 95 percent of our overall water needs are for irrigation/watering, washing and general uses. So there is no need to drink tank water to reap the benefits of rainwater harvesting.
How can I take part in the Tank A Day Challenge?
To participate in the BlueScope Tank a Day Challenge and be eligible to receive one of the 200 rainwater tanks, primary school principals must:
- Register their school at and outline why water is important to their school, and what they are doing about it;
- Demonstrate student involvement in the Tank a Challenge through participation in the Rainchasers educational water saving quiz
- Be able to make available a level 6 x 6 metre site adjacent to a school building with working guttering to accommodate a rainwater tank. For details on how to prepare your school for a rainwater tank click here.
How can I increase my school’s chances of receiving a tank?
Primary schools will be selected to receive one of the 27,000 litre Pioneer GALAXY® rainwater tanks based on:
- Student participation in the fun and educational Rainchasers Water Saving Quiz
Tip: once your primary school is registered, encourage students to complete the quiz! - A written submission by the principal of no more than 200 words on why water is important to their school, and what they are doing about it.
Tip: consider your water-saving projects, how students are involved, and how your school would use a rainwater tank. - Confirmation that the primary school has identified a 6m x 6m site available for the rainwater tank adjacent to a school building with working guttering.
- Confirmation that the principal has read and agreed to the terms & conditions.
Why are only primary schools able to take part in the Tank a Day Challenge?
BlueScope Steel wants to play its part in making a difference at grass roots level. By engaging primary schools in the Tank a Day challenge, we aim to educate and empower the next generation to help Australians manage water better.
BlueScope has now extended the Tank a Day Challenge into the community through the BlueScope Community Tankover Program which aims to help communities affected by drought and water shortages.
If my primary school is successful in the Tank a Day Challenge, how will BlueScope Steel deliver and install the rainwater tank?
If your school is chosen to receive a rainwater tank, a BlueScope Water representative will deliver and construct the rainwater tank on the prepared 6x6 metre site at a time that is convenient to you. BlueScope will work with your school and offer technical advice to help you make the best use of the rainwater tank.
Is there any ongoing maintenance associated with the rainwater tank on offer in the Tank a Day Challenge?
Primary schools that are successful in receiving a Pioneer GALAXY® 27,000 litre rainwater tank will receive a manual which highlights how to best take care of your new rainwater tank.
The Pioneer GALAXY® 27,000 litre rainwater tank on offer is covered by a 20 year warranty.
How long does it take to set up the rainwater tank?
Generally the rainwater tank can be constructed and installed in one day if your school has the necessary site prepared, however, this may vary from site to site. A BlueScope Water representative will work with your school and take due care to ensure minimal disruption to your school and students.
If selected to receive a rainwater tank, will my school have to pay for anything?
BlueScope will cover the cost of the rainwater tank, delivery and installation on the 6x6 metre site prepared by the school.
Schools will need to ensure that the site is correctly prepared with 150mm of clean sand (prior to the tank delivery), that down pipes and guttering are clear and in good working order, and that there is a power outlet for the pump nearby – please see Preparing for a tank and the terms and conditions for further information
National
National Solar Schools Program
Queensland
For example, the National Solar Schools Program offers schools grants of up to $50,000 to install rainwater tanks, solar power systems, solar hot water systems and a range of other energy efficiency measures. BlueScope Water offers a full service solution for schools wanting to take up funding from this Program. For more information visit BlueScope Water
How much will my school save on water bills with the rainwater tank?
Unfortunately it is difficult to generalise, as this will depend on the schools roof size and catchment area, and of course your annual rainfall. Primary schools that have already been successful in the Tank a Day Challenge have demonstrated that they have been able to make some savings on their water bill.
Is the tank safe for children?
The rainwater tanks on offer in the Tank a Day Challenge have been designed especially for schools with safety features such as a lockable access hatch, and fixings secured against vandalism and weather.
If my school is successful in the Tank a Day Challenge, can we upgrade to a bigger tank than the one provided?
If your primary school is successful in the Tank a Day Challenge you may upgrade to a larger size, but your school will be responsible for any additional costs and for ensuring you meet the required site specifications. BlueScope Water will be able to assist you with this.
When does the Tank a Day Challenge begin and end?
Primary school principals can register their school now.
Five schools selected to receive a rainwater tank will be announced each school week* from 2 September 2008 on this Tank A Day website and the TODAY show on Nine.
The Tank a Day Challenge is a rolling challenge and primary schools can continue to register until the week beginning 17 August 2009.
*based on the NSW school calendar
How long after a primary school is registered can they become eligible to receive a rainwater tank in the Tank a Day Challenge?
As soon as primary schools register in the Tank a Day Challenge they become eligible to receive a rainwater tank, however it’s up to the individual schools to encourage students to take part in the Rainchasers Quiz. Remember that student participation in this quiz is one element of the selection criteria.
Does the Tank a Day Challenge continue during the school holidays or on public holidays?
The Tank a Day Challenge is based on the New South Wales school calendar and excludes weekends, school holidays and public holidays.
How will the 200 rainwater tanks be allocated across Australia?
The 200 rainwater tanks will be done in proportion to the number of primary schools in each state and territory. For example, if ten percent of Australia’s primary schools are in South Australia, then ten percent of the 200 rainwater tanks will be allocated to that State. Rural, regional and outer-metropolitan areas will be appropriately represented within the final distribution.
Where can I get more information about rainwater tanks?
Many state government and water authority websites have information about rainwater tanks and saving water.
National
Australian Bureau of Meteorology
Australian natural resources atlas
Department of Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts
New South Wales
New South Wales Government - NSW Water Information
New South Wales Government – Information on managing water in NSW
New South Wales Government – Water for Life
Department of Water and Energy
Department of Environment and Climate Change
Victoria
Melbourne Water – conserve water
Department of Primary Industries – Victoria’s water resources
Department of Sustainability & Environment
Tasmania
Department of Industries and Water
Queensland
Queensland Water and Land Carers
Queensland Government – Securing our water future
Northern Territory
Northern Territory Government – Natural Resources, Environment and The Arts
Western Australia
Department of Environment and Conservation
Australian Capital Territory
Department of Territory and Municipal Services - Water
South Australia
South Australian Water Centre for Water Management and Reuse
For information about BlueScope Water’s rainwater harvesting systems click here.
If I receive a tank in the BlueScope Steel Tank a Day Challenge, can I still apply for grants and rebates from other government and corporate organisations?
The BlueScope Tank a Day Challenge is independent to any federal and state government grants available that primary schools may be eligible to apply for.
For example, the National Solar Schools Program offers schools grants of up to $50,000 to install rainwater tanks, solar power systems, solar hot water systems and a range of other energy efficiency measures. BlueScope Water offers a full service solution for schools wanting to take up funding from this Program. For more information visit BlueScope Water
My school has already received a rainwater tank in the Tank a Day Challenge, can we register to receive another tank?
Unfortunately schools that have already received a rainwater tank in the Tank a Day Challenge are not eligible to receive another tank.
However we invite you to become a Tank a Day member and participate in the BlueScope Tankover and Rainchaser Award.