Rain Tanks: Solve Two Problems at Once
When we talk to folks about rain tanks, most immediately think “garden water.” But here’s the thing — a good rain tank system does way more than irrigate your veggies.
It also solves some of the most common and costly issues we see on properties:
Foundation damage
Erosion
Rotting wood and siding
And most of it? Comes down to one simple thing:
👉 Your gutter system.
Gutters First, Then Tanks
If your gutters are broken, undersized, clogged, or not routed properly, rainwater will dump around your foundation, splash up onto siding, and slowly eat away at the structural integrity of your home. It’s one of the most overlooked maintenance issues we see — especially in older homes or homes without thoughtful water management.
But here’s the good news:
You can solve two problems at once.
Set up a solid gutter system and direct it to a rain tank. Suddenly you’re protecting your home and harvesting rainwater for your garden. That’s the kind of regenerative design we love.
What We Recommend
We’ve tested a lot of systems, and this is what we trust:
Tank Depot (based in Texas): Their galvanized steel tanks are our go-to — non-toxic, low maintenance, and built to last. They don’t leach, they look great, and they can handle the elements without a problem.
Gutter upgrades: Size matters. Make sure your gutters can handle your roof’s square footage. Add screens to prevent debris and downspouts that route water directly to your tank (or rain garden).
First-flush diverters: These keep roof grit and debris out of your water supply.
Overflow management: Every tank needs a smart overflow solution — ideally to a swale, rain garden, or infiltration zone to keep water moving away from your foundation.
Why It Matters in a Permaculture System
Rain is a gift. But unmanaged, it becomes a problem.
In a well-designed permaculture system, we always start with water — slow it, spread it, sink it. Rain tanks let you store that water for dry spells while relieving pressure from your soil and structures during heavy storms. It’s one of the simplest, most cost-effective upgrades you can make to your home and landscape.
Whether you’re on a tiny urban lot or a rural property, a rain tank system protects your home and feeds your land. It’s the definition of working with nature, not against it.
Need help choosing a tank or mapping your water flow? Let’s talk. We’ve done it all — and we love this stuff.
Stay dry (but not too dry).