Rainwater tanks
Installing a rainwater tank is a simple way to conserve water around the home. Sometimes, you will need building approval before installing a rainwater tank.
Queensland building regulations ensure that all rainwater tanks are structurally sound. Brisbane City Council also has requirements to ensure that tanks are sited to minimise impacts on neighbours.
New house and townhouse requirements
If you are building a new home, your building plans must show how you will meet the water saving target, set by the Queensland Water Commission and building regulations.
The Queensland Development Code has rules about:
- where you can locate your tank
- how it should be constructed
When you submit your building plans for a new house to a building certifer, they will also assess any plans you have for a rainwater tank.
Existing house and townhouse requirements
To install a rainwater tank in an existing home, building approval is not required if:
- it is located further than 450 millimetres from any property boundary
- it is less than 2.4 metres high, including stand
- the side of the tank is less than five metres in length
- it is submerged or semi-submerged, the tank does not extend further than one metre in the ground
- it is attached to a building, the tank is no closer than 900 millimetres to any other building on the property
Otherwise, lodge a building application and have it assessed by a building certifier. You must give the certifier scaled and detailed plans prepared by a draftsperson or architect.
If your tank is higher than 3.5 metres, and has a 'footprint' of more than 10 metres squared, you must speak to Council about whether you need to submit a planning application.
Particular requirements apply to small lot houses. Houses in Environmental Protection and Rural Areas must have at least 5,000 litres of water available for fire fighting purposes (refer section 4.3 P2 A2.1 of house code).
If your tank is classified as 'combustible', you will need advice from Council or a building certifier.
Rebates
| Organisation | Rebate |
|---|---|
| Council | Applications for Council's rainwater tank rebate closed on 30 September 2009 |
| Queensland Government | Applications for Queensland Government's rebate scheme closed on 16 February 2009 |
| Federal Government | As part of the $12.9 billion water for the future plan, the federal government is delivering the $250 million national rainwater and greywater initiative promoting wise water use. The initiative offers household rebates of up to $500 for new rainwater tanks or greywater systems purchased after 30 January 2009 |
Other considerations
- check Council's requirements for tanks in areas other than environmental protection and rural areas
- multi-unit dwellings are not subject to water saving target requirements. However, Queensland Development Code changes include:
- sub-metering of new multi-unit dwellings
- expanded use of treated greywater in houses and townhouses
- retro-fitting water efficient devices in houses and townhouses
