Rainfall – What’s the Problem? It’s now an accepted fact that climate change, alongside an increasing population, is causing a real problem for our existing water drainage systems, both in agricultural and urban areas.

During wet weather, and especially during periods of heavy rainfall, storm overflows bear a heavy load in diverting water away from sewers to prevent systems becoming overloaded. When storm overflows and drains become flooded, sewage can potentially enter our waterways causing pollution and damage to the environment. However, recent evidence proves this solution is barely coping at the present time. With climate changes set to intensify and the growing populations increasing usage of water, this is clearly a problem that is set to get much worse.

New Government Legislation

With a view to relieving some of the pressure on the systems that divert water run-off, new stringent laws announced by the Government on 29th March 2021 are set to come into force. The laws require water companies to divert water away from sewers.

But, everyone has a part to play in helping tackle this problem. Mark Lloyd, Chief Executive of The Rivers Trust, said:

“Delivering a plan will require contributions from the whole of society, in particular landowners, housing developers, highway constructors and homeowners, to divert clean water away from sewers. People also need to play their part by not flushing oil, sanitary products, nappies and other unflushables down drains and sewers where they cause blockages.”

With the Government’s growing commitment to ‘build back greener’ in the wake of the pandemic and renewed drive to tackle this problem, further laws, initiatives and incentives are likely to come into place in the near future.

How Everyone can Help by Rainwater Harvesting It’s an ideal time for homeowners and those with commercial land to consider how they can be part of the solution rather than part of the problem. Looking at ways to reduce mains water consumption is one way the public can help with this new directive. Using more water inevitably leads to wasting more water. More wasted water increases the sewage system’s workload. Of course, we all need a certain amount of water for drinking, washing, domestic cleaning and garden irrigation. But, that doesn’t have to come entirely from mains supplies. With rainfall increasing, using this rainwater seems a no-brainer. A rainwater harvesting system collects rainwater, stores it and ensures it’s safe for usage, either as potable (drinking) or non-potable water, which can be used for cleaning and irrigation. Rainwater harvesting systems can substantially reduce mains water usage. That’s good news for the environment as well as good news for making savings on water bills. Another big bonus of harvesting rainfall is that it reduces run-off onto the land, which ends up in the sewage system.

The Atlantis Tanks PuraTank Solution Atlantis Tanks PuraTank range includes complete cutting-edge rainwater harvesting systems. Easy to install, economical and long-lasting, systems consist of rainwater collection hardware, storage tanks, treatment technology and delivery solutions. If you’re not already installing rainwater harvesting systems, now couldn’t be a better time to start doing so! If the concept is new to you, our team are happy to advise on the solution best suited to your needs.

We’re passionate about this technology – talk to us to find out why! Take a look at our PuraTank rainwater harvesting range on the website today.

The year is marching on and, after a rocky start, temperatures are starting to climb. It’s an exciting time of year. The evenings are longer, the garden is blooming and holidays (perhaps staycations) are just around the corner. Somewhere along the line, the heating will be switched off and the cold of winter will only be a distant memory.

But, it’s important to remember that winter will inevitably return. And with it, the cold mornings and dark nights. Luckily, you have oil fired central heating to keep you warm through the darker months. That’s why it’s a good idea to take steps to make sure your oil heating system is in tip-top condition while it’s still warm outside. While you’re planning some enjoyable downtime in the summer to rest and recoup, don’t forget to give your oil tank a little summer TLC too!

Here’s a checklist of 3 simple tasks to complete during the spring and summer:

1. Make sure your tank is full

Although stocking up with oil in the summer might not sound like it makes much sense, it’s essential. If you leave your tank only part-full in hot weather, the gap between the fuel and the tank skin will form condensation. This can corrode the inside of your tank and significantly decrease its lifespan.

Condensation build-up also causes bacteria to grow on the surface of the water. This can contaminate fuel and cause sediment to collect in the bottom of your tank. In time this can lead to a system breakdown.

Finally, there’s a financial incentive to fill up your oil tank during the summer. Fuel oil prices fluctuate. These changes are, in part, driven by demand. It makes sense that less oil is used during the warmer months, so you can expect there to be favourable changes in the price!

2. Carry out a full tank inspection

Your oil heating system performance is reliant on your oil tank being in good condition. The warmer months are ideal to carry out a full check. Visually inspect your tank for damage, check seals and caps and look for signs of leakage. You should also carry out necessary oil tank exterior painting to protect your tank from rust. Atlantis Oil Tank maintenance kits contain everything you’ll need for this kind of job: Tank Maintenance kits here.

If you suspect any problems, get an OFTEC registered professional in to carry out the necessary repairs. This means you’ll have peace of mind that your system is operating effectively and safely when it’s needed in the winter. There can also be a longer wait to get an appointment with an OFTEC installer when the seasons change and more people fire up their heating and realise they have a problem! If possible, ask your installer to carry out a full service to pick up any problems you may have missed.

3. Do a security assessment

If you haven’t already, make sure you assess the security of your oil tank this summer. Oil is expensive and oil theft is sadly on the increase.

Consider installing CCTV, tank locks, alarms and siting security lights.

The Takeaway

Devoting a little time to looking after your oil tank during the spring and summer can avoid big problems in the winter. It’s also far more pleasant to carry out tank checks and maintenance on a sunny day than it is in cold weather!

Head off any problems now by getting ahead of the game. Your oil tank works hard for you once the winter sets in. Taking a little time out from your summer plans ensures your tank is around to keep you warm for many winters to come.

We love to buy British but why is it the right choice when you’re shopping for a rainwater harvesting system, a water tank or a waste tank?

We’d like to think so!

Let’s have a look at 6 reasons why we think Atlantis Tanks’ PuraTank range should be at the top of your ‘buy British’ list:

1. You’re supporting the UK economy.
All the products in our PuraTank range are manufactured in the UK. Due to the challenges caused by Brexit AND Covid, supporting British industry has never been more important. Buying British helps us all get back on our feet. It’s also great for your pocket as many imports from the are now subject to extra tax – something we could all do without!

2. Buying a British-made tank means faster lead times and minimal shipping costs.
Our shipping times are some of the quickest in the industry. We can even get your tank to you by the next day in some cases. Our in-house team of expert drivers are experienced in delivering tanks to even to most difficult to access locations. If there’s a way, we’ll find it and get your tank where it needs to be!

3. Not only do you get your tank faster – you help reduce damage to the environment by cutting down on the fuel needed to get the tank to your site.
The transport of goods by air and sea is a massive contributor to harmful gases in the atmosphere. Do your bit from the planet and make sure your tank is coming to you from the UK.

4. The UK is leading the way in tank innovation.
Our shallow-dig underground tanks are cheaper and easier to install than tanks that need a deeper placement. PuraTank products, designed and manufactured by British experts, provide you with cutting-edge solutions.

5. We’re proud of our ‘Made in Britain’ stamp.
It reassures our customers that we manufacture our tanks to the highest quality UK standards. We’re fully confident that every tank we make is a tank that can not only do the job, but do the job well! Our tanks all come with a UK industry-leading warranty, providing peace of mind for years to come.

6. We offer the best technical support in the business.
As a UK-based manufacturer of PuraTANK products, we’re on-hand to discuss your projects, give you the best technical advice and help you find the perfect solution for your customers.

If you’d like to see the PuraTank range for yourself, visit our website https://atlantistanks.co.uk/puratank/

Scrap tank collection is a national environmental issue.

Atlantis is committed to providing an ecologically safe and efficient solution for all concerned.

To facilitate the smooth and reliable collection of scrap tanks, we ask for your support in following the requirements below:

Do:

• Cut the tank in half
• Ensure tank is completely empty
• Ensure we can inspect the tank on site
• Use our tank cleaning kit
• Book in regular collections
• Stack tanks as shown in the picture

Don’t:

• Cut tanks into small sections
• Use incorrect absorbents
• Allow rainwater accumulation
• Fill tanks with any other waste
• Stack tanks the incorrect way
• Stockpile scrap tanks

Oil Tank Clean Up Kit

HVO Green D+ is a sustainable diesel fuel. It’s fossil-free and is made from 100% renewable raw materials such as fat, waste vegetables and other oils. The fats are transformed into biofuel using an innovative, environmentally-friendly hydrogenation process. HVO Green D+ is suitable for use in all diesel engines and industrial powered generators.

HVO is a second-generation drop-in alternative to mineral diesel. That means that you don’t have to modify your existing equipment to use it. You can even top up a tank already containing mineral diesel with HVO as the two liquids mix together.

It meets EN 15940 standards and Fuel Quality Directive 2009/30/EC Annex II.

What Does Second-Generation Mean?

First-generation biofuels were more at risk from problems caused by cold weather, cold filter plugging, water damage and diesel bug attack. These are all problems that cause fuel contamination and tank corrosion.

HVO has been developed to eliminate these issues. It also produces less harmful emissions than first-generation biofuels.

Why is HVO Green D+ a Good Choice for the Planet?

To give you an idea of the positive environmental impact you can make by switching to HVO Green D+: Apparently, Sir Robert McAlpine saved an estimated 70 tonnes of carbon, roughly the equivalent of the carbon generated by 14 personal flights from the United Kingdom to Australia, by using 25000 litres of HVO on a single project in London.

Global warming is everyone’s problem. It’s important we make the changes we can now to reduce further damage caused by our fuel emissions. The UK has a net zero target for greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. Using HVO is one of the ways we can help achieve this, as the lack of fossil carbon in the fuel results in a massive 90% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.

Why is HVO Green D+ is a Good Choice for You?

• It has a longer shelf life than fossil diesel
• It can be used in ‘clean air zones’
• It performs better in colder temperatures
• It has better filterability than other diesel products
• It’s compatible with existing storage vehicle and plant technology
• It eliminates the headache of diesel bugs!

How Atlantis Can Help you Make the Switch to HVO Green D+

We have a large range of diesel tanks in stock, suitable for transporting and storing HVO Green D+. Take a look at our range here: https://atlantistanks.co.uk/products/portafuel-storafuel/diesel-tanks/

As a home or business owner, when you’re installing a new heating oil tank, or having maintenance carried out on an existing one, you’re likely to hear the word OFTEC. But, who are OFTEC and what is their job?

OFTEC – The History

OFTEC stands for Oil Firing Technical Association. It designates and recognises installers who are approved to install and maintain solid fuel, oil and renewable energy heating equipment.

OFTEC launched in 1991 as a trade association with the objective of improving heating industry standards in the UK and Ireland. It developed and assessed training courses delivered by approved training providers. In 2002, it became an accredited competent person registration scheme.

OFTEC Installer Registration

For an installer to be registered with OFTEC, they have to take a training course approved by OFTEC and pass a final assessment. They’re also required to be reassessed on a regular basis to make sure their work is still up to the stipulated industry standards.

Why Use an OFTEC Installer?

In England and Wales, when an installer is OFTEC registered, they’re able to self-certify that their work meets relevant Building Regulations. They can carry out some work without a building control notice, depending on the size and position of the oil tank. In Scotland, you may need to apply for a warrant, so check with the appropriate authority when planning any work in this area of the UK.

When your work is completed by an OFTEC registered installer, you receive a certificate that confirms the work is completed to specified industry standards.

Using an Installer who isn’t Registered with OFTEC

If work is completed by someone who is not registered with a competent person scheme, such as OFTEC, you need to obtain a Building Control Notice. This also means paying for an inspection. Your inspection can be costly and time-consuming, causing a delay for your project and unnecessary expense.

How to Find an OFTEC Installer

Just ask Atlantis Tanks! We have a network of OFTEC registered installers throughout the country who we can put you in touch with.