Water tank wins global energy prize

A low-cost water tank designed to help people get through in an emergency has won the 2014 Global Energy Award for Sustainability.

The simple but innovative design was developed by Wellington Regional Emergency Management Office, eight councils in the Wellington region and rainwater tank manufacturer The Tank Guy.

The tank can hold 200 litres and provide enough water for a family of four for up to two weeks in a crisis.

The Ministry of Civil Defence and Emergency Management recommends storing at least three litres of water per person for three days. You will also need water for pets, food preparation, cooking and personal hygiene. In a more extreme scenario, it is estimated that following a 7.5 earthquake in Wellington, it will take at least 40 days to restore the city’s main supply lines and longer to restore water connection to households in the suburbs.

The new tank is small, lightweight and holds 200 litres of water, meets all relevant New Zealand food and drinkable water standards, has good UV durability and comes with a 10-year warranty.

Sarah Gauden-Ing and Scott Dray from Wellington Regional Emergency Management Office, who managed the winning project, said that a key part of the tank’s success was the affordability. It costs $105.

Nick Leggett, Porirua mayor and chairman of the civil defence and emergency management group for the region, said the tank is a convenient, easy and relatively affordable way for people to prepare for an emergency.

‘‘Their popularity is already helping people to store water and improve the resilience of the Wellington region,’’ he said.

More than 4000 tanks have been sold across the region. They are available from local councils.