Rainwater Tanks

As Canberra grows bigger with new housing developments and roads, it is inevitable that the volume and frequency of stormwater runoff will increase, due to the introduction of more impervious surface areas (roofs and tarmac).

This is why rainwater tanks are so important. By collecting and redirecting rainwater from the roof to use in your home and garden, you can reduce demand on the public water supply. You can also reduce the amount of stormwater runoff that reaches our creeks and rivers, where it can cause downstream flooding and erosion.

The ACT Planning and Land Authority requires the location, size and installation of rainwater tanks to be appropriate to the streetscape character and not to impact on the amenity of residents. A development application (and perhaps building approval) 'is not' required if the tank:

  • is forward of the front building line 'and' is buried
  • is not more than 20,000 litres in size
  • does not affect a significant tree
  • is not located in a heritage listed area
  • is no more than 3 metres above natural ground level.

A development application (and perhaps building approval) 'is' required if:

  • the tank is forward of the front building line and is not buried
  • installed within 1.5 metres of a side boundary or rear boundary of the block
  • there are other class 10 structures within 1.5 metres of the boundary (Class 10 structures include pools, garden sheds, gazebos, existing rainwater tanks).

For more information about development applications and building approvals for rainwater tanks contact the ACT Planning and Land Authority on 6207 1926.

For more information on the benefits of installing a rainwater tank, how to size a tank to suit your needs, how much rainwater different size tanks can harvest, installation and approval requirements and tank maintenance, see the ACT Government's Rainwater tank guidelines for residential properties in the ACT external link
( pdf  3.6 MB) .

The ACT Government offers a rebate for the installation of an approved rainwater tank with an internal plumbing connection in domestic residences. To qualify you must comply with regulatory standards and agree to the conditions of the rebate scheme. For more information contact 13 22 81.

The Australian Government also provides rebates for households to install rainwater tanks or greywater systems through its National Rainwater and Greywater Initiative external link.