Port Macquarie-Hastings Council

Make the most of every drop

Rainwater tanks are an effective way to save water around the home.

All new homes constructed in the Hastings must meet BASIX requirements.

New rainwater tank installation guidelines including technical information for plumbers, and general information for home owners, can be obtained from Council's website or in print form from all Council offices.

Aside from the initial expense, using rainwater will not only keep water in our river, but leave dollars in your pocket.

They come in all shapes and sizes to suit the urban and suburban home and can be used for toilet flushing, in the laundry, on the garden and for hot water.

Of all the water in the world, only one percent is fresh water available for consumption. So it's hard to justify what we waste irrigating our garden and flushing our toilet.

Using rainwater for these things would make much more sense.

NSW Government offers Rainwater Tank Rebate

The Rainwater Tank Rebate is part of the NSW Government's $310 million Climate Change Fund and is available to residents who purchase and install a new rainwater storage system. The program also offers rebates for insulation and energy efficient hot water systems.

The rebates are designed to encourage householders to install a tank to harvest water for toilet flushing and clothes washing.

The Rainwater Tank Rebate is scaled depending on capacity and connection. The highest rebates are available for tanks that are connected to a toilet and washing machine. The maximum rebate is $1500.

The tank must be purchased in full and installed between July 1, 2007 and June 30, 2009 and have a minimum of 2000 litres capacity. If you install more than one tank, the combine size will be used to determine the rebate.

Households not connected to the mains supply are only eligible for a rebate on the purchase of a tank. Rainwater tanks installed to comply with BASIX for new homes, major renovations or a pool installation are not eligible for a rebate.

While tanks with a capacity of 10,000 litres or less do not require formal approval, residents and licensed plumbers need to refer to Council's planning and building requirements and rainwater tank guidelines before proceeding. These guidelines are available from all Council offices or by downloading the documents below.

To receive the Rainwater Tank Rebate, residents must download an application form from the Department of Environment and Climate Change website. There is a comprehensive 'Frequently Asked Questions' section at this website and information on your eligibility for a rebate.

Application forms are also available from all Council offices and local rainwater tank suppliers.

For more information, visit the Department of Environment and Climate Change website or Port Macquarie-Hastings Council website where you can read more about rainwater tanks, Cash Rebates for Waterwise Households and the EnviroSaver Program.

How much can you save with a rainwater tank?

The potential benefits of installing a rainwater tank are plentiful.

With a rainwater tank you'll:

Collect most of the rain (around 80 %) that falls on to the areas of your roof you have connected to gutters and downpipes.
Reduce your consumption of mains water and, in the long term, cut your water bill.
Lower your impact on the environment by reducing your demand on mains water as well as the amount of stormwater runoff into rivers and oceans.

What is a first-flush device?

It diverts the first flush of rainwater that often contains dirt, leaves and debris.

You MUST install a first flush device to reduce the amount of sediment and other materials entering the tank and polluting the water.

Screens and gutter guards offer further protection by stopping insects and debris entering the tank.

Did you know?

For every square metre of roof on your home, 1mm of rainfall will result in one litre of water collected in your tank.

This means, the average 110sqm three bedroom home fitted with a rainwater tank, will collect 1100 litres of water during a 10mm rain event.

The installation of a 9000 litre rainwater tank can provide water for all non-potable water use supplied to your home, and all outdoor use, saving up to 60 percent on your water bills.

If you plan to connect your home to rainwater, you must make contact with Council for the necessary requirements.

Rainwater tank guidelines are available from all Council offices.