Watertanks

Buy a 200-litre water tank 

WREMO has partnered with a New Zealand water tank manufacturer, The Tank Guy, to make a 200-litre water tank and kit available for $110 (RRP $265).

Water tank features

Features of the water tank/butt include:

• Easy installation
• Easy transportation, will fit into most cars
• Food grade, UV resistant plastic
• All fittings, including a diverter kit (not shown in photo), strapping, bung and brass tap
• 10-year warranty for the tank and 1-year warranty for the diverter kit

Where to get a water tank

Commonly asked questions

What is the size of the tank?
The tank holds 200 litres of water. It is 1200 mm high, 650 mm wide, weighs 7.5 kg when empty and can fit into the backseat of most cars.

Do I have to boil the water?
Yes. Health professionals recommend boiling water before drinking. 

The Ministry of Health's Health Ed website has information on how to keep water in your water collection tank safe to drink 

Water collection tanks and safe household water

Making your water safe in an emergency (PDF, 437 KB)

There a simple steps you can take to make water safe in an emergency, including boiling and using bleach.

Also available as an image: Making your water safe in an emergency (JPG, 72 KB)

Do I have to clean the tank?
It is also recommended that you empty, clean, and refill your tank at least once a year.

What colour choices are there?
Tanks are available in heritage green and birch grey.

Can I link more than one tank together?
Yes. A series of water tanks can be connected together. You will need to buy additional material (connecting pipes/hose) from your local hardware store.

Do I have to fit the tank to a downpipe?
No. The tank can be used to store 200 L of tap water, which should be refreshed every 12 months. It can then be connected to the downpipe in an emergency. This is a really good option if you are renting. If you choose to store tap water then ensure all holes are covered. 

What is the tank made of?
UV-resistant, food-grade plastic. It is certified as meeting New Zealand standards for water storage.

Are they easy to install?
Yes, the tank is easy to install, the diverter kit can be installed by most home handymen/women. The tank comes with installation instructions and there is a video available on the Tank Guy website. If you have any concerns, the Tank Guy recommends you seek advice from your local plumber.

Are these tanks subsidised by ratepayers?
No. Wellington Region Emergency Management Office has been able to negotiate a bulk order to provide the tank and fittings at this exceptionally low price (retail price of the same tank and fittings is $265). Council staff and facilities have helped to store and distribute the tanks, keeping the price low.

What do I do if I encounter a problem with the tank I purchased?
Any problems should be referred to The Tank Guy, phone 0508 326 8888, through their website, or send them an email.

Community Fundraisers

You can help your school or community group raise funds by selling water tanks!  Email The Tank Guy for more information.

Go to Step 8: Make an emergency toilet

After a large earthquake, don't flush!

Even if the water is still running, it's likely the wastewater pipes will be broken. When you flush the toilet, your poos and wees may end up in your garden (or your neighbours' gardens)! 

The wastewater network (which takes away the water we pour down the sink and our poos and wees) is even more vulnerable than the drinking water network - its broken pipes would take even longer to find and fix, and there'd be more of them.

Go to Step 7 to find out about how to make an emergency toilet