Rainwater Tanks Adelaide

ADELAIDE RAINWATER PLUMBING GUIDE SA Water

Introduction

SA Water is committed to the wise use of water and supporting the community to become more water efficient. Mandating Adelaide rainwater tanks to be plumbed into new housing developments is one of a number of initiatives of the South Australian Government to encourage more sustainable water use. The initiative will assist South Australia in Attaining Sustainability, which is a key objective of South Australia’s Strategic Plan.

The strategy is also one of a number of initiatives announced by the State Government as part of Water Proofing Adelaide to encourage responsible household water use: Commencing in July 2006, most new homes in South Australia will be required to have a rainwater tank plumbed into the house for some domestic uses. This strategy will lead to significantly greater use of rainwater, reducing demand on the mains water supply in the Adelaide region by an estimated 4000 megalitres a year by 2025, with further savings in many other South Australian communities. This handbook has been created as a useful guide for plumbers, builders and homeowners for the correct installation and plumbing of Adelaide rainwater tanks and associated pipework.

Background

South Australia has more Adelaide rainwater tanks in backyards than any other State. Adelaide rainwater tanks can provide additional water by harnessing the rain collected off property roofs and are widely used in areas where there is limited access to reticulated water.

Adelaide rainwater tanks need regular maintenance and the water inside the tank may not always be of a good quality. The quality of rainwater can be influenced by a number of different factors including: roof and gutter maintenance, vehicle emissions and heavy industry emissions. Generally, rainwater may be safely used as a supply source for hot water systems, laundering, toilet flushing or irrigation.

Regulatory requirements

There are a number of issues that you may need to be aware of when a rainwater tank is to be installed and the water supplied to plumbing outlets within a property. These include planning, plumbing and public health requirements. If you are unsure of the requirements for the local area in which you are installing a rainwater system, the following websites provide some information and general agency contact numbers for advice: (a) Planning/local government authorities regarding the legislative requirements for new residential buildings and alterations. www.planning.sa.gov.au To find your local council go to www.lga.sa.gov.au/site/page.cfm

(b) SA Water regarding the conditions to be met to allow the seamless transition between the supplies, eg appropriate backflow prevention requirements. www.sawater.com.au (c) Department of Health for a determination on the management of water quality, mosquito control and guidelines on the appropriate use of rainwater. www.health.sa.gov.au

Plumbing requirements

Where rainwater is required by legislation to service an outlet (ie toilet cistern, laundry outlet, or hot water service), there must be a continuity of supply between the rainwater and the reticulated supply (seamless automatic switching).

Seamless automatic switching may be achieved by the following methods:

• The rainwater tank may be supplied by a specially designed ball float control valve connected to SA Water’s supply and installed so it introduces only a small quantity of backup water when the tank is near empty to maintain a supply of water to the outlet eg toilet cistern (gravity supply).

• A certified ‘WaterMark’ switching valve or device which automatically switches between the rainwater and the SA Water supply to ensure continuity of supply to the fixture/outlet when the rainwater supply is depleted (pressurised or pumped supply).

Listed below are the minimum requirements for water plumbing installations associated with Adelaide rainwater tanks. Installations must comply with AS/NZS 3500 and the SA Variations.

1. All piping systems delivering rainwater to taps, fixtures or appliances in the building must be installed by a licensed plumber.

2. Only approved materials shall be used for the plumbing associated with rainwater supply systems. (WaterMark Certification).

3. The water supply system from a rainwater tank must be clearly marked at intervals not exceeding 500mm with contrasting coloured wording “RAINWATER”. Water outlets shall be identified as “RAINWATER” with a label or a rainwater tap identified by a green coloured indicator with the letters “RW”.

4. Where a water outlet is supplied with rainwater backed up by a mains water supply for seamless transition, the outlet must be identified “RAINWATER”.

5. Where a hot water service is supplied with rainwater, the cold water inlet pipe to the heater must be identified “RAINWATER”. Outlets supplied by the hot water service need not be identified.

Pipe markings

Typical sign

< RAINWATER >

for rainwater outlets

Backflow prevention requirements

Where a water supply system from a rainwater tank is to be interconnected to the mains water supply, the following requirements apply under AS/NZS 3500 and the SA Variations: (a) As a minimum, a backflow prevention device must be installed to protect the mains water supply from the rainwater supply, eg a ‘dual check valve’ located at the property boundary (this device may vary depending on the level of hazard).

(b) In addition to containment protection (Part a), where the rainwater is only supplying a toilet cistern, either a backflow prevention device such as a dual check valve or an air gap within the cistern is required. (c) A device such as a single-check non-return valve must be installed on the pipeline from the rainwater tank to prevent uncontrolled mains water from the reticulated supply flowing into the rainwater tank (this check valve may be incorporated within the automatic switching device).

Backflow prevention – minimum requirements

Rainwater tank Protection on Protection on the No top up or location supply line prior to main supply line connection tank for provision prior to connection for top up to tank outlet line

Buried Testable device* Testable device* No backflow prevention device required

Partly buried Non-testable device Testable device* No backflow prevention device required

Above ground Non-testable device Non-testable device No backflow prevention device required

* Testable devices require registration with SA Water and annual testing to ensure the effectiveness of the valve. This test must be undertaken by an appropriately licensed plumber. A reduction of the hazard ratings listed in the table may be permitted following risk assessment of the design and installation of the rainwater tank and other environmental factors in accordance with the SA Variations. Hazard reduction assessment Buried and partly buried Adelaide rainwater tanks

The following risk assessment may be undertaken and the level of backflow hazard reduced depending on the following criteria: (a) The risk to tank rainwater quality from air pollution is low. (b) The risk to tank rainwater quality from groundwater and/or surface water contamination is low. In assessing this risk the permeability of the tank and piping materials and joints to groundwater contaminants should be addressed.

(c) Precautions in the design and installation of the rainwater collection system have been taken to reduce impacts to tank rainwater quality from the roof collection and delivery system. Such measures include, but are not restricted to, appropriate materials, gutter guards, filters, first flush devices, dry inlets, guards to exclude vermin and mosquitoes, and the quality of tank maintenance programs.

(d) Precautions in the design and installation of the rainwater tank have been taken to reduce impacts to tank rainwater quality from groundwater and surface water pollution. Such measures include, but are not limited to:

• Location and topography.

• Structural integrity of the tank including installation factors such as bedding, embedment, compaction and geotechnical specifications.

• Watertightness of the tank including all penetrations, connections, access covers and joints.

• Prevention of the ingress of vermin through the overflow eg by provision of a reflux valve, self sealing valve, trap check valve. If you wish to install a non-testable device where a testable device would otherwise be required then the risk assessment should be undertaken and the details submitted to SA Water for acceptance.

Certificates of Compliance

A Certificate of Compliance* must be provided to SA Water and the home owner within seven (7) days of completion of the work.

* A Certificate of Compliance is a form that must be completed by a licensed plumber and lodged with SA Water certifying that the installation has been installed in accordance with AS/NZS 3500 and the SA Variations. A copy must also be provided to the home owner. SA Water conducts regular audits to ensure these requirements are met.

Important Note

SA Water provides this information to you as a general guide to some of the key requirements of AS/NZS 3500 and SA Variations that are applicable to installation and connections to Adelaide rainwater tanks. SA Water is responsible for issuing of plumbing directions for work connecting to its systems and this publication is designed to summarise some of those requirements. In issuing this guide, SA Water should not be regarded as an expert on the planning, health or building requirements applicable to a property and

you should not rely on any statements of SA Water concerning these matters. Homeowners should seek further expert advice and help with the installation and connection of your rainwater tank to ensure that connections and plumbing work undertaken on your property meet the required standards. Advice regarding planning or health aspects should be sought from the appropriate experts.
Rainwater Tanks Adelaide, South Australia – Do you want to buy a rainwater tank in Adelaide? There are many rain water tank suppliers you can choose from and they offer a huge variety of tanks you can choose from. Some offer simple and cheap purchase and delivery options which involves the rainwater tank buyer to install the tank them self upon delivery. Others offer the more expensive but less stressful, full delivery and installation option which usually includes a water pump and at least a 10 year warranty. Rainwater Tank and Plumbing Rebate Collect water and up to $1,000. A rebate is generally not available for renovations and extensions as from 1 July 2006, because most new houses and significant extensions or additions to existing homes need to include a rainwater supply as part of the building approval process. What does the rainwater tank rebate cover? up to $200 for a new rainwater tank with a capacity of 1000 litres or more which is not connected to household plumbing. $200 for the purchase of a new or replacement rainwater tank which needs to be plumbed for use to either a toilet or all cold water laundry outlets or hot water service Up to $600 for plumbing services (including services of a licensed plumber) to connect rainwater to either a toilet or all cold water laundry outlets or hot water service Up to another $200 extra for additional installation measures General terms and conditions are:

• All rainwater tanks need to be 1000 litres or more.

• Eligible homes are generally homes for which an application for development approval was lodged before 1 July 2006.

• You must obtain a signed Certificate of Compliance from a licensed plumber indicating which eligible fixture types have been plumbed in.

• You will need to provide the original receipt when claiming the rebate for the rainwater tank and switching device.

• Rainwater tanks and plumbing must comply with relevant Australian Standards and any local council requirements that may apply.

Terms and conditions for the stand alone rainwater tank.

• The tank must be purchased on or after 11 March 2010 (as evidenced on the receipt).
• The receipt of purchase must be an original.
• The tank must have a minimum capacity of 1000 litres.

• Only one stand alone tank rebate is available per property

There is no longer a  requirement for the rainwater tank to be connected to household plumbing. On March 11th, 2010 it was announced that a $200 government rebate would be available for garden rainwater tanks. Previously the government rebates that existed, required the tank to be plumbed into the household water. A rebate is generally not available for renovations and extensions as from 1 July 2006, because most new houses and significant extensions or additions to existing homes need to include a rainwater supply as part of the building approval process. For further information phone the Water Rebates Hotline on 1800 130 952. ref: www.sawater.com.au

Types of Rain Water Tanks – There are many different types of rainwater tanks for sale, listed below are the main types of water tanks available in South Australia. Round Poly Rainwater Tanks – most commonly referred to as plastic rainwater tanks, are made from polyethylene. Polyethylene is a form of plastic that deteriorates when exposed to prolonged periods of  UV radiation. The rainwater tanks are made from polyethylene that has a special UV protection additive to prevent the tank from breaking down in the harsh Australian sun. They are by far, the most popular selling type of rainwater tank in Australia and come in many different colours and sizes. Slimline Rainwater Tanks – these tanks are designed for the metropolitan areas where space is limited for most people. They are made from either plastic or metal and have a corrugated or flat sided profile. Underground Water Storage Tanks – this type of water storage system is becoming very popular with new real estate development due to no space being required. There have also been some very unique underground storage systems developed to be easily maintained, eco friendly and have a lifetime guarantee. Bladder Tanks -

What To Know About Rainwater Tanks

Sometimes we get too much rain and other times we don’t get enough rain. One good idea is the use of rainwater tanks for capturing rain water and storing it for future use, during those times when rain is sparse.

In the UK, these tanks are called water butts and in North America they are also referred to as rain barrels. Whatever you choose to call them, they are great for catching water that can be used later. Most of these tanks are above ground but in-ground ones can also be used, especially in typically arid climates when dry conditions are a given and water will be in short supply.

A rain water tank may be made out of plastic, concrete, galvanized steel, stainless steel or fiberglass. Fiberglass and stainless steel are resistant to chemicals and also rust proof. In most cases, they are stored above ground in places like rooftops, patios and at the ends of driveways as well as other surfaces where water cannot penetrate.

Water collected in these receptacles may be used for a number of things. Common uses include watering lawns and gardens, household plumbing like toilets and washing machines, washing the car, agricultural irrigation and even drinking water. If it is to be used for drinking, special care must be taken to ensure that the water does not get contaminated.

First of all, steps can be taken before the water is collected to help keep it safe. Some tanks include things like screen coverings to prevent dirt, debris, bird droppings and insects from getting inside. Selecting an opaque tank is wise to keep sunlight out and thus reducing the risk of algae growth and an overrun of bacteria. A plastic lining is good to prevent leaks and help maintain high water quality.

It is also imperative that, even if these steps are taken, any water that is drunk is properly filtered. Even thought rain water is pure, it may become contaminated after collection. And while rain does not contain chlorine, air pollutants can affect the water after it is gathered. It is advised not to drink water from rainwater tanks unless there are no other sources of drinkable water.

The use of tanks for rain collection can impact the environment, either positively or negatively. Wide use of these tanks will lessen the amount of water that reaches the ground in certain areas and limit the amount that reaches streams. Depending on where the use of tanks is taking place, this may prevent erosion, sedimentation and pollution. On the other hand, it may cause stagnated ponds and dried up rivers. If the collected rain is used within the same area and put back into the ground, it can actually have the effect of stabilizing ponds and rivers.