Hi, I'm considering a rainwater collection system using the 275 gallon IBC tanks and painting them black to prevent algae growth. I plan on using the water for my garden and flower beds. My only concern is I live in Alaba.a and it gets pretty hot this time of year.  I'm afraid the water is gonna come out so warm itll be bad for the plants.

Anyone have any experience or know if this should be a concern? I was considering putting a smaller 50 gallon tank under the house that the 275 tank(s) feed. That way it would allow the water to cool off before running out to the plants.

Thanks for any responses!

I have no issues here in central texas. I have ibc totes under a roof *shaded* as well as stainless tanks and black poly tanks in full sun.

In fact, i use the temperature as a gauge. I start at top of tank and its warm. I move my hand down. As soon as it feels cool, thats my water level.

I can get temps later when i make my rounds.

Hi Jared,

It depends on if your totes are exposed to direct sun all day long. The longer they sit throughout the day exposed to the sun, the warmer the water gets, with the potential for it to get to warm by evening. Im not familiar with the data to calculate exact temperature possibilities, but can say it is cause for concern with exposure to full sun. This means you may consider options to shade the totes, or do a second coat of white paint, over the black paint. If those arnt options, you could also water in the mornings, when the water is at its coolest, testing the water by feel before usage on mornings after unusually hot days. If it feels to hot, dillute it down with cool water from the hose. That will at lease drastically minimize your domestic water usage, while helping you utalize the rain water collected. Chose the option that most easily applicable for you, and I'm confident you wont have issues.

Hope that helps!

96 degrees right now per weather channel ap.

Shaded ibc tote water is 82 degrees.

Full sun stainless tank is 84 degrees.

Both are cool to the touch.

I agree to shade it. If you get a greenhouse effect that could increase heat. I think total gallons plays a factor. This is my take.  It will be somewhere between night time lows and daytime highs. It will never reach the low or the high. Nighttime comes before the day time high is reached. It might happen with a 1 gallon bucket but as gallonage increases so does the amount of energy needed to raise the temp.

Thanks for the responses and advice!