It comes as no surprise that many people want to know about the price of water tanks. After all, water conservation and management are always going to be a fundamental need to allow Australian agriculture to exist.
Couple this with the inconsistent rainfall in Australia and issues with the reliability of water sources, it’s clear that rural properties and farms must acquire and install rainwater tanks to ensure their programs remain operational and grow to be efficient. Finding a water tank that’s a perfect fit pricewise and quality-wise only makes sense.
Contact us to discuss your requirements of water tank agriculture. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.
So, how much is a water tank?
There are a range of factors that can affect water tank costs. This article will provide you with the information you need prior to purchase and help you understand the elements that drive water tank prices up or down so you can be confident of your purchase.
The topics that will be covered here are:
I. Factors That Keep the Price of Water Tanks Either Up or Down
1. Size Affecting the Cost of Water Tanks
In general, it goes without saying that a smaller tank size made of the same material and from the same manufacturer will be cheaper than a bigger tank from the same range.
However, keep in mind that buying a 50,000-litre water tank doesn’t necessarily mean
you will pay an amount equivalent to five 10,000 litre water tanks.
Your ideal water tank size can be determined by the following:
Potential Rainwater Collection
Average Household Water Requirements
Farm Water Requirements (either stock water or water for crop spraying)
The topics above have been covered more in-depth and moved to this related topic below:
11 Questions to Ask Before Purchasing and Installing Poly Water Tanks
2. Material Affecting the Cost of Water Tanks
The most common materials used in the production of water tanks are polyethylene (poly), fibreglass, concrete, and steel/metal. Each material has their unique physical properties which determines how they are treated in manufacturing (among other things), and thus, influences price.
This table outlines major areas that are impacted due to the material:
Material
Poly
Fibreglass
Concrete
Steel/Metal
Manufacturing Process
Automated process for consistent results. One-piece.
Labour intensive, with parts prepared individually and then attached together
Labour intensive, requiring concrete, reinforcing mesh and steel formwork.
Labour intensive. Multiple panels require passing through different machines.
Protective Coatings
UV-stabilised & food-grade without a need for coatings.
Internal food-grade coating and external gelcoat.
No coating but care must be taken to avoid rust due to reinforcing mesh, etc.
Galvanised: Zinc coating + food-grade polyethylene liner.
Stainless: layer of chromium. More expensive than galvanised.
Delivery
Lightweight. Easily loaded up on truck. Great resistance to damage during transport.
Lightweight. Care must be observed during transport to prevent cracks.
Pre-made concrete tanks: Heavy and challenging to transport.
Various parts need to be transported requiring time and multiple people.
Installation
Fast and easy. No heavy machinery needed.
No need for heavy machinery but more care should be given during installation.
Pre-made: requires heavy-duty machinery.
Poured onsite: takes more time to finish. Earthmoving for concrete underground water tanks add to price.
Requires panels to be positioned and joined together on site. Takes more time to finish.
Factors such as labour-intensive manufacturing processes, the need for protective coatings/liners, challenging deliveries, and lengthy installations, all add up to the cost you pay to get the tank.
Note that each water tank material mentioned above works. Your decision will depend largely on your preference and/or what best suits the specific use that you have in mind.
Related topics:
Why Rotational Moulding of Poly Water Tanks is a Big Deal
What Do I Need to Do For Tank Pad Preparation?
Water Tank Installation Cost and Preparation to Take Note Of
3. Fittings / Accessories Affecting the Cost of Water Tanks
Features in water tanks that help simplify usage include inlet and outlet pipes, discharge nozzles, liquid level indicators, and other accessories.
Sometimes, a standard fit water tank may not be the best solution for your specific situation. Adjustments or additional fittings/accessories as well as plumbing add to cost.
Add-on accessories depending on range of usage:
Related topic:
Every Must-Have Component for Rainwater Harvesting You Should Be Familiar With
4. Maintenance Affecting the Cost of Water Tanks
The money you spend for maintenance and/or repairs may be separate from the money you spend during the buying process but is equally important.
Water tank maintenance is necessary to ensure that your stored water remains in top condition. For example, the accumulation of sludge or dirt compromises water quality and must be addressed.
Related topic:
Cleaning Sludge Out of Your Water Tank
The ease of maintenance also has to do with the water tank material. For example, one of the most critical complications in water tanks is corrosion because it affects water quality and speeds up your water tank’s degradation process. Hence, the more rust-resistant your water tank is, the less time and money you need to spend getting rid of the problem.
Besides rust, there are other issues that can make a water tank more high maintenance than others.
Find out more in this article:
Key Differences You Need to Know About Water Tanks
II. Factors That Keep the Price of Water Tanks Up
These factors are reliability indicators. If you’re looking for the best value for your money, these are the advantages you should look for.
1. Quality
Quality products can have higher prices because their manufacturer is committed to consistency, their brand, and their customers for the long haul. The value you get from quality is reliable and extended performance, allowing you to avoid constant and costly repairs, subpar performance, and poor manufacturer support.
here are many aspects about a company and its production practices that culminate in high-quality tanks which you’ll discover as you read further.
2. Brand name
Oftentimes, poor quality goods can outwardly mimic the signals of higher quality products. There may be companies that claim high-quality to justify high price but are, in fact, fly-by-night companies. This is where trust in a brand name comes in.
A well-established brand name may have higher prices due to well-founded reasons (see Company Philosophy on Pricing further below). Moreover, an established brand conveys trust. It operates on commitment to innovation that parallels its long-term commitment to customers.
3. Longer Warranty
Longer warranties are usually associated with higher quality products and greater accountability. Thus, the assurance of a longer warranty is added into the price of the final product. Cheaper brands that don’t offer much in the way of warranty may only want to get rid of their products as quickly as possible while steering clear of accountability.
Reminder: A warranty is only as good as the company behind it.
4. Certifications / accreditations
Certified storage tanks will be pricier than its non-certified counterparts. Being certified equates to better processes that meet the required standards for safety and quality.
Related topic:
Australian Standards for Reliable Poly Water Tanks
III. Factors That Keep the Price of Water Tanks Down
1. Shorter lead times
If quality is your priority, then a shorter lead time is an advantage.
Longer lead times usually translate to excessive costs for the company, which results in higher priced products. In contrast, shorter lead times are more streamlined and benefits the company, allowing them to create cost-effective products for you to enjoy.
2. Lesser quality raw materials (equates to no certifications)
Poor quality raw materials most likely lack certifications and are poor in quality. You may be able to find the cheapest water tank in its category, but constant repairs, eventual replacement, and resulting delays are expensive! As an aside, short lead times (discussed above) doesn’t necessarily mean using poor quality raw materials.
You have every right to pay attention to the price, but don’t forget to study the quality of the product as well.
3. Lesser years of experience in the industry
With experience comes deep knowledge and insight which should influence production. If a company has lesser experience in the industry, then it’s possible that they might not have the best practices around. This equates to lesser quality tanks that may be sold for a lower price.
Of course, take care not to get tricked by the illusion of a high price low quality combo.
IV. Company Philosophy on Pricing
At Coerco, we place great emphasis on reliability. Thus, we aim to create the right balance between the different elements that affect price in order to reach our ultimate goal: the manufacture and design of poly water tanks that benefit rural farmers for years to come.
Coerco is an established poly manufacturing company with the following qualifications:
Coerco has the largest range of innovative poly products for agricultural use.
(Significant accreditations for product longevity standard guidelines in place and ISO 9001:2015 certified).
Greater independence in manufacturing processes to ensure consistent products across the board.
Decades of experience and time well invested in research and innovation for the development of products you can trust.
Short lead times (including production time, quick order processing and fast delivery).
Being a country-based company with country-born key employees, we have a deep understanding of rural agriculture and use our insights to serve the rural community.
All the above reveals a deeply committed company dedicated to their brand and their customers for the long haul.
V. Water Tanks Price Comparison
Estimated Starting Price
Size in Litre
Stainless Steel (Round)
Stainless Steel (Slimline)
Fibreglass
Precast Concrete
Poly (Slimline)
Poly (Round)
5,300
$2,200
$4,000
$1,400
$3,000
$2,000
$1,200 - $1,500
10,500
$3,600
$8,000
$2,200
$4,000
$4,000
$2,200
22,500
$5,000
$16,000
$3,200
$7,000
$8,000
$2,800
These prices are merely an estimate. Actual prices may deviate since there are many factors that affect the price of water tanks in each company. Cost can also vary according to state.
VI.
Warranty
Claiming your warranty can be a stressful process when you’re unsure of the manufacturer’s reliability. Good thing Coerco is an ISO 9001:2015 accredited company.
Our passion for producing innovative products matches our friendly after-sales support. So, you can rely on being heard whenever you call regarding your warranty.
Coerco Water Tank
Warranty
Premium Corrugated Tanks
20
Premium Flat Walled Tanks
20
Slimline Tanks
10
See a complete list of Coerco products and their warranty here:
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OUR PROMISE – Warranty Guarantee
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Water is one of the most important parts of cattle diets. It is essential for digestion, thermoregulation, growth, reproduction and circulatory and nervous system functions. Adult cattle need 8 to 20 gallons of water per day, depending on size, diet, status and weather. Research shows that unrestricted access to clean water improves feed intake and average daily weight gains, increases milk production, and decreases illness and disease. On the other hand, restricted access to water and poor water quality negatively impact cattle production and can potentially cause illness and death. Bad odor and taste from water sources contaminated with high amounts of minerals, salt, nitrogen, bacteria, algae, or manure likely will keep cattle from drinking enough water and can cause significant health risks or death. Water sources can become contaminated or polluted by livestock animals, wildlife, local hydrology, or soil and bedrock features. To keep drinking water supplies clean and consistently available for cattle, consider the available water sources, how to exclude wildlife, how cattle will access water and its location, and trough cleaning methods.
Water sources should be evaluated for reliability and water quality. Before initial use, the water source should be tested for nitrates, dissolved solids, salts, pH, and fecal coliform bacteria. It is important to ensure the water source is sufficient to meet the demands of livestock, especially in times of drought and warmer weather. Surface waters, including streams, ponds, lakes, and springs, have long been a popular water source for cattle producers. Wells that access groundwater sources also are used to keep cattle hydrated. When supplied to troughs, well water can be safe from the impacts of drought, muddy floodwaters, and toxic algae blooms, although regular trough cleaning is necessary (Figure 1). Wells use pumps that require a continuous supply of electric power. During a power outage, backup water sources such as streams and ponds provide insurance against water supplies running low. Keeping large tanks filled also buys time while addressing electrical failures. Municipal water supplies may provide more consistent water quality but could incur higher operational costs.
Figure 1. Troughs in corrals need more frequent cleaning.
Excluding Wildlife
Some water sources can be attractive to wildlife seeking clean water, particularly in times of drought and heat stress. Wildlife conflict is most common when using water troughs, and steps should be taken to minimize wildlife’s impact on the safety of cattle drinking–water supplies. Smaller animals such as birds and rodents may get trapped in troughs and drown. These animals can pollute water from feces or urine in addition to the animal carcass and may introduce harmful pathogens such as Leptospira. These contaminants cause a decrease in cattle water intake, feed consumption, and weight gains. While it’s difficult to completely exclude wildlife from accessing water sources, producers can install escape ramps (Figures 2 and 3) that provide a means for trapped animals to exit water troughs. Keeping open troughs completely empty when not in use can prevent wildlife from drowning, and empty tanks will deter wildlife activity. Closed–ball watering systems (Figure 4) are one way to prevent wildlife from disturbing cattle drinking water.
Figure 2. Diagram of a wildlife escape ramp. Source: USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service.
Figure 3. A wildlife escape ramp installed in a water tank. Photo: Kelly Melton.
Water Access and Location
Planning water access and location is essential when constructing new livestock facilities or renovating older operations. Cattle always need access to adequate clean drinking water, and a variety of water sources and locations may be required to accomplish this goal. Water troughs should be located at least 150 ft away from feeding bunks or hay feeding areas to avoid contamination from feed debris. Spreading apart the feed and water areas also increases distribution of manure throughout the pasture. Since water troughs are high–use areas, placing the trough on an elevated concrete pad can minimize fecal contamination from manure. Installing a heavy–use gravel pad around the trough also can reduce hoof damage to cattle from standing on poorly drained surfaces.
Cattle prefer drinking water that is between 40–77 °F, and their intake declines when water temperatures rise over 80 °F. Shallow water sources and those placed in direct sunlight are more likely to heat up in hot weather and lead to decreased consumption or increased algae growth. Static trough water also will heat up more quickly than groundwater that is pumped into larger tanks that automatically refill. Placing troughs within tree shaded areas or using closed–ball waterers also can reduce sun exposure and keep water temperature within an ideal range. Be sure to consider any overhanging vegetation that may drop leaves or other materials into open water troughs (Figure 5).
Figure 4. Closed–ball watering system.
Cleaning Methods
Water troughs are a common means of providing adequate hydration to a herd and can have positive impacts on herd performance compared to surface water sources. However, whether the water is supplied from a well or pumped from a stream, spring, or pond, water troughs easily become contaminated with sediment and bacteria. Producers should clean out physical debris regularly, and chemically disinfect troughs at least two times per year. More frequent cleaning might be required during periods of heavy use or when significant amounts of debris have accumulated. Targeted cleaning during the late spring and summer months will help keep bacteria levels down.
When checking the condition of a trough:
- Water should never be colored or murky.
- Algae mats should not fully cover the surface or container walls.
- There should be no noticeable odors, particularly those of sewage, rotten eggs, mold, or animal waste.
Such conditions can indicate dirty water and require a trough cleaning. However, not all water contamination is visible. Dissolved salts, high or low pH, minerals, and metals may not produce visible effects. Water should be tested initially to check the chemical properties of new water sources and annually for fecal coliform bacteria contamination.
To thoroughly clean a water trough:
- Empty it completely and remove all debris.
- Rinse the tank twice with a 10% bleach solution (1 part bleach to 9 parts water, or about 1.5 cups bleach in 1 gallon of water).
- Let the bleach solution contact the tank surfaces for 15 min.
- Rinse the tank twice more with clean water.
- Refill the tank.
Figure 5. Example of an open water trough.
In addition, 8 oz of household bleach per 1,000 gallons of water can be added when refilling the tank. This results in a 3 ppm concentration of chlorine in the water, which is safe for cattle to drink and helps control algal and bacterial growth in the water. Bleach can be added again after each total volume turnover, based on the cattle’s drinking rate. For example, 20 cows that drink 15 gallons per day solely from an auto filled 1,000–gallon tank would turn over the volume in 3 days. Table 1 shows typical daily water intake by beef cattle under different ambient air temperatures.
Adding bleach at a greater concentration could risk creating high chlorine contamination levels and deter cattle from drinking. Unscented regular household bleach (5–6% concentration; no highly concentrated solutions, pastes or gels) should be used for these ratios.
Table 1. Beef cattle water-intake estimates.
Daily water intake estimates (gallons) at air temperature
40 °F
50 °F
60 °F
70 °F
80 °F
90 °F
Weight, lb
Growing beef calves
400
4
4.3
5
5.8
6.7
9.5
600
5.3
5.8
6.5
7.8
8.9
12.7
800
6.3
6.8
7.9
9.2
10.6
15
Finishing cattle
600
6
6.5
7.4
8.7
10
14.3
800
7.3
7.9
9.1
10.7
12.3
17.4
1,000
8.7
9.4
10.8
12.6
14.5
20.6
Pregnant cows
900
6.7
7.2
8.3
9.7
no data
no data
Mature bulls
1,400
8
8.6
9.9
11.7
13.4
19
1,600+
8.7
9.4
10.8
12.6
14.5
20.6
Summary
Keeping a clean trough and tank is essential for maintaining water palatability and intake, reducing disease and pathogen risk, and contributing to overall performance of cattle. Cleaning and disinfecting troughs will help maintain safe water sources for cattle regardless of any particular system design. Water testing and monitoring for potential contaminants at the water source is highly recommended. Your local University of Georgia Cooperative Extension agent can provide guidance on water testing, treating well water with chlorine bleach (i.e., shocking), and addressing other common water quality issues, such as mineral contamination and algae growth.
References
Bicudo, J. R., Agouridis, C. T., Workman, S. R., Gates, R. S., & Vanzant, E. S. (2003, July 27–30). Effects of air and water temperature, and stream access on grazing cattle water intake rates [Paper presentation, Paper No. 034034]. American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers Annual International Meeting, Las Vegas, NV, United States. https://doi.org/10.13031/2013.15027
Brantley, E., Mullinex, K., Marks, L., & Stanford, K. (2019). Keeping it clean: Livestock water tank maintenance (Publication No. ANR-2583). Alabama Cooperative Extension System. https://www.aces.edu/blog/topics/ beef/keeping-it-clean-livestock-water-tank-maintenance/
Dyer, T. G. (2017). Water requirements and quality issues for cattle (Publication No. SB 56). University of Georgia Cooperative Extension. https://extension.uga.edu/publications/detail.html?number=SB56
Higgins, S. F., Agouridis, C. T., & Gumbert, A. A. (2008). Drinking water quality guidelines for cattle (Publication No. ID-170). University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service. http://www2.ca.uky.edu/agcomm/ pubs/id/id170/id170.pdf
Higgins, S. F., Moser, L., & Laurent, K. (2016). Providing water for beef cattle in rotational grazing systems (Publication ID-236). University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service. http://www2.ca.uky.edu/agcomm/pubs/ID/ID236/ID236.pdf
Lardner, H. A., Kirychuk, B. D., Braul, L., Willms, W. D., & Yarotski, J. (2005). The effect of water quality on cattle performance on pasture. Australian Journal of Agricultural Research, 56(1), 97–104. https://doi.org/10.1071/AR04086
National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. (2016). Nutrient Requirements of Beef Cattle (8th ed.). The National Academies Press. https://doi.org/10.17226/19014
Shirley, R. L. (1974). Nutrients and toxic substances in water for livestock and poultry – A report of the Subcommittee on Nutrient and Toxic Elements in Water, Committee on Animal Nutrition, Board on Agriculture and Renewable Resources, Commission on Natural Resources, National Research Council. National Academy of Sciences.
Oregon Natural Resources Conservation Service. (2012). Wildlife escape ramps for livestock watering troughs. United States Department of Agriculture. https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/nrcs142p2_041023.pdf
Parish, J. A., Rinehart, J. D., & Karish, B. (2019). Beef cattle water requirements and source management (Publication No. P2490). Mississippi State University Extension Service. http://extension.msstate.edu/publications/publications/beef-cattle-water-requirements-and-source-management
Willms, W. D., Kenzie, O. R., McAllister, T. A., Colwell, D., Veira, D., Wilmshurst, J. F., Entz, T., & Olson, M. E. (2002). Effects of water quality on cattle performance. Journal of Range Management, 55(5), 452–460. http://doi.org/10.2307/4003222
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