Rainwater

Rainwater is an important water source. Using rainwater effectively reduces the reliance on other water resources in the SA Murray-Darling Basin region, particularly from the River Murray. A simple way to achieve this is through the use of rainwater tanks. Since 2006, new homes and home extensions of greater than 50 square metres are required to install a rainwater tank plumbed for internal use. Full details can be found at Planning SA Advisory Notice – Technical Building Code of Australia: Mandatory plumbed rainwater tanks for Class 1 buildings.

Selecting the right rainwater tank

The amount of rainwater a home can capture, store and use annually is dependent on:

• the annual rainfall
• the roof area connected to the rainwater tank
• how much rainwater you use and when you use it
• the capacity of the rainwater tank.

To help you select the right size rainwater tank for your home, there are two steps.

1. Select the intended use of rainwater in your home

• High internal use: 11 litre single flush toilet, 100% laundry (front load washing machine) and hot water service.
• Medium internal use 1: 6/3 litre dual flush toilet, AAA-rated shower head, 100% laundry (top load washing machine) and hot water service.
• Medium internal use 2: 6/3 litre dual flush toilet, AAA-rated shower head, 100% laundry (front load washing machine) and hot water service.
• Low grade uses: 6/3 litre dual flush toilet and 100% laundry (front load washing machine) only.

2. Select the town nearest to your home

Supporting information

• Rainwater tank use
• Tips for saving water in your home and garden
• National Environment Health Forum Monograph - Water Series No 3 - Guidance on the Use of Rainwater Tanks