Northcote Library Rainwater Tank

Rainwater is harvested from roof tops and hard surfaces of the Northcote Library and directed through drainage pipes via gravity into the 10,000 litre rainwater tank located in the garden. Attached to the rainwater tank are a series of drip irrigation hoses connected and pumped to all areas of the food garden. The irrigation system is on a timer during the summer months to ensure water is utilised sparingly during this time.

Rainwater tanks are a simple and useful way to capture water from impervious surfaces that would otherwise flow straight into our waterways. This water can be used either for irrigation of gardens and plants, or diverted to household amenities such as toilet flushing or for use in washing machines.

Gravity System
This system utilises gravity to ensure all water is directed into the drainage pipes and into the rainwater tank without the need for pumps or electricity. An important feature of this system is placing the rainwater tank at the right height to harvest water from the roof top.

Rainwater Tank
The polyethylene 10,000 litre rainwater tank stands at the back of the garden, positioned to harvest water from the roof top of the Northcote Library.

Irrigation System
Connected to the rain water tank, a pump is utilised to ensure the water reaches all areas of the Community Food Garden.

2011
Northcote Library Food Garden was established next to the Northcote Library

2012
Installation of the rainwater tank

(Picture description: In the foreground, raised garden beds are ready to be planted, with trays of seedling sitting by the side. The tank sits in the background against a red brick wall. It is green plastic and has multiple white pipes running into it. 3 people work in the garden.)

The combined cost of establishing the Community Food Garden and rainwater tank was $70,000.

The garden is open to the public and maintained by members of the community. The group managing the garden consist of many members involved in the planning and design since the garden’s inception. Council also maintains a close partnership with the group to ensure ongoing collaboration and continued maintenance and monitoring of the rainwater tank. Once installed, rainwater tanks need little maintenance other than ensuring the pump and drainage pipes are in clean and working.

Members of the community were involved in the process of planning and designing the food Garden. A group of members continue to manage the site and collaborate with Council to support the local community through workshops, activities and events.

The Northcote Library Food Garden has created an open and friendly environment for all community members to access. The installation of the rainwater tank has ensured that systems in place are sustainable and protect our natural environment. It is also a great example of how a small rainwater tank system can be used to irrigate urban food production and is used by Council as an example for other community gardens. The shared gardening space creates a sense of wellbeing in the community and encourages eating local organic produce.

Stormwater that enters gutters and stormwater drains can carry pollutants. Stormwater pollutants are collected as the rainwater travels through the system into our local waterways. By harvesting stormwater, rainwater tanks are protecting our precious potable water sources such as dams, lakes and rivers.

The harvesting of rainwater also reduces household and garden usage of potable water. Potable water is water that is suitable to drink, cook or clean with.

Darebin City Council acknowledges the Wurundjeri people as the traditional owners and custodians of this land and pays respect to their Elders past and present.

The project is part of the City of Darebin community garden capital works funding program.

The Northcote Library Food Garden group hold regular working bees and events. Visit their website here for more information.