Above ground water tanks take up valuable space on site, while traditional underground alternatives typically require costly and time-consuming groundworks. Watersmart offers a smart alternative with their Aquacomb Modular Water Tank System — a system which is installed into the building foundation, resulting in time, cost and space savings.  

Applications

Aquacomb is suitable for any project where you are looking to maximise space on site and eliminate the need for additional groundworks. The system can be installed under a building’s foundation, or underneath any ground surface such as a patio, driveway, deck or lawn. Once installed, it provides retention of rainwater — and can even be used for potable water storage on environmentally-conscious projects. 

Multi-unit residential

The system is particularly suitable for multi-unit residential projects such as townhouses and apartments where eliminating an above ground water tank can maximise space, allowing for the addition of extra units. 

Stand-alone homes

Aquacomb is also advantageous for stand-alone homes where it eliminates the need for an unsightly above-ground water tank.

Commercial buildings

The system is also suitable for commercial projects such as schools, healthcare facilities, sports facilities and retirement villages where it provides practical water retention and re-use within the building structure.

Key performance benefits

Maximises space on site

As the modular system is fully concealed, there is no need for large above-ground tanks, leaving more space available for buildings and exterior landscaping. 

Saves time in the construction schedule

The Aquacomb system is quick and easy to install, with installation completed by trained installers who work in with your construction programme. This saves significant time compared to both above-ground and traditional underground tanks, with no need to allocate extra days for install or preparation of the water tank. 

In one recent project, Aquacomb installation and testing took just 4 hours for a 12-house development, helping to keep the construction schedule on track. 

Saves costs compared to underground tanks

With Aquacomb’s simple in-slab installation, there is no need for excavation or disposal of dirt, no backfilling required, no ground anchors, no piling and no structural changes — resulting in significant cost savings. 

Tested at multiple stages to provide trusted safety

Rigorous pressure testing is undertaken at multiple stages of each project to ensure the installed Aquacomb system is watertight and fit for purpose. An initial test is performed at manufacture, followed by a second test on-site after assembly to check the system has been installed correctly and is 100% watertight.

Watersmart installers then perform a third test after the steel has been incorporated in the slab. This test is important for ensuring there has been no damage to the tank during work on site. Crucially, if any damage is found, this testing allows issues to be remedied before the concrete is poured. This focus on testing is key for providing a safe, watertight in-slab water tank system. A final test is then conducted once the home is built, before water enters the system as a last protective measure.

Design support

Watersmart’s technical team offers expert support and hands-on involvement right from the start of each project to ensure the system is carefully coordinated with other elements of the build, including the floor plan, plumbing and drainage and landscaping. They can provide initial calculations to determine the correct size tank and advise on placement and detailing.

Architects can also take advantage of Watersmart’s in-house design team to save valuable design time; they are available to create the design and layout plans and detail the whole system, providing everything that’s needed for building consent applications.

Warranty & maintenance

The Aquacomb system comes with a 20-year in-slab service life warranty. The durable polyethylene tanks are designed to outlast the life of the building. 

The system is low maintenance with an incorporated leaf diverter to keep leaves out, and a silt trap that lets dirt and debris settle out before water is diverted to the tanks. Once a year, building owners use the built-in inspection point to access the silt trap and clean out any debris — a simple process that leaves the tanks ready for another year of use.

Environmental performance

Watersmart is a Toitū Net Zero accredited company. Aquacomb tanks are 100% recyclable at end of life, and there is zero waste in the manufacturing process — all offcuts get ground up, recycled and put back into other tanks. 

By capturing rainwater for potable use, the system can help reduce reliance on water supply in urban environments. It also helps reduce the risk of flood overflow to rivers and oceans by retaining water during heavy rainfalls. 

Learn more

Get in touch with the Watersmart team to learn more about incorporating Aquacomb into projects.