Resources
Rain Water
Tanks - Installation
Our requirements Many
customers use a rainwater tank just to water their garden and do not have any
plumbing work over the top of the tank as a back up water supply. For cases such
as these, where there is no type of connection between Sydney Water's water supply
and the tank, you do not require installation approval from Sydney Water. But
even in these cases you should at least inform Sydney Water that you have a rainwater
tank so that it can install a new free meter with an in built backflow prevention
device (if you are eligible).
However, some customers choose to connect
their tank to internal plumbing, for example to supply a toilet or washing machine.
Because this will usually require a back up water supply to the tank (in the event
of low rainfall), these customers will normally have a 'top up' connection from
Sydney Water's water supply.
For cases like this, or if there is any
other type of connection between your tank and Sydney Water's water supply, you
will need to have a licensed plumber install your tank. Your plumber should be
aware of requirements which will need to be met including having a visible air
gap between the water supply and your tank and an appropriate backflow prevention
device fitted at your meter. For the vast majority of residential customers, Sydney
Water will supply and install such a device for free.
These requirements
are needed to minimise any risk of water from your tank flowing into the public
water supply.
If your tank has a capacity of 10,000 litres or over, you
will also need to get Sydney Water's approval to ensure that it is not built over
any Sydney Water structure or easement.
In all cases, stormwater overflow
from rainwater tanks must be directed to the stormwater drainage system and not
the sewerage system. Council requirements
Rainwater tanks with a capacity of 10,000 litres or less generally don't
need council development approval, but will still be subject to certain council
requirements. For example some councils have location, colour and/or noise control
requirements for tanks. Please consult your local council before installing a
rainwater tank. First flush devices, screens and guards
It's also 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 the tank. Water pressure
issues
If you always need to have water available in your rainwater
tank, you will occasionally need to top up your tank. When you are topping up
your tank, you will need a flow restrictor installed on the piping. This will
ensure the water pressure supplied to your neighbours is not affected when you
are filling your tank.
Your plumber can advise of the requirements for
topping up your tank. Sourced from the Sydney Water
website
Sydney Water -www.sydneywater.com.au
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