Water tanks in Kigali are part of everyday life. They store water for the hours or days when the mains supply is low, they collect rain from your roof, and in many cases the law expects them. Kigali Security arranges supply and installation of water tanks, stands, rainwater harvesting systems and pumps through vetted installers. We start with a site survey and send a written quote, so you know the water tank price in Rwanda for your project, including the parts people often forget: the stand, plumbing, gutters and pump.
We cover water alongside security and power because the three are linked. A pump needs power. A tank on a stand needs a safe structure. And when the grid and the water go off at the same time, a home with a tank, a pump and a solar backup system keeps running.
Rainwater harvesting rules in Rwanda
Rainwater harvesting is not only a good idea in Kigali, it is a building requirement:
- Rwanda's Green Building Minimum Compliance System (2019) makes rainwater harvesting one of the mandatory items that apply to buildings. It is assessed during technical verification before a building permit is issued, looking at the roof catchment, storage tank location and capacity, gutters and downpipes.
- In July 2020, the authorities, with the Ministry of Environment and the Rwanda Housing Authority, stated that every building must have adequate and safe means of harvesting rainwater from its roof and compound. Residential buildings were given a minimum tank capacity of three cubic metres (3,000 litres), and buildings in unplanned settlements a minimum of one cubic metre. Officials warned that non-compliance risks fines.
If you are building, your architect should already have a rainwater plan in the permit drawings. If you live in an older house without a tank, adding one is a practical step even before any inspection.
Choosing a tank size
| Need | Typical size range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Small household backup during mains cuts | 1,000 to 2,000 litres | Often on a raised stand for gravity feed |
| Family house, rainwater and backup | 3,000 to 5,000 litres | 3,000 litres meets the residential minimum set in 2020 |
| Large house or several units | 5,000 to 10,000 litres | Ground tank with booster pump |
| Apartment block, school or business | 10,000 litres or more, several tanks | Plan with plumbing and fire safety in mind |
| Construction site | 2,000 to 10,000 litres | Water for mixing, curing and workers |
A simple sizing method: estimate daily household use and multiply by the number of days you want to cover. At 100 litres per person per day, a family of five uses about 500 litres a day, so 3,000 litres covers roughly six days of normal use.
Tank types and materials
- Plastic (polyethylene) tanks: the most common choice for homes. Light, rust-free and available in many sizes. Choose opaque tanks with UV protection to limit algae.
- Steel tanks: used for larger commercial capacities. Need corrosion protection.
- Underground or concrete tanks: built in place during construction, useful where space is tight or for very large rainwater storage.
The Rwandan market has long been led by a small number of local manufacturers of plastic tanks, and tanks are sold through hardware shops and distributors across Kigali. The survey helps you choose the right size and type rather than just the cheapest one.
Stands, foundations and placement
Water is heavy. A full 1,000 litre tank weighs about one tonne, and a 5,000 litre tank about five tonnes. That means:
- Ground tanks need a level, compacted base or a concrete slab.
- Raised tanks need a stand designed for the load, with a solid footing. Higher stands give better gravity pressure but cost more.
- Roof tanks need a structural check. Many roofs in Kigali are not designed to carry large tanks.
- Keep tanks away from walls with an electric fence or where they help someone climb into your compound.
Pumps and pressure
Most homes with a ground tank need a booster pump to deliver steady pressure to showers, kitchen taps and upper floors. Common setups:
- Booster pump with pressure controller: switches on when a tap opens.
- Pump with a pressure tank: reduces how often the pump starts, which extends its life.
- Transfer pump to a raised tank: fills a high tank that then feeds the house by gravity.
- Submersible pump: for boreholes or underground tanks.
Pumps need a safe electrical supply and protection against running dry. Electrical connections should be made by a person holding an electrical installation permit from the Rwanda Utilities Regulatory Authority (RURA).
Rainwater harvesting setup checklist
- Clean gutters sized for Kigali's heavy rainy season downpours
- Downpipes leading to the tank, with mesh to keep out leaves
- A first flush diverter so the dirtiest water from the roof does not enter the tank
- An overflow pipe directed away from your foundations and neighbours
- A tap at the base for easy use and cleaning
- A lid that seals well to keep out mosquitoes and debris
What affects the price
The water tank price in Rwanda depends on capacity, material, brand, delivery distance, the stand or base, plumbing connections, gutters, pumps and pressure control, and electrical work. As a reference point only, an older report in The EastAfrican said households needed between RWF 410,000 and RWF 810,000 to buy 5,000 and 10,000 litre tanks, and that a loan scheme in Kigali districts reduced this to between RWF 390,000 and RWF 775,000 over 12 months. Those figures are several years old and should not be treated as current. Contact us for a current quote as of October 2026.
Linking water with security and power
During the survey we often find that water, power and security overlap. The pump and the CCTV cameras both need backup power. The trench for a pump line can carry camera cable. And a tank stand placed against the wall can undo the work of a fence. Planning them together saves money. Our home security guide covers this whole picture.
Book a water tank survey
Fill in the form below with your name, phone or WhatsApp number, property type and location, and choose "Water tank / pump" under services. Mention the size you have in mind and whether you need a stand or pump. An installer will visit, check the site and send an itemised quote.
Frequently asked questions
What is the water tank price in Rwanda?
It depends on capacity, material, brand and whether you need a stand, plumbing and a pump. An older report in The EastAfrican put 5,000 and 10,000 litre tanks at RWF 410,000 to 810,000, but prices have moved since. Contact us for a current quote.
Is rainwater harvesting compulsory in Kigali?
Rwanda's 2019 Green Building Minimum Compliance System lists rainwater harvesting as a mandatory item for buildings. In 2020 the authorities announced that every building must harvest rainwater from its roof, with a minimum tank of three cubic metres for residential buildings.
What size water tank do I need for my house?
Work from daily use and the number of days you want to cover during water cuts. A household of five using about 100 litres per person a day needs around 500 litres daily, so a 2,000 to 5,000 litre tank covers several days. The survey refines this.
Do I need a pump with my water tank?
If the tank is on the ground and you want good pressure in showers and upstairs taps, yes. A booster pump with a pressure controller is common in Kigali homes. A raised tank on a strong stand can feed by gravity, but pressure is usually lower.
Can a water tank go on the roof or a stand?
Yes, but full water is heavy: 1,000 litres weighs about one tonne. Stands and roof slabs must be designed for the load. Steel stands need a solid base and protection against rust. Never place a large tank on a roof without checking the structure.
How do I keep tank water clean?
Use a covered, opaque tank, fit a first flush diverter and gutter mesh for rainwater, clean the tank periodically and keep the lid closed. Treat or boil stored water before drinking. Harvested rainwater is generally best used for washing, toilets and gardens.
Can the pump keep working during a power cut?
Only with backup power. A booster pump can run from an inverter or solar system if it is sized for the pump's starting current. Many Kigali clients combine a tank, a pump and a small solar backup so water and security keep working during outages.