All building development applications lodged for the construction of new class 1 buildings (houses, townhouses, terrace houses, villas) in Queensland must meet mandatory water savings targets.

The targets can be achieved through a number of options including:

• household rainwater tanks
• dual reticulation
• communal rainwater tanks
• stormwater re-use
• an approved greywater treatment plant.

The targets apply to all council areas in Queensland. The targets for each council area are specified in the Queensland Development Code Part MP 4.2 Water Savings Targets (Appendix B). Where rainwater tanks are used to meet the water savings targets councils can:

• accept the minimum requirements set out in QDC Part MP 4.2
• specify an increased minimum in a local government planning instrument for storage capacities, roof catchment areas or other household fixture connections.

Rainwater tank requirements

When a rainwater tank is used to meet the new targets, the minimum capacity and connection standards specified for tank installation are:

• single, detached houses must install a rainwater tank with a minimum 5000 litres capacity
• non-detached houses - such as terrace houses, townhouses and semi-detached houses - must install a rainwater tank with a minimum 3000 litres capacity
• all rainwater tanks must receive rainfall from at least half of the available roof catchment area or 100 square metres, whichever is lesser
• provisions must be made during installation for tanks to be connected for internal use to all toilet cisterns, washing machine cold water taps and for external use to at least one tap
• to ensure internal fixtures supplied from a rainwater tank have a continuous supply of water, installation of an automatic switching device or a trickle top up system may be required.

Reasons to use rainwater

Rainwater is a valuable natural resource that can be collected for use around the home.

With water restrictions in place in many areas of Queensland, more homeowners are using rainwater around the house to keep their gardens green, wash the car and for other uses.

Did you know?

A rainwater tank can save up to 100,000 litres of water each year in an average home.

Installing a rainwater tank

Anyone can install a rainwater tank if it is for outdoor use such as gardening. Your council may have property and building setback requirements for the installation of the rainwater tank. If you want to use rainwater inside the home (flushing the toilet, cold water for the washing machine etc.) you may need approval from your council. Building approval may also be required for large rainwater tanks.

Where there is a mandatory requirement to meet water savings targets in a new home, the requirements of installing rainwater tanks are contained in the Queensland Development Code MP4.2 - Water savings targets.

If you are looking to install a rainwater tank, this simple installation checklist ( 91 KB) can help you make the right choice before choosing a rainwater tank.

Checklist courtesy of Australian Rainwater Industry Development Group.

Common uses for rainwater include:

• watering the lawn/garden
• washing the car/boat/dog
• inside uses such as toilet and cold water for the washing machine
• topping up the swimming pool.

Did you know?

Some councils offer a rebate when you purchase a rainwater tank. Contact your council for details.

The federal government offers up to $500 rebate for existing householders to internally plumb a rainwater tank through its national rainwater and greywater initiative. For more information call 1800 808 571.

Further information

For more information about rainwater tank use in your local area contact your local council or contact Building Codes Queensland.

Exemptions

Councils may apply to the minister for an exemption from water savings targets where:

• water savings options are not viable
• there is a secured future water supply.

Exemptions may also be granted for a limited time for operational reasons, for example to allow for planned additional water infrastructure to be delivered. Councils wishing to apply for an exemption for all or part of their local government area must complete an exemption form.

To date, the minister has granted the following councils an exemption under QDC Part MP 4.2 (exemptions apply from and including 1 July 2007 unless otherwise indicated):

Current exemptions

Ceased exemptions

Local government amalgamations

Where an existing local government area or part of a local government area has been granted an exemption, the exemption will remain for the duration of the exemption period or until such time as a new application for a new local government area is received.