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Rainwater Tanks

What is rainwater?

Rainwater is a valuable resource. Most of the rain that falls in urban areas goes directly into the stormwater system, to waterways and the sea. Yarra Valley Water estimates that over 120,000 litres of rainwater goes 'down the drain' e very year.

Harvesting your rainwater can result in significant water savings and long-term cost savings. It will also contribute to reducing the overall demand for mains water, and reducing stormwater flows. This all works towards sustainable water management - an important goal for Australia , the driest inhabited continent on earth.

Most household water use occurs outdoors (around 30%), with around 15% used for flushing the toilet. Rainwater in urban areas is suitable for use in the kitchen and bathroom, except for drinking (unless treated) and can also be used for watering your garden or washing your car.

Rainwater Systems

Rainwater storage tanks are widely available, through some water authorities and tank companies. Look under 'Tanks and Tank Equipment' in the Yellow Pages for a local supplier.

Installation must be carried out by a licensed plumber, and tank systems must be independent of the mains water supply to avoid contamination. Water tanks must have an overflow pipe connected to your existing stormwater system to prevent flooding.

Tanks are available in a wide range of sizes, shapes, colours and materials. The type of tank you choose will depend on:

Roof size
Daily water consumption in the areas where you plan to use rainwater (eg. garden, toilet)
Annual rainfall
Available space.

Another factor to consider is whether you will need a pump to provide pressure, for example if you plan to use the water in your toilet. Alternatively, the tank can be raised off the ground or installed at the highest point on the property, enabling gravity-feeding of garden water.

Council Requirements

If you want to install any type of water storage tank you need to contact:

Council's Building Services on (03) 9205 5095 to ensure that it complies with current Building Regulations.
Council's Urban Planning department on (03) 9205 5373 to check if you need a planning permit.

Further Information

If you would like further information:

Savewater www.savewater.com.au offers information on a range of products and installation.
Yarra Valley Water www.yarravalleywater.com.au or phone 132 989.
City West Water Conservation Programs Specialist, 9313 8508.
Energy and Water Solutions www.energyandwatersolutions.com.au
Your Home Technical Manual - Water Use Fact Sheets http://www.greenhouse.gov.au/yourhome/technical/fs20.htm

The Master Plumbers and Mechanical Services Association of Australia (ph: 9329 9622) can put you in contact with a "Green Plumber" who has been trained in rainwater harvesting and use options. Visit the website www.greenplumbers.com.au .

Water Restrictions
Yarra's top 12 actions for a Water Wise Home
Rainwater Tanks
Greywater Reuse
Stormwater
State Government Rebates

Further information

Environmental Programs Officer
Richmond Town Hall
333 Bridge Road Richmondl
Telephone 9205 5555
Email info@yarracity.vic.gov.au

Links

Within this site
Yarra City Council

External sites (Yarra City Council accepts no responsibility for the information or opinions contained within external sites)

Victoria Online
Savewater
Yarra Valley Wate
Energy and Water Solutions
Your Home Technical Manual - Water Use Fact Sheets
Greenplumbers

Information supplied by: Electronic communications & design officer - 9205 5214