Across Australia, rainwater tanks are full as the La Nina weather pattern has drenched even the driest of regions. Having full rainwater tanks is a blessing for many. But the continual rain bombs that have hit from one end of the country to the other can cause issues for your water supply.
In this review, we’ll take a look at what the La Nina weather pattern is, what the expectations are for Australia and what you can do to help maintain a healthy water supply system with your rainwater tanks.
Australia’s weather is influenced by many climate drivers. El Niño and La Niña have the strongest influence on year-to-year climate variability for most of the country. They are part of a natural cycle known as the El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO). The ENSO cycle loosely operates over timescales from one to eight years.
La Niña typically means:
- Increased rainfall across much of Australia
- Cooler daytime temperatures (south of the tropics)
- Warmer overnight temperatures (in the north)
- Shift in temperature extremes
- Decreased frost risk
- Greater tropical cyclone numbers
- Earlier monsoon onset
What causes La Niña?
La Niña occurs when equatorial trade winds become stronger, changing ocean surface currents and drawing cooler deep water up from below. This results in a cooling of the central and eastern tropical Pacific Ocean. The enhanced trade winds also help to pile up warm surface waters in the western Pacific and to the north of Australia.
The warming of ocean temperatures in the western Pacific means the area becomes more favorable for rising air, cloud development and rainfall. As a result, heavy rainfall can occur to the north of Australia. Conversely, over the eastern and central tropical Pacific, air descends over the cooler waters, meaning the region is less favorable for cloud and rain. The air rising in the west and descending in the east enhances an atmospheric circulation – called the Walker circulation – which can result in changes to the climate felt across the globe.
What are the expectations for La Niña in Australia?
After weeks of anticipation, it’s finally official: the Bureau of Meteorology has declared another La Niña is underway. This means Australia’s east coast will likely endure yet another wet, and relatively cool, spring and summer.
The past two La Niñas mean water catchments are already full, and soils are sodden from Noosa in the north through to Lismore and the Hunter Valley in the south. It means more flood events are likely in the coming months.
The bureau’s declaration will be unwelcome news to many people – especially those in parts of New South Wales and Queensland still recovering from recent floods.
How will this impact your rainwater tanks?
With expectations of more rain in the coming months, this means the sludge/sediment in the tanks will be constantly stirred up. In the hotter months, this will make your water smelly and taste bad.
The best solution is to have your rainwater tanks professionally cleaned and sanitised, and to install a filtration system with ultraviolet sterilisation. This will provide you and your household year round protection.
1. Tanks should be cleaned with sediment/sludge removed
Our local technicians can provide an assessment of your water quality, and provide a quote on the best solution/s to ensure you have pristine drinking water.
Pristine Water Systems uses our unique Quadclean™ method to clean and remove sediment/sludge on your water tanks, sanitise and make your water supply healthy and ready for drinking.
You shouldn’t have to put up with poor quality water during dry spells or after it has rained. At Pristine Water Systems, we’re here to help your household have the best quality water possible. From the tank through to your taps!
2. Filtration system to filter out sediment
The Pristine Water Systems Protect-UV Whole of House filtration system has been developed to ensure your home gets the best protection from harmful bacteria and water viruses.
✅ Twin Filters removes Cysts and sediment down to 1.0 Microns
✅ Reduces Chemical tastes and odours (such as Chlorine)
✅ Ultraviolet system kills 99.99% of bacteria!
✅ Ideal for stored tank water situations.
This system dramatically reduces your exposure to parasites, bacteria and viruses that lead to health problems such as diarrhoea, cramping and more.
Simply passing water through our filtration and Protect UV Sterilisation system can destroy the source of these illnesses, keeping your family safe from disease.
Now is the best time to have the right filtration system for your home, as the summer heat is when bacteria multiples the most.
The following checklist will help ensure you have healthy drinking water:
- Keep your gutters and roof clean
- Remove any overhanging trees and shrubs
- Fit a Whole of House or Under-Sink Filter system
- Inspect and clean insect & overflow screens
- Have your tank professionally cleaned and sanitised
All of this is done with minimal water loss, and while you still have water in your tank!
Whatever water tank you have, Pristine Water Systems can provide solutions to ensure you have healthy water.
Looking for a water filtration system or replacement filters?
Pristine Water Systems looks after your water management, from the tank through to your taps.
We have a wide range of popular water filtration, ultraviolet sterilisation and replacement filter cartridges and parts. Our expert water technicians can help you select the right filter for your situation.
Visit our shop to view our range