Dr Peter Coombes, a former chief government scientist, said a holistic water-saving approach was needed to battle the drought and the more rainwater tanks there are, the less water the community uses from local dams.

Roy Firth, the marketing manager at Tamworth-based tank manufacture Rapid Plas, said sales have remained pretty steady, but there are definitely more inquiries as the drought drags on.

"Water is top of mind for both farmers and homeowners," Mr Firth said.

"At the moment it's split pretty evenly. We do a lot of household tanks and pumps, for people who want to keep their lawn green.

"A lot of farmers are thinking already thinking ahead, trying to drought-proof their property for the next dry spell, but they need the cash to do it."

Mr Firth said the best time to get a tank was before the next downpour.

"We gave one customer a quote six to 12 months ago - last time we had a bit of rain he was putting buckets under the down pipes to try and capture some of it," Mr Firth said, with a chuckle.

"That last downpour put him over the edge. He gave us a ring the next day to move on that quote. He said 'I should have done this earlier'."

MORE WATER PRESSURE STORIES

Tamworth Polytanks sales coordinator Jane Lyons said with the agriculture industry struggling, many didn't have the cash to fork out for a rainwater tank.

"A lot of people, particularly the farmers, just haven't got any money," she said.

"They can get a rebate on tanks, but you've got to have the money up front first."

Dr Coombes has a 5000-litre tank and a roof area of 80 square metres.

On an average year, his tank is able to supply all his water needs.

Have your say. Click this link to send a letter to the editor