Make Summer Water Go Further: Slimline Rainwater Storage for Gardens, Play, and Everyday Use
Hotter, drier summers are here. If you are planning a build or upgrading an existing property, the right slimline rainwater storage can keep your outdoor life flowing while reducing mains demand. This guide walks through practical, code‑aware options that fit tight sites without disrupting streetscapes. You will see how FenceTank integrates into fence lines, how stormPANEL sits neatly in narrow side yards, and where Silo shines for compact vertical storage. You will also find straightforward plumbing layouts, tips for non‑potable tie‑ins, and how to interconnect units for more capacity before the dry spells hit.
Why Slimline Storage for Summer Resilience
Slimline tanks quietly harvest roof runoff during shoulder seasons and every summer downpour, then supply it back when your gardens and outdoor areas need it most. With small footprints and smart placement, you gain:
More watering days for lawns and veggie beds
Reliable water for kids’ play and outdoor cleaning
Reduced stress on mains during restrictions
Lower water bills and better resilience
FenceTank sits within the fence line so you preserve usable area and sightlines. stormPANEL hugs walls or boundaries where passage width is tight. Silo stores vertically when every square metre counts. Together, these form factors let you capture water where a traditional cylindrical unit simply will not fit.
Everyday Uses in Hot, Dry Months
Collected rainwater supports a wide range of non‑potable tasks that keep summer moving:
Garden care: Irrigate veggie beds, shrubs, and lawns during morning or evening to minimise evaporation. Simple drip lines or soaker hoses connected to a small pump deliver steady, efficient watering.
Outdoor play: Top up kids’ paddling pools and water tables over the Christmas to New Year break. You control flow and timing without leaning on peak mains periods.
Cleaning and rinsing: Wash cars, bikes, and salt‑sprayed gear after beach trips. Rinse garden tools and containers without running long mains hoses.
Indoor stretch: With appropriate plumbing, feed toilet cisterns or the cold inlet on a washing machine to reduce mains consumption day to day.
Safety and stewardship matter. Fit leaf guards at the downpipe and include a first‑flush diverter to limit fine sediment. Use inlet screens and calming inlets to protect stored water. For non‑potable use, keep outlets clearly labelled and avoid cross‑connections with drinking water lines. If you plan to supply fixtures, engage a qualified plumber to meet backflow and code requirements. Responsible use protects water as a taonga, preserves system performance, and keeps maintenance simple.
Non‑Potable Tie‑Ins and Typical Plumbing Connections
A tidy, compliant layout makes operation simple and servicing predictable. Typical components include:
Leaf diverter or leaf guard at the downpipe
First‑flush diverter sized to the catchment area
Inlet screen at the tank, plus a calming inlet to reduce disturbance
Overflow connected to stormwater with an air gap as required
Pump and pressure set to deliver constant pressure to taps and lines
Common non‑potable connections:
Toilet cistern feeds via a dedicated non‑potable line with backflow protection to NZ code
Cold‑inlet supply to washing machines, again with required backflow prevention
External hose taps for irrigation and cleaning
Low‑flow drip or micro‑irrigation lines with filtration appropriate to nozzle sizes
Controls and safeguards:
Level sensors to prevent dry run
Automatic mains changeover so fixtures keep working when storage is low
Isolation valves on tanks and manifolds for safe servicing
Accessible pump location with service clearance and electrical isolation
If you are selecting a pressure set, a quality pump for water tank applications with a matched mains changeover valve keeps things hassle‑free and code aware.
Scaling Capacity: Interconnecting Multiple Slimline Tanks
Slimline units are modular. You can scale capacity with balanced plumbing that maximises usable volume.
How to connect:
Parallel manifold: Connect low‑level balance lines between tanks so water levels equalise. Use adequately sized pipe to reduce friction losses.
Series link: Where fit‑out dictates, feed from one tank to the next via low‑level links, but ensure comparable outlet heights to maintain drawdown.
Best practice:
Match outlet heights across all units and mount tanks on level, compacted bases
Install isolation valves on each tank to allow individual service or replacement
Provide accessible unions and flexible couplers for maintenance
Manage air gaps and overflows so the system fails safe to stormwater without nuisance discharge
Example layouts:
FenceTank along a boundary: A run of 1,000 L FenceTank modules spaced to match fence posts, linked with low‑level balance lines, one pump set feeding external hose taps and toilet lines
stormPANEL in a side corridor: Two or more panels stacked along a wall with protective screening or trellis, balanced at the base, and a single overflow line to stormwater
These configurations let you add capacity in stages as budgets or site phasing allow.
Form Factors and Placement
Choose the format that fits your site and priorities:
FenceTank: Sits within standard fence lines to preserve open space and maintain clean sightlines. Ideal on boundaries or where planning rules discourage visible bulk. Quick to install with minimal base work.
stormPANEL: Ultra‑slim modules for side yards and setbacks. Perfect where you need to keep a narrow passage open for access or fire egress while still banking litres from a roof line.
Silo: Compact vertical storage where footprint is tight but you have height to spare. Handy near a service corner with easy pump access.
Mounting and clearances:
Prepare a flat, compacted base using GAP material or pavers as specified. Allow clearance for fittings, valve access, and pump service space.
Keep tanks plumb and level to protect balance lines and outlet seals.
Provide safe access for screens and first‑flush maintenance, plus a path for hose routing.
Check fence loading if attaching through posts, and follow product guidance on fixings.
Colours, Cladding Harmony, and Streetscape
Keep storage discreet by aligning colour and finish with your existing materials:
Neutral tones that blend with common NZ fence stains and Colorsteel palettes include Birch Grey, Slate Grey, Karaka, and Black. These options sit comfortably against typical timber fences, metal cladding, and darker plaster finishes.
Match downpipes, leaf diverters, and pump covers with adjacent cladding or fence colours. A consistent colourway reduces visual clutter and helps tanks disappear into the background.
Where panels face public view, consider trellis or planting screens that maintain airflow and service access while softening edges.
Built for New Zealand Conditions
High UV, coastal air, and temperature swings demand durable materials. Slimline systems described here are manufactured from tank‑grade polyethylene with NZ‑grade UV stabilisation and are backed by robust warranties. That means they are designed for harsh inland sun and salt‑laden coastal environments.
Maintenance is simple:
Inspect and clean inlet screens every few weeks in leaf season, otherwise quarterly
Check and empty first‑flush diverters, and confirm seals and O‑rings are sound
Test pump operation, changeover function, and pressure set performance at least twice a year
Confirm overflow paths are clear before forecast heavy rain
A light, regular routine keeps water quality high and components reliable across summer peaks.
Installation Practicalities, No Concrete or Cranage Required
One of the biggest advantages of slimline above‑ground storage is installation simplicity:
Most units can be installed without cranage, and many do not require a concrete foundation
Set tanks on a compacted GAP base or pavers laid true to level, following manufacturer guidance
Use appropriate anchoring or restraint where wind loading or seismic considerations apply
Retrofit to existing downpipes is straightforward with standard fittings, leaf diverters, and first‑flush devices
Plan electrical supply and weather protection for the pump set, with safe isolation and drainage
Engage a licensed plumber for any work that ties into building plumbing. This protects safety, ensures backflow compliance, and keeps council processes smooth.
Who This Helps and How We Work
ARCHITECTS • DEVELOPERS • PROJECT MANAGERS • ENGINEERS • FACILITIES MANAGERS
You want compact, reliable storage that looks good and performs when mains are under pressure. We provide end‑to‑end support across:
Sizing and selection for tight sites
Specification and consent support with code‑aware detail
Supply, installation guidance, and commissioning
Aftercare, maintenance, and system upgrades
From early design to seasonal tune‑ups, we help you safeguard water as a taonga and keep outdoor life moving.
Learn More → rainwater harvesting
View Our Services → water tanks
Talk to an Expert → water tank and pump
Get Maximum Benefit From Every Downpour
Use this quick checklist before the dry sets in:
Select the form factor that fits your site: FenceTank for fence lines, stormPANEL for narrow corridors, Silo where a small footprint is essential
Add first‑flush, screens, and calming inlets to protect quality and extend pump life
Choose compliant backflow protection for any toilet or washing machine connections
Plan a pump and changeover set sized to your flow needs; include level protection
Manifold multiple tanks with low‑level balance lines, matched outlet heights, and isolation valves
Confirm overflow routing to stormwater with an air gap where required
Set a compacted base and provide access for servicing, cleaning, and electrics
Align colours and accessories with fences and cladding to keep the streetscape tidy
Schedule a simple maintenance routine for screens, first‑flush checks, and pump tests
Slimline storage turns short, sharp summer showers into weeks of practical supply. Whether you need an unobtrusive fence‑line solution, a side‑yard panel array, or a compact vertical unit, there is a form factor that fits. With the right plumbing layout, non‑potable tie‑ins, and balanced interconnections, you will gain more watering days, more reliable outdoor play, and reduced mains demand. If you are ready to design a system for your site, we are here to help you capture every drop.