Urban Water
Rainwater Tanks
Rainwater tanks have many advantages – no matter where you live. In many parts of rural and regional Australia and in some urban fringe areas without a reticulated water supply, rainwater tanks are essential to collect water for household use. However, even in urban areas where a reticulated service is available, rainwater tanks can help conserve valuable drinking water and reduce runoff.
Why use a rainwater tank?
Rainwater tanks reduce the physical impact of stormwater on drainage infrastructure, roads, urban streams and beaches and mitigate flooding. They also contribute to reducing contaminants in our waterways.
Retention of rainwater allows for its reuse for outdoor use such as gardening and washing cars. When integrated with household plumbing and by using a pump, a rainwater tank can also supply water for other uses.
While it is recognised that some consumers may also wish to use rainwater for all domestic purposes, including drinking, cooking, bathing and in hot water systems, in large urban areas access to a reticulated potable water supply remains the most reliable source of drinking water for the community.
Can you drink the water?
The NSW Health recommends the use of rainwater tanks for non-drinking uses, such as garden watering, and car washing. The use of rainwater tanks for drinking purposes is not recommended where a reticulated potable water supply is available.
Department of Health guide to rainwater tanks (PDF 979KB)
Rainwater Tanks Where a Public Water Supply is Available – Use of – NSW Department of Health
Help conserve water
The collection of rainwater conserves the potable water supply and helps to reduce stormwater.
Reusing rainwater conserves drinking water and cuts costs for households, and commercial users, while reducing demand for potable water. This is important because it reduces the need to build new dams.
Do I need a plumber to install it?
No, but all plumbing and drainage work must comply with the NSW Code of Practice for Plumbers and Drainage. A number of plumbing devices need to be used to ensure supply and to integrate tanks with existing plumbing, while other technical means can improve the quality of rainwater stored in tanks.
NSW Plumbers and Drainage Code
Rebates
The NSW Rainwater Tank rebate provides up to $1500 for rainwater tanks connected to toilets and washing machines. Many NSW local water utilities provide direct rebates on rainwater tanks.
Hunter Water rainwater tank rebates
Sydney Water: rainwater tank rebate
Sydney Water: rainwater tanks in schools rebate program
Further Resources
Sydney Water's guide to buying a rainwater tank (PDF 1.3MB)
Sydney Water's guide to installing a rainwater tank (PDF 1.3MB)
Sydney Water's guide to plumbing and rainwater tanks