Adapting To The Rural Lifestyle

Transitioning from urban living to rural property ownership is an exciting venture that offers space, privacy, and a connection to nature. However, with these benefits come challenges unique to rural properties, including water management, pest control, and self-sufficiency.

This guide aims to equip you with essential knowledge for rural living and property maintenance, ensuring that your experience is both rewarding and well-prepared.

For many rural properties, water supply comes from rainwater tanks and sometimes bore water. Managing and maintaining this essential resource is crucial for daily living.

Living rurally means you may rely on rainwater as your primary water source. It’s important to ensure your water tank system is well-maintained to provide safe and reliable water for household use.

Maintaining Water Quality:

• Gutter and Roof Maintenance: Ensure gutters and roofs are free from leaves, bird droppings, and debris to minimize contamination.
• First Flush Diverter: This system ensures the first flow of rainwater, which may carry dust and contaminants, is diverted away from the tank.
• Filtration and UV Systems: Installing a filtration system is highly recommended. A UV filter can eliminate bacteria and viruses, providing safe drinking water directly from your taps.
• Cleaning the Tank: Tanks should be inspected annually for sediment buildup and cleaned if needed.

Water Conservation Tips:

• Install low-flow fixtures to reduce water use and conserve your supply, especially in dry months.
• Monitor water levels and plan for backup water deliveries during extended dry periods.
• Maximize rainwater collection by using large roof surfaces or multiple tank systems.
• Emergency Water Treatment: Using treatments like chlorine dioxide (CleanOxide) is an effective way to treat and maintain water safety in your tank. It's biodegradable and approved by the WHO for drinking water treatment, ensuring safe water year-round.

Some rural properties have access to bore water. However, bore water quality can vary greatly, so it’s essential to have it tested regularly for contaminants, particularly if you plan to use it for drinking or irrigation.

• Water Testing: Regularly test your bore water to identify any potential contaminants or changes in water quality over time.
• Filtration Systems: Bore water may require filtration to remove minerals, sediments, or bacteria. Installing a quality filtration system ensures the water is safe for household use.

Rural properties often rely on septic systems for wastewater management. Understanding how these systems function and ensuring proper maintenance is essential to prevent environmental damage or costly repairs.

Septic System Basics:

• Regular Inspections and Pumping: Septic tanks need regular inspections and should be pumped every 3-5 years, depending on household size and usage.
• Drain Field Care: Avoid planting trees or shrubs near the drain field as their roots can damage the system. Also, ensure the area remains clear to allow proper drainage.
• Water Efficiency: Reduce water usage to avoid overloading the septic system. Spread out laundry loads and limit the use of high-water appliances in one day.

Rural living offers tranquility and space, but it also comes with adjustments, such as self-sufficiency, understanding local regulations, and preparing for emergencies.

• Power Outages: Rural areas can experience power outages more frequently. Consider investing in a backup generator or solar panel system with battery storage.
• Fire Preparedness: In bushfire-prone areas, create a bushfire survival plan and ensure defensible space around your home. Consider installing a dedicated water tank for firefighting purposes, fire-fitting attachments, and purchasing a firefighting pump.

• Road Conditions: Many rural roads are unsealed and may become impassable in heavy rain or flooding. Make sure you’re prepared for road closures, maintenance, or restricted access.
• Waste Disposal: Garbage collection in rural areas is typically once per week, so managing your waste efficiently through recycling and composting is essential.

Be aware of local council regulations regarding land use, building approvals, and water conservation rules. This is particularly important if you plan any future developments on your property.

Termites can be particularly active in rural areas due to untreated timber, old stumps, and abundant vegetation. Homes with timber structures are at higher risk, so proactive measures are essential.

• Regular Inspections: Engage a licensed pest control professional to conduct annual termite inspections. This is key to early detection, especially in rural environments where termites thrive.
• Minimize Timber Contact: Ensure timber parts of your home, such as decks or fence posts, don’t have direct contact with soil. Create a gap between the soil and wood by using concrete stumps or steel posts.
• Clear Vegetation: Remove old tree stumps, fallen logs, and mulch close to your home, as these can attract termites.
• Moisture Management: Termites are drawn to moist environments, so ensure your property has good drainage, and repair any leaking pipes or taps promptly.

• Chemical Barriers: Applying chemical treatments around the perimeter of your home can create a barrier that deters termites.
• Baiting Systems: Install bait stations around your property. These stations attract termites and then poison the colony.
• Physical Barriers: For new constructions or extensions, consider incorporating physical termite barriers such as stainless-steel mesh or crushed granite.