Rainwater tanks

If a tank will be connected to a toilet and/or washing machine, it may require to be “topped up” from the town water supply to maintain a minimum level of water in the tank. This connection must be undertaken by a licensed plumber and will require an inspection by Council to ensure the connection meets the requirements of NSW Code of Practice: Plumbing & Drainage AS3500. 

A top-up system will require a flow restrictor to limit the flow rate to a trickle so as not to compromise the water pressure to you and your neighbours. 

Further plumbing requirements may include:

• The overflow from the tank will need to be directed to the stormwater system. It must not discharge to Shoalhaven Water’s sewerage system.
• All tank outlets and pipes carrying rainwater must be labelled “Rainwater”.
• All plumbing work is to be done by a licensed plumber in compliance with these guidelines and the NSW Code of Practice: Plumbing and Drainage AS3500.
• Rainwater pipes must be separated from any parallel drinking water service.
• Above ground pipes must be a minimum of 100mm away from any drinking water pipe.
• Below ground pipes must be a minimum of 300mm away from any drinking water pipe.
• Backflow prevention devices must be installed at the property meter to protect the mains supply. Shoalhaven Water may update the water meter to include this device.
• A licensed plumber is required to carry out all work relating to the installation of rainwater tank systems.

NSW Government have legislative requirements when installing a tank. If your proposed tank meets the any of the criteria within the below documentation, you may be required to submit a development application.  

• Rainwater Tanks (above ground)
• Rainwater Tanks (below ground)

Fees will be applicable to any plumbing inspections or development applications. 

For more information contact Shoalhaven City Council's Certification Team on 02 4429 3860 or email certificationsupport@shoalhaven.nsw.gov.au

A pump may be necessary to effectively operate some appliances including irrigation spray systems, solenoid valves in dishwashers, washing machines and cistern floats. Should this be the case then the pump will require regular maintenance. 

Installation notes:

• Pumps must be secured firmly on a concrete plinth and kept under cover; and 
• Consider the placement of your pump and sound proofing to reduce a potential noise nuisance for your neighbour.

Customers who are required to install a rainwater tank in order to comply with a condition indicated on a BASIX Certificate, a Development Consent, or a Subdivision requirement are not eligible for a rainwater tank rebate.

To be eligible for a rainwater tank rebate you must:

1. Be connected to Council's town water supply; and
2. Submit Council's compliance checklist and receive approval to install the tank.

Rebate applications will not be accepted without prior approval issued through the compliance procedure. 

Click on the button below to proceed with our application for rainwater tank compliance.

Compliance Checklist

With Council approval, you will be eligible to apply for Shoalhaven Water's $500 rebate to assist with cost of installing of the tank.

Terms and conditions of the rebate program can be found in Shoalhaven Water’s Rainwater Tank Rebate Policy.

Regular maintenance to your rainwater tank and components will ensure they work effectively so that it can continue to supply high quality rainwater. 

We recommend:

• Regularly clean your roof, gutters, first flush devices and insect screens of leaves, debris and overhanging tree branches. 
• Install a first-flush device.
• If mosquitoes are present, find out how they entered the tank and block their access. 
• Check the bottom and sides of your tank for sludge every two years. If sludge is present, you will need to either siphon the sludge out or empty the tank. Sediment in the tank may block your irrigation system or discolour your toilet cisterns and washing machine. 
• Leaf traps will reduce contamination and sealing the tank from light will discourage the growth of algae and bacteria.

As rainwater falls from the sky, it’s mostly free of microorganisms and other pollutants. However, during collection and storage, it's possible rainwater can become contaminated. For this reason, NSW Health doesn’t advise using rainwater for drinking when there’s an alternative mains water supply available. 

Follow this link to find out more about Rainwater Tank Health Guidelines from NSW Health.