Rainwater tank frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Browse the FAQs to find what you need to know about installing rainwater tanks in Caloundra City.
See other building and development FAQs.
- Is a development approval for building work required to install a rainwater tank?
- How close to the property boundaries can I locate the tank?
- What documentation is needed to apply for a development application
for building work?
Plumbing and drainage act requirements
- Is a plumbing approval required to install a rainwater tank?
- What plumbing fixtures must I connect to the rainwater tank?
- What plumbing fixtures can I connect to the rainwater tank?
- Can I connect town water supply to my tank?
- What documentation is needed to apply for a plumbing approval?
General rainwater tank questions
- When is a rainwater tank required to be installed and what is the minimum size for the tank?
- What are the installation requirements and applicable Australian Standards for rainwater tanks?
- Are there any restrictions on using lead flashings on the roof?
- Are there any state government grants available for the installation of a water saving device?
Q. Is a development approval for building work required to install a rainwater tank?
For existing buildings
A. As per Clause 21 of the Building Act 1975 (building work that is self-assessable) and Schedule 1 of the Building Regulation 2006, building works are considered "self-assessable" (which means it does not require a development approval) if it complies with the following:
- The plan area of the tank is no more than 10 square metres; and
- The tank has the following above its natural ground surface:
- a height (including stand) of no more than 2.4 metres;
- any side of the tank is no longer than 5 metres.
Installations exceeding these limitations require a development approval for building works and inspection by a licensed building certifier.
For new buildings
A. As per the above Act, a rainwater tank that forms part of a new building is considered assessable development and as such requires a Development Approval for Building Work.
Q. How close to the property boundaries can I locate the tank?
A. Below are the boundary setback provisions for the front road, side boundary and from easements or Council infrastructure.
Front road boundary setbacks
The front road boundary setback provisions for water tanks are covered by MP 1.1 or MP 1.2 of the Queensland Development Code (QDC), or the alternative provisions of the Caloundra City Plan 2004, namely:
- On residential allotments over 450 square metres, the minimum front road boundary setback is 6 metres (refer QDC MP 1.2);
- On residential allotments under 450 square metres the minimum front road boundary setback is: (refer QDC MP 1.1)
- For access streets 3 metres
- For collector Streets 4 metres
- On Rural Precincts allotments greater than 2 hectares the front road boundary setback is:
- i) 40 metres for a State controlled road
- ii) 50 metres form any extractive industry haul route shown on a Planning Area Overlay Map
- iii) 20 metres from any other road;
- On Rural Precincts on a lot of up to 2 hectares in area the front road boundary is 10 metres; or
- Where there is an existing approved building no closer than the existing approved building and in no case less than 6 metres.
Side boundary setbacks
The Queensland Development Code allows a rainwater tank to be built up to a side or rear boundary, provided that the tank height, including any stand, does not exceed 2.4 metres.
Fire Separation: Under the deemed to satisfy provisions of the Building Code of Australia (refer Clause 3.7.1.7 of Volume 2 of the BCA) to provide complying fire separation - the water tank, if built of combustible materials, is required to be located either:
a) 450mm clear of the boundary; or
b) 450 mm clear of the dwelling.
This is a requirement under the Building Code of Australia (refer Clause 3.7.1.7 of Volume 2 of the BCA).
Boundary setbacks from easements or Council infrastructure
The tank must be clear of any easements or Council infrastructure, such as sewer mains, stormwater pipes, water mains. The minimum setback from Council infrastructure is:
- 1.5 metres for pipe diameters up to 150mm
- 2 metres for pipe diameters above 150mm
Q. What documentation is needed to apply for a development application for building work?
A. An application will need to include:
- A completed IDAS Development Application Form 1 Parts A and B;
- Application fees;
- Three sets of site plans detailing the following:
a) north point;
b) boundaries and dimensions of the allotment and any relevant easements;
c) boundary setbacks to existing buildings and to proposed water tank;
d) the position of any existing swimming pool fencing if nearer than 1.2 metres to the tank;
e) drainage details/stormwater overflow discharge point; and - Three sets of structural details of the proposed footings, slab and/or frame as applicable.
Plumbing and drainage act requirements
Q. Is a plumbing approval required to install a rainwater tank?
A. A plumbing approval is required if it is proposed or required to connect the water tank to plumbing fixtures within the structure.
Q. What plumbing fixtures must I connect to the rainwater tank?
A. All new dwellings, where the development application for building work was lodged after 1 January 2007, must be connected to the following:
- to the toilet cisterns
- to the cold water tap of the washing machine
This applies under Part 25 of the Queensland Development Code (QDC).
Q. What plumbing fixtures can I connect to the rainwater tank?
A. There are no restrictions under the Plumbing and Drainage Act 2002. However, it is not recommended by the Queensland State Government Health Department or Council to use rainwater where a reticulated system is available for uses other than the following:
- To any outside garden tap(s);
- To the toilets; and
- To the cold water tap of a washing machine.
Owners of rainwater tanks using it for potable (drinking) purposes are responsible for maintenance to ensure it is a standard of drinking water, as per the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines. For more information visit the Queensland Health website.
Q. Can I connect town water supply to my tank?
A. All new dwellings, where the development application for building work was lodged after the 1 January 2007, must have the ability to be topped up from the reticulated town water system. This applies under MP 4.2 of the Queensland Development Code (QDC).
For existing dwellings, the Plumbing and Drainage Act permit a top-up facility to a rainwater tank from a reticulated supply. However, the plumbing works require a Council plumbing approval prior to commencing the work.
Q. What documentation is needed to apply for a plumbing approval?
A. Plumbing applications need to include:
- Application fee;
- Site plan, indicating tank location, dimensions and setback from boundaries;
- A completed Application for Compliance Assessment Form 1; and
- A completed Proposed Plumbing and Drainage Work Form 2.
Application forms are available from the 'Building and Plumbing - Building and Plumbing Forms' section of the Department of Infrastructure and Planning website.
General rainwater tank questions
Q. When is a rainwater tank required to be installed and what is the minimum size for the tank?
A. As per MP 4.2 of the QDC all new dwellings, where the Development Application for building work was lodged after 1 January 2007, must include the following:
1. a rainwater tank; or
2. alternative water substitution measures, such as communal rainwater tanks, dual reticulation or stormwater reuse.
As MP 4.2 of the QDC, the minimum sizes for rainwater tanks are:
1. 5000 ltr for detached Class 1 dwellings; or
2. 3000 ltr for Class 1 buildings other than a detached Class 1 building i.e. duplex, town house etc.
A. As per the Caloundra City Plan 2004, a rainwater tank is required to be installed in any area in Caloundra City covered by the Planning Scheme where the proposed works exceed 50m² and a complying water tank has not already been provided as follows:
45,000 ltr - where no reticulated water supply is available - (refer Specific Outcome 012 of Code 8.5 Detached House Code)
10,000 ltr - where in the Maleny Township Planning area and having reticulated water supply available - (refer Specific Outcome 010 of Code 6.8 Maleny Township Planning Area Code)
45,000 ltr - where in the Maleny Plateau Planning Area all residential development - (refer Specific Outcome 010 of Code 6.16 Maleny Plateau Planning Area Code).
Note: if the allotment is within Council's Bushfire Hazard Management Overlay, and does not have a reticulated water supply, the allotment must have an additional water supply of 5000 ltrs available for fire fighting purposes by either:
a) separate tank with standard rural fire brigade fittings; or
b) a reserve section in the main water supply tank provided with a standard rural fire brigade fittings; or
c) a swimming pool or dam provided immediately upon completion of the detached house.
Refer Specific Outcome 02 of Code 8.5 Detached House Code. To see Detached House Code 8.5, visit the City Plan website and accept the disclaimer. Follow the links: Caloundra City Plan document > Part 8 Use Codes.
Q. What are the installation requirements and applicable Australian Standards for rainwater tanks?
A. For information on the installation and applicable Australian Standards refer to Part 25 (Rainwater Tanks) of the Queensland Development Code.
Q. Are there any restrictions on using lead flashings on the roof?
A. Yes, as per Section 3.5.1.2 (g)(vi) of the Building Code of Australia, lead flashing cannot be used on any roof if the roof is part of the potable (drinking) water catchment area.
Q. Are there any state government grants available for the installation of a water saving device?
A. For details on available government grants for water saving devices, see the Department of Natural Resources, Mines and Water website or phone the Queensland Government Home Water Wise Rebate Scheme on 1800 243 585.