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Installing a Rainwater Tank
- Rainwater tank rebate program
- How rainwater tanks work
- Planning for a tank
- Sizes and types of rainwater tanks
- Installing a rainwater tank
- Tips for maximising water savings
- Maintaining a rainwater tank
- Water quality
Planning and building requirements
If the single tank or the total of all tanks on your property is less than 10,000 litres, generally you do not need council approval. If your tank (or tanks) is larger than 10,000 litres you will need to get permission from your local council and Sydney Water. You should talk to your local council regardless of tank size as they may have specific requirements. Some councils have location, colour and/or noise control requirements for tanks. Please consult your local council before installing a rainwater tank.
Your tank should not be installed within a Sydney Water easement or over a sewer access point. Any overflow from the tank must run to the stormwater system, not the sewerage system.
Plumbing work
If you are using tank water indoors you will need to maintain minimum water levels in your tank. A licensed plumber should install a top-up system from the drinking water supply or a 'rainwater tank control valve', which automatically switches to drinking water when the tank is empty. Any rainwater tank connected to Sydney Water's main supply must comply with Sydney Water's Rainwater Tank Plumbing Guidelines (PDF - 583KB) , that require:
- the installation of a flow restrictor to ensure the flow rate of water used to top-up the tank does not affect your water pressure or your neighbours' water pressure
- a visible 'air gap' between the pipe from the mains supply and the tank. This ensures rainwater does not flow back and mix with your drinking water
- appropriate backflow prevention (see below)
- tank outlets and pipes to be labelled as 'rainwater'.
Backflow prevention devices
Backflow can occur when rainwater from a tank mixes with the drinking water supply. To prevent this, a backflow prevention device needs to be installed at your property boundary.
Backflow prevention devices are not required for residential properties with a rainwater tank that has no connection to, or top up from, the drinking water supply and collects roof water only. Tanks with a connection to the drinking water supply will require the installation of both containment and zone backflow prevention devices. Read on for more information about these devices.
Containment protection devices
A containment protection device is installed at the master water meter(s) at the property boundary to prevent backflow to the main water supply. Sydney Water will provide a water meter with a backflow prevention device free of charge to customers with an above ground tank and an accessible, standard sized water meter (20 or 25mm meter).
Zone protection devices
A zone protection device is a backflow prevention device installed at the connection to the drinking water supply within the property.
For more information refer to Section 4 of the Terms and Conditions. If you are unsure if you need to install a backflow prevention device, phone Sydney Water on 13 20 92.
Pumps
If your tank is not high enough for gravity to provide the required water pressure, you will need to install a pump (check with your installer about the range of pumps available). Low voltage pumps are generally safer and quieter than high voltage pumps and can be powered by a solar panel and battery system.
First flush devices, screens and guards
It's a good idea to install appropriate screens and guards to stop debris and insects entering the tank. Installing a first flush device is essential for reducing the amount of sediment and other materials entering the tank and polluting the water. Screens and gutter guards offer further protection by stopping insects and debris entering and breeding in the tank.
