Frequently asked questions
Do I need a permit to have one of your tanks?
In San Diego County you do NOT need a permit for water tanks as long as the tank is supported directly upon grade, the capacity does not exceed 5,000 gallons and the ratio of height to diameter or width does not exceed two to one, or the capacity does not exceed 10,000 gallons and the ratio of height to diameter or width does not exceed one and one-half to one. Link to County permit requirement language.
How do you install the tanks?
We make our cylindrical 300 and 200 gallon tanks in 2 foot tall sections so we are able to easily roll the sections off our truck, through your gate if necessary, then stack the sections on top of each other on a base, seal them together, add a lid, make the connection to your gutter system, add an overflow and garden hose hookups.
Bushman tanks are normally rolled or lifted into place. Their lightweight material makes this easy!
Our tanks are installed following the City of San Diego Rainwater Harvesting Guide. Available here (click).
How long does it take to install a water tank?
It all depends on the location of the tank relative to your downspout and overflow. If the downspout and overflow are right next to the tank location it should take less than one day to install per tank. Average installations of larger tanks normally take 2-3 days.
How heavy are the tanks?
The Permasystems LFC-300 gallon tank weighs about 300 pounds, 100 pounds per section.
Bushman tanks are much lighter because they are made of polyethylene. We offer these tanks in sizes up to 5050 gallons which weigh 700 pounds.
What if I don't have gutters?
Find a reliable gutter installer in your area, we are happy to provide recommendations!
How do I know if my roof is safe to collect rainwater?
The most common types of roofs are asphalt shingle, tile and metal. Tile and metal are the safest, you can use rainwater straight from them as long as you have an appropriate first-flush device. You don't even need the first flush if you are using the water only for landscaping or gardening. Rainwater from asphalt shingle roofs should never be drank but it is safe for perennial plants. A first flush device should be used if the water is going to be used for an annual garden.
How much water can I collect?
The rule is you can collect 600 gallons of water for every inch of rain that falls over 1000 square-feet of roof. The average roof in San Diego County is 2000 square-feet and averages 10 inches or rain annual - that equates to 12,000 gallons of water! The hills and mountains of San Diego can catch much more with their higher rainfall amounts.
Is it safe to use rainwater for landscaping?
Rainwater is totally safe to use no matter the type of roof you have if the water will be used for perennial plants. Asphalt single roofs and homes in cities with smog problems should use first-flush devices to keep the first bit of rain out of your tank and away from annual leafy vegetables.
Is it safe to use rainwater for drinking (potable) use?
Yes, rainwater is great to drink but sadly it is illegal in California as many states. If you are near the city, be sure you have an appropriate first-flush device to get any dust, pollution and other gunk out of your water before you drink it. Only drink water from roofs that are safe steel, tile or cement, and not asphalt shingle.
What are your water tanks made of?
Our Permasystems tanks are made of cement, steel mesh and fly ash which water-proofs the tanks.
Bushman tanks are made of polyethylene.
How do make your water tanks?
Our tanks are hand-made using wooden molds in San Diego, California. Learn more here.
Bushman tanks are manufactured by Bushman in Temecula, CA
How long do the water tanks last?
Ferrocement tanks have been known to last for a century! Because our tanks have such thin walls we estimate that our tanks will last 30-50 years before needing some light maintenance like resealing. Also, ferrocement boats have been around since the 1960s and are still looking great out in the ocean.
Bushman water tanks have been around for decades and even their old tanks are still in perfect shape!
What are the maintenance requirements of your tanks?
We thoughtfully and specifically design, build and install our tanks to be ultra low maintenance. Keep your gutters clear of debris. If you have a first-flush device, it should be emptied after the first sigificant rain event of the season and after a large gap (about 1 month) in rain events. Every 2 years use the drain plug to empty out any silt or debris that have accumulated in the bottom of the tank. After 5 years we recommend removing the lid of the tank for a visual inspection the ensure there are no large depris stuck in the tank. We are always happy to answer any questions you may have.
In San Diego County you do NOT need a permit for water tanks as long as the tank is supported directly upon grade, the capacity does not exceed 5,000 gallons and the ratio of height to diameter or width does not exceed two to one, or the capacity does not exceed 10,000 gallons and the ratio of height to diameter or width does not exceed one and one-half to one. Link to County permit requirement language.
How do you install the tanks?
We make our cylindrical 300 and 200 gallon tanks in 2 foot tall sections so we are able to easily roll the sections off our truck, through your gate if necessary, then stack the sections on top of each other on a base, seal them together, add a lid, make the connection to your gutter system, add an overflow and garden hose hookups.
Bushman tanks are normally rolled or lifted into place. Their lightweight material makes this easy!
Our tanks are installed following the City of San Diego Rainwater Harvesting Guide. Available here (click).
How long does it take to install a water tank?
It all depends on the location of the tank relative to your downspout and overflow. If the downspout and overflow are right next to the tank location it should take less than one day to install per tank. Average installations of larger tanks normally take 2-3 days.
How heavy are the tanks?
The Permasystems LFC-300 gallon tank weighs about 300 pounds, 100 pounds per section.
Bushman tanks are much lighter because they are made of polyethylene. We offer these tanks in sizes up to 5050 gallons which weigh 700 pounds.
What if I don't have gutters?
Find a reliable gutter installer in your area, we are happy to provide recommendations!
How do I know if my roof is safe to collect rainwater?
The most common types of roofs are asphalt shingle, tile and metal. Tile and metal are the safest, you can use rainwater straight from them as long as you have an appropriate first-flush device. You don't even need the first flush if you are using the water only for landscaping or gardening. Rainwater from asphalt shingle roofs should never be drank but it is safe for perennial plants. A first flush device should be used if the water is going to be used for an annual garden.
How much water can I collect?
The rule is you can collect 600 gallons of water for every inch of rain that falls over 1000 square-feet of roof. The average roof in San Diego County is 2000 square-feet and averages 10 inches or rain annual - that equates to 12,000 gallons of water! The hills and mountains of San Diego can catch much more with their higher rainfall amounts.
Is it safe to use rainwater for landscaping?
Rainwater is totally safe to use no matter the type of roof you have if the water will be used for perennial plants. Asphalt single roofs and homes in cities with smog problems should use first-flush devices to keep the first bit of rain out of your tank and away from annual leafy vegetables.
Is it safe to use rainwater for drinking (potable) use?
Yes, rainwater is great to drink but sadly it is illegal in California as many states. If you are near the city, be sure you have an appropriate first-flush device to get any dust, pollution and other gunk out of your water before you drink it. Only drink water from roofs that are safe steel, tile or cement, and not asphalt shingle.
What are your water tanks made of?
Our Permasystems tanks are made of cement, steel mesh and fly ash which water-proofs the tanks.
Bushman tanks are made of polyethylene.
How do make your water tanks?
Our tanks are hand-made using wooden molds in San Diego, California. Learn more here.
Bushman tanks are manufactured by Bushman in Temecula, CA
How long do the water tanks last?
Ferrocement tanks have been known to last for a century! Because our tanks have such thin walls we estimate that our tanks will last 30-50 years before needing some light maintenance like resealing. Also, ferrocement boats have been around since the 1960s and are still looking great out in the ocean.
Bushman water tanks have been around for decades and even their old tanks are still in perfect shape!
What are the maintenance requirements of your tanks?
We thoughtfully and specifically design, build and install our tanks to be ultra low maintenance. Keep your gutters clear of debris. If you have a first-flush device, it should be emptied after the first sigificant rain event of the season and after a large gap (about 1 month) in rain events. Every 2 years use the drain plug to empty out any silt or debris that have accumulated in the bottom of the tank. After 5 years we recommend removing the lid of the tank for a visual inspection the ensure there are no large depris stuck in the tank. We are always happy to answer any questions you may have.
