Changes from 1 January 2008

Water saving measures aimed at preserving our drinking water supplies have applied since 1 January 2008.

Overview of changes

Submetering of new multi-unit premises

Since 1 January 2008 submeters are required in any new premises drawing water from the water service provider for separate lots in any type of building under a community title scheme, including common property, and all rented or leased sole occupancy units in class 2, 4, 5, 6, 7 or 8 new buildings.

Find out more about submetering of new multi-unit residential and non-residential buildings.

Expanded use of treated greywater

A new part of the Queensland Development Code - Alternative Water Sources and Commercial Buildings - requires commercial buildings to have alternative water sources through a number of options including using treated greywater.

Since 1 January 2008 appropriately treated greywater can be used for other purposes such as toilet flushing, laundry use (cold water source to washing machines), vehicle washing, path or wall washdown and lawn and garden spray irrigation.

Find out more about the expanded use of treated greywater.

Retrofitting water efficient devices

Installation or retrofitting of dual flush toilets and three-star shower roses are required under the Queensland Development Code Part MP4.1 ( 45 KB) in:

• new class 1 and 2 dwellings
• existing class 1 and 2 dwellings undergoing bathroom renovations
• existing class 1 and 2 dwellings as part of other renovations. Other renovations are any additions or alterations requiring both a building approval and a plumbing approval.

Increased water efficiency in new commercial and industrial buildings

Commercial buildings (classes 3 to 9 and class 10 buildings associated with or ancillary to those buildings) must have alternative water sources. These alternatives can include the use of greywater.

An online calculator has been developed to assist in determining requirements and available options.

Find out more about the Queensland Development Code Part MP 4.3 ( 118 KB) relating to increased water efficiency for new commercial and industrial buildings.

Treated blackwater trials

Significant research, testing and evaluation is needed before widespread blackwater reuse could be considered in Queensland's urban areas, due to inherent risks that exist with on-site treatment of blackwater. A small controlled trial of one to three sites within the South East Queensland Region will be allowed over a period of two to three years, so that an effective regulatory framework may be implemented in future.

Find out more information and technical details about treated blackwater trials.

Changed laws and regulations

The above measures have been effected through changes to the following legislation and code.

• Plumbing and Drainage Act 2002
• Standard Plumbing and Drainage Regulation 2003
• Plumbing and Drainage Regulation 2003
• Queensland Plumbing and Wastewater Code
• Body Corporate and Community Manangement Act 1997
• Water Act 2000.

Further information

For further details read the Queensland Development Code, building laws and plumbing laws.