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We are considering using the plastic catchment tank made by Chemtainer,
www.chemtainerofhawaii.com which , I think, are manufactured on island. We like the idea that the tank is enclosed so there is less of a chance of critters in the tank and the plastic will not rust. The diadvantage is that the largest tank available on island is only 4,000 gallons. We have a large roof so we may have enough water for our needs with this size tank. Some where we read that our area (Kehena Beach) gets 70" of rain a year.
The Guidelines on rainwater catchment systems for Hawai'i booklet says some insurance companies require a 10,000 gallon tank. Does anyone have experience with these tanks? Does your insurance company require the 10,000 tank?
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Anything less than 10k and you might have issues with your homeowners insurance. When I got insurance the first time for my house the first thing they asked is how big is your catchment. If needed the firetrucks can and will stick the suction line into your catchment to help fight a fire.
Royall
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Dear Sandy,
Check this link out.
http://www.plastic-mart.com/class.php?cat=168
I believe they ship to Hawaii and carry 10,000 gallon food grade plastic, sealed tanks for around $4,300.00. It may be what you are looking for.
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Sandy
Experience here
We have the Chemtai er tanks ans love them. We too were concerned with the total volume and decided to go with multiple tanks. We have 4 of the 4k for a total of 16k. A friend opted for 4 of the 3k for 12k total but hasn't installed them yet. Keep in mind that buying multiple tanks you can bargain a bit on the price.
Not only the benefits of a closed system, but maintainence. I'm sure someone will disagree, but from my investigationof the traditional metal/liner system it's not IF you get a leak but WHEN. With multiple tanks I think having a problem with all at same time are pretty slim. Even if I lose one I still have 12k of good.
Definitely worth the extra$$$ IMO.
David
Ninole Resident
Ninole Resident
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What does each of the 4k tank run cost wise?
Enjoy the day! Ann
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sorry about the double post, I looked it up through the link and found my answer :-)
Enjoy the day! Ann
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Insurance requirements depend on the individual insurer. 10k is the standard however. We have been building ferrocement water tanks on the island since 1986.
www.pacificgunite.com. They are fully enclosed, with a manhole. We build up to 100,000 gallons. You'll see our tanks in the Hawaii State rainwater catchment guideline book. Concrete has many advantages over plastic.
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hey sandi, do you know that besides eveything else being stolen all over the island is catchment tanks?? they even took a 20,000 gallon from hamakua coast area. if you can go with the cement,that is the way to do it, they wont be stealing that!! i have had one for many many years and just had another done in Hawaiian acres. check out pacific gunite. highly recommend them.[^]
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I made our tanks integral to the homes and used the Castleblock ICF material. You cannot steal the tanks, or even see them. The water is in contact with cementitious waterproofing and gets alkalinity to offset the acidity of rainwater. The water in the tank stays cool and is highly drinkable (after the filtration and purification steps). The tanks also do double duty and support and enclose the house.
John Maloney
310.562.0362
johnmaloney3@me.com
Hawaii Architect AR8082
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John, could you elaborate a little more on how you incorporated the tanks into the home design? Sounds interesting.
Thanks.
