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Definition
Rain water tanks are large tanks set up outdoors or on roofs to collect rainwater and dew. Often time, they are connected to guttering around roofs to collect even more water. The tank, itself, can either be connected to a tap at the base of the tank, as part of the main pluming system, or hooked up to supply outlying areas with water.
Geography
Most countries in the world use rainwater tanks to some degree. Gardeners in Europe and the Americas have used them for a long time to supply water during the summer months. In Africa and other places with lower rainfall, they are used to collect and store water for longer periods of time. Green buildings have become a very common task for architects in the last decade, so many new buildings will use rain water tanks to feed air conditioning systems and to flush lavatories.
Reasons
Water is becoming an increasingly scarce resource which has led to many water companies charging more for water supply. In drought ridden countries, storing as much water as possible when it does rain is vital. Companies are often given tax incentives to reduce carbon footprints, which includes reducing water usage.
How They Function
Basic rai water tanks are just that, a large tank which collects water. It is usually in a position to have the best chance of this and connected to guttering so extra rainwater is funneled into the tank. In drier countries, more complex methods are employed, using plastic sheeting to collect dew, and are positioned underground to take advantage of the water table. In dry countries, long-term storage is also a problem, as rain is rare and unpredictable. Thus, cold storage tanks need to be used to prevent the water from evaporating.
Purity
Rainwater is about as pure as water can get. There is no chlorine, fluoride or other contaminants, which means it is useful for both agriculture and drinking. This is especially important in areas like Africa, where not only is irrigation a major problem, but clean drinking water is an absolute necessity.