Rainwater tanks
Capturing rainwater from your roof is a great way to supply water for a range of purposes including washing clothes, flushing toilets and watering your garden.
Rainwater tanks can also help you save money on your water bill, especially if you also use other water saving devices such as dual flush toilets, water-efficient showerheads, trigger nozzles and tap timers.
Capturing rainwater and reusing it also reduces the amount of rainwater that enters the stormwater system; this helps improve our waterway health. Too much rainwater from our urban areas affect our creeks by causing creek bank erosion, reducing the amount of food available to fish and aquatic animals, and increasing the amount of pollutants in the waterway.
Water Tank Rebates
Council does not offer rebates for installing or using a water tank. The State Government offer water tank rebates. Victorian Government's Water website has more information about water tank rebates.
Permit and regulatory requirements
Installing a rainwater tank is exempt from the requirement of a planning permit if all of the following are true:
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The land is in a residential zone.
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The maximum capacity of the tank is 4,500 litres or less.
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The land is not in a Land Subject Inundation Overlay.
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The land is not within a Heritage Overlay, or is within a Heritage Overlay but not visible from a street (other than a lane) or a public park.
If any of the above statements are not true, or you are not sure if they apply, please check with Council's Planning Unit on 9240 1111. Council officers will be pleased to advise as to whether a planning permit is required.
The building requirements are as follows:
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Rainwater tanks must not encroach more than 500 mm into the required side or rear setback of the property
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Rainwater tanks must not be constructed over easements without the consent of Council or relevant service authority
- All works must be completed by a licensed plumber, and
- The tank overflow must be connected back into the stormwater drainage system that discharges to the legal point of discharge.
For further information on building matters relevant to the rainwater tank installation, please contact Council Building Unit on 9240 1111.
