How to Choose the Right Water Tank Size for Your Home in Mauritius
Choosing the right water tank size is one of the most important decisions a homeowner in Mauritius can make. Too small and you’ll run dry during the dry season or a CWA outage. Too large and you’re spending money on capacity you’ll never use. This guide walks you through exactly how to calculate the right tank size for your household — and what to look for when buying.
Why Water Storage Matters in Mauritius
Despite Mauritius receiving good annual rainfall, water supply interruptions are common — particularly in the dry season between October and January, and during maintenance periods by the Central Water Authority (CWA). Households without adequate storage are left without running water for hours or even days at a time.
A properly sized above-ground water tank acts as a buffer — filling during normal supply and keeping your household running smoothly when the mains go off. It also qualifies for the DBM Water Tank Grant of Rs 15,000 for eligible households purchasing tanks of 1,000L or more.
The Simple Formula: How Much Water Does Your Household Use?
The standard figure used by engineers and tank manufacturers in Mauritius is 150 litres per person per day for normal household use — covering drinking, cooking, bathing, laundry and general cleaning.
To find the right tank size, multiply the number of people in your household by 150, then multiply by the number of days of reserve you want.
Tank Size Guide by Household
Use this table as a starting point. If your household uses more water than average — for example if you have a garden, a swimming pool or run a home business — size up to the next capacity.
Which Type of Tank is Right for You?
Once you know the capacity you need, the next decision is the tank type. Duraco — manufactured right here in Mauritius — offers several designs suited to different property layouts and needs.
Standard Cylindrical Tank
The most popular choice for Mauritian homes. Vertical cylindrical design with a small footprint — fits well on a concrete base at the side or rear of the house. Available from 500L up to 9,000L. Best for: most residential properties with adequate outdoor space.
Self-Cleaning Tank
Same cylindrical design as the standard tank but with a built-in sediment removal device at the base. Mud and sediment that settles at the bottom is automatically expelled — keeping your stored water cleaner without manual intervention. Available from 500L to 9,000L. Best for: households in areas with high sediment or rust in the mains water supply.
Horizontal (Low-Profile) Tank
Designed to fit in low-clearance spaces — under stairs, in a utility room, or alongside a boundary wall with limited height. Available in 900L and 1,200L. Best for: properties where vertical space is limited.
Slim Tank
Only 450mm wide — designed to fit in narrow gaps alongside walls, fences or between structures. 1,200L capacity. Best for: terraced houses or properties with very narrow side passages.
What to Check Before Installing Your Tank
- Base surface: The tank must sit on a flat, smooth, level concrete surface. Never on blocks, metal frames, rocky or uneven ground.
- Outlet support: The outlet must be well supported to avoid stress on the fitting — a common cause of leaks.
- Plumbing: All tank plumbing must be carried out by a qualified plumber in accordance with CWA regulations.
- No roof installation above 1,000L: Do not install tanks above 1,000L on a roof without consulting a structural engineer first.
- Not for chemicals: Duraco tanks are for potable water storage only — never use them to store chemicals or non-food liquids.
A tank too small costs you twice — once when you buy it, and again when you upgrade. Buy the right size from the start.
QBM Hardware, Phoenix Mauritius
Don’t Forget to Maintain Your Tank
Duraco recommends cleaning your water tank at least twice a year. External debris can float on top or form sediment at the bottom. All Duraco tanks come equipped with a wash-out for easy maintenance. If you opt for a self-cleaning tank, sediment removal is handled automatically — significantly reducing maintenance effort.
Buy Your Duraco Water Tank at QBM Hardware, Phoenix
QBM Hardware is a registered Duraco stockist and DBM supplier at 59 Royal Road, Phoenix. We carry the full Duraco range — standard cylindrical, self-cleaning, slim, horizontal, underground and rainwater harvesting tanks — with all sizes available for immediate purchase or order.
Visit us in store or call (+230) 686 6198 to confirm availability and pricing. Our team will help you select the right tank and can advise on installation requirements.
DBM Water Tank Grant — Rs 15,000
QBM Hardware is a registered DBM supplier. Eligible households purchasing a Duraco tank of 1,000L or more may qualify for a Rs 15,000 government subsidy. Ask in-store for full details and eligibility requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most popular water tank size in Mauritius?
The 1,000L tank is the most popular choice for Mauritian families of 4–5 persons. It is also the minimum size eligible for the DBM Water Tank Grant of Rs 15,000, which makes it an excellent value option for most households.
Can I install two smaller tanks instead of one large tank?
Yes — two tanks can be connected in series or parallel by a qualified plumber. This can be a practical solution when a large single footprint is not available. However, a single larger tank is generally simpler to maintain and less expensive to install.
How long do Duraco water tanks last?
Duraco tanks carry a 12-year manufacturer warranty and are manufactured from UV-stabilised food-grade polyethylene specifically suited to Mauritius’s tropical climate. With correct installation and regular cleaning, tanks regularly last 20 years or more.
Does QBM deliver water tanks?
Yes — QBM Hardware offers delivery across Mauritius. Contact us on (+230) 686 6198 or WhatsApp (+230) 5255 1799 to arrange delivery and confirm availability of your chosen size.
