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.

Installing a rainwater tank does not need planning or building approval if it is:

• less than 17 kilolitres in size
• no higher than 2.4m above natural ground level
• not built of reflective, white or off-white material
• installed to the side or rear of the house at least 3m from the rear boundary and 1.5m from the side boundary.

If your tank is outside any of these guidelines you will need planning approval from the ACT Planning and Land Authority (6207 1926) or building approval from a private certifier, or both. Tanks cross-connected to the ACT's drinking water supply network also require building approval from a private certifier.

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
(   2.3MB) .

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.