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Emergency Water Reserve for Auckland Businesses: Securing Your Business Operations with Commercial Rain Tanks

  • Writer: Rain Reserve
    Rain Reserve
  • Jun 30
  • 6 min read

Water is the lifeblood of any business. Whether you run a hospitality venue, a manufacturing plant, a farm, or a carwash in Auckland, having a reliable water supply is critical to your operations. But what happens when Auckland’s water supply is disrupted due to drought, natural disasters, or infrastructure failures? Recent events in New Zealand, such as water crises in Gisborne and ongoing drought conditions in Auckland, highlight the urgent need for businesses to invest in commercial rainwater harvesting systems and establish their own emergency water reserves.

In this comprehensive guide, we explore why Auckland businesses should consider investing in larger rain tanks as part of their emergency preparedness and sustainable water management strategies.

The Growing Need for Commercial Rainwater Harvesting in Auckland

New Zealand's water infrastructure is generally reliable, but extreme weather events, ageing infrastructure, and natural disasters can disrupt supply. For example, Gisborne businesses faced severe water shortages in early 2023 after cyclone damage disrupted the town's water network. Restaurants had to hand-wash dishes, hair salons resorted to heating stored water, and many businesses struggled to keep operating.

Similarly, Auckland's dam levels have been dropping due to increasingly dry conditions, with Watercare warning of potential water restrictions. These challenges underscore the importance of having a dedicated emergency water supply through rainwater harvesting to maintain business continuity.

Auckland's Unique Water Challenges

For Auckland businesses specifically, several factors make rainwater harvesting particularly valuable:

  • Variable Rainfall Patterns: While Auckland receives approximately 1,200mm of annual rainfall, the distribution is becoming less predictable due to climate change.

  • Growing Population Pressure: Auckland's expanding population places increasing demand on limited water infrastructure.

  • Rising Water Costs: Commercial water rates in Auckland continue to increase, making alternative water sources more economically attractive.

  • Business Continuity Risks: Water supply interruptions can lead to significant financial losses, especially for water-dependent businesses.

Calculating Your Business's Emergency Water Requirements

According to emergency management guidelines, individuals should store at least 20 litres of water per person per day for seven days—about 140 litres per person—to cover drinking, cooking, hygiene, and basic cleaning needs. For businesses, the volume needed depends on the number of staff, customers, and the nature of operations.

Industry-Specific Water Requirements

Business Type

Daily Water Requirement

Recommended Minimum Tank Size

Small Office (10 staff)

200-300 litres

5,000 litres

Café/Restaurant

20-30 litres per seat

10,000+ litres

Light Manufacturing

500-2,000 litres

15,000+ litres

Hospitality (small hotel)

150-200 litres per room

20,000+ litres

Agricultural/Horticultural

2,000-10,000+ litres

30,000+ litres

These figures represent baseline emergency requirements. For comprehensive rainwater harvesting systems designed to supplement daily operations, larger capacity tanks will provide greater benefits and return on investment.

Why Larger Rain Tanks Are Essential for Auckland Businesses

While households often opt for residential water tanks between 625L and 5,000L, businesses should consider larger capacity rainwater harvesting systems to meet their higher water demands and emergency needs. Commercial rain tanks in the 5,000L to 30,000L range provide:

Reliable Backup Supply

Large rain tanks store enough water to keep essential operations running during supply interruptions. For water-dependent businesses like restaurants, breweries, or manufacturing facilities, this can mean the difference between continued operation and costly shutdowns.

Significant Cost Efficiency

Investing in a larger rainwater harvesting system reduces the need for costly emergency water deliveries or operational shutdowns. With Auckland's commercial water rates averaging $3.90 per cubic metre (plus wastewater charges), a well-designed system can pay for itself within 3-5 years through reduced utility bills.

Environmental Sustainability

Using harvested rainwater reduces reliance on municipal supplies and supports environmental stewardship. Many Auckland businesses are incorporating rainwater harvesting into their sustainability initiatives, enhancing their corporate social responsibility profiles.

Operational Versatility

Large rain tanks can supply water for multiple business functions:

  • Irrigation for landscaped areas

  • Cleaning of vehicles, equipment, and facilities

  • Cooling systems for industrial processes

  • Fire suppression systems

  • General non-potable uses like toilet flushing

  • Potable uses if properly treated and filtered

Rain Reserve's Commercial Rainwater Harvesting Solutions

Rain Reserve, a division of Plastic Rotational Moulding (PRM), offers a comprehensive range of high-quality water tanks designed specifically for New Zealand conditions. Our larger tanks, including the popular 5,700L and 30,000L tanks, are ideal for Auckland businesses looking to secure their water future through effective rainwater harvesting.

Features of Rain Reserve Commercial Rain Tanks:

  • Superior Durability: Manufactured using advanced rotational moulding technology, our tanks are UV-stabilised, BPA-free, and built to withstand Auckland's variable climate conditions.

  • Regulatory Compliance: All tanks meet AS/NZS 4020 and AS/NZS 2070 standards, ensuring water safety and quality for business applications.

  • Flexible Installation Options: Tanks can be installed above or below ground, with options for stacking or linking multiple tanks to increase capacity—perfect for businesses with limited space.

  • Comprehensive Warranty: Backed by a 10-year no-nonsense warranty, providing peace of mind for your business investment.

  • Local Auckland Support: With our base in Auckland, we provide prompt local service and support for all commercial installations.

Spotlight: The 30,000L Devan Commercial Rain Tank

The 30,000L Devan tank represents our premium offering for commercial and industrial rainwater harvesting applications requiring a large, reliable water supply. It features:

  • Robust dome structure designed for commercial durability

  • Capability to be buried up to 500mm deep, saving valuable business space

  • Engineered for seamless integration with existing water systems

  • Compatible with commercial filtration and pumping equipment

  • Suitable for both emergency water storage and day-to-day supplementary supply

Implementing Rainwater Harvesting for Your Auckland Business

1. Assess Your Water Needs

Calculate your daily water usage, including staff, customers, and operational requirements. Consider both emergency reserves and potential ongoing usage of harvested rainwater.

2. Evaluate Your Collection Potential

A typical commercial building in Auckland with a 500m² roof can collect approximately 400,000 litres of water annually. Work with our specialists to determine your specific collection capacity based on:

  • Roof surface area

  • Roof material composition

  • Local rainfall patterns in your Auckland neighbourhood

  • Seasonal variation considerations

3. Select the Optimal Tank Size

Choose a rain tank that balances your water requirements, available space, and budget considerations. Many Auckland businesses opt for multiple interconnected tanks to maximize storage capacity.

4. Professional Installation Planning

Work with Rain Reserve's experienced team to ensure proper installation, including:

  • Appropriate filtration systems for your intended water use

  • Energy-efficient pumping solutions

  • Integration with existing plumbing infrastructure

  • Compliance with Auckland Council regulations

  • Potential for staged implementation to manage costs

5. System Maintenance Protocol

Develop a regular maintenance schedule including:

  • Quarterly inspection of gutters and downpipes

  • Bi-annual tank cleaning and filter replacement

  • Annual system pressure and performance testing

  • Regular water quality monitoring for specific applications

6. Develop a Business Continuity Water Strategy

Train staff on:

  • Water conservation practices

  • Emergency water allocation priorities

  • System operation during municipal supply interruptions

  • Protocols for extending stored water usage during prolonged disruptions

Return on Investment: The Business Case for Rainwater Harvesting

For a typical Auckland business, a commercial rainwater harvesting system represents not just an emergency preparedness measure, but a sound financial investment:

  • Water Cost Savings: Reduce municipal water consumption by 30-70%

  • Stormwater Fee Reductions: Many Auckland properties can qualify for reduced stormwater management fees

  • Business Continuity: Avoid costly operational shutdowns during water restrictions

  • Property Value Enhancement: Commercial properties with water security features often command premium values

  • Marketing Advantage: Promote your business's sustainability initiatives to environmentally conscious consumers

Be Emergency Prepared with Rain Reserve

Water disruptions can have a devastating impact on businesses, but with the right rainwater harvesting system, you can safeguard your operations. Investing in a large-capacity rain tank from Rain Reserve not only provides an essential emergency water reserve but also supports sustainable water management practices that benefit both your business and the wider Auckland community.

With over 50 years of experience, Rain Reserve delivers durable, compliant, and locally made tanks tailored to Auckland's unique needs and climate conditions. Our team of specialists can help you identify the ideal rainwater harvesting solution for your specific business requirements.

Explore our full range of commercial rain tanks and take the first step towards securing your business's water future today. Contact our Auckland team for a no-obligation consultation or visit us to see our quality rainwater harvesting solutions firsthand.

References:

  • Auckland Council Commercial Water Management Guidelines, 2024

  • Watercare Commercial Water Usage Statistics, May 2025

  • New Zealand Business Continuity Institute: Emergency Water Storage Recommendations

  • Ministry for the Environment: Climate Change Adaptation for Businesses, 2024

  • BRANZ: Commercial Rainwater Harvesting Systems Best Practice Guide

This guide is provided by Rain Reserve by Plastic Rotational Moulding, Auckland's trusted provider of quality rainwater harvesting solutions since 2015.

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