You can collect rainwater from most types of roofs, including pressed metal and clay tiles. Your roof, waterproofing, and gutters must not contain lead or lead-based paint. This can dissolve and contaminate your water.
If you use water from rainwater tanks, you must ensure that it is of safe quality and suitable for its intended use.
Non-potable (non-potable) water from rainwater tanks should not be consumed unless an emergency supply is required. In this case, we recommend that you follow the rules of the HealthEd website of the Department of Health.
If you plan to use indoor water, you will need a qualified registered plumber to safely connect your rainwater tank to your home’s indoor plumbing.
This is necessary to ensure the quality of the public water supply as well as the water supply of the reservoirs by preventing backflow. Learn more about backflow prevention on the Watercare website.
The cost of a tank can range from $200 for a basic rain barrel to about $3,000 for a 3,000-5,000 liter tank, depending on design and material. Consent and installation costs are additional considerations.
Watercare charges each household for wastewater collection and treatment. This fee covers your contribution to the upkeep of the sewerage network. You can equip your rainwater tank with a water meter if you like:
Before installing a water meter, obtain an estimate for any work from a certified plumber. More information can be found on the Watercare website.
It is important to service your rainwater tank regularly to make sure it is functioning properly and there are no water quality issues.
Maintenance includes cleaning the prescreen equipment, filters, gutters and removing any overhanging vegetation around the roof. It also requires regular maintenance of tanks and pipelines, as well as internal checks.
It is recommended that you keep a copy of the Operation and Maintenance Manual on site and provide us with a copy for safety records.
For more information on rainwater tank maintenance, see the operation and maintenance manual that came with the tank, or check out our Rainwater Tank Field Manual.
For information on maintaining storm water quality, visit the HealthEd website of the Department of Health or its drinking water publications website.
Post time: Jul-20-2023