Rainwater Tanks
Collecting rainwater from your roof and reusing it in your home and garden can drastically reduce the volume of precious drinking water you use around the home.
Rainwater tanks capture rainwater run-off from your roof to provide a valuable water resource to wash clothes, cars, flush toilets and water gardens. Depending on the capacity and internal connections of tanks, residents could be eligible for substantial rebates from both the NSW and Australian Governments.
Suppliers
Due to the very large variety of tanks available, we suggest that you speak directly with the preferred suppliers. The suppliers will be able to discuss the range of tanks, pumps and fittings, and will also discuss accessing your proposed tank site to prepare your quote. To help you begin thinking about what kind of tank you want, there is information below about some of the types of tanks available.
The councils will be undertaking audits of each company to ensure they maintain the agreed fixed pricing for all associated council residents. If you are willing to assist your council in this auditing process, please contact your ClimateClever Shop council representative.
Contact the suppliers via the contact details below, or use our online enquiry form.
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BlueScope Water |
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Coastal Water Tanks |
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Roseville Plumbing |
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Types of tanks
Tanks range in capacity, shape, materials, colour and use.
Capacity
The capacity of rainwater tanks for residential areas usually ranges between 1,400L and 14,000L.
The size of the rainwater tank needed will depend on:
- Rainfall in your area
- Roof area available
- How you plan to use the rainwater
- The number of people living in your house
Shape
Cylindrical polyethylene tanks are generally the cheapest type of rainwater tank on the market. Slimline tanks require more material to maintain structural integrity to hold water and are therefore more expensive. Super slimline tanks connect together along a wall or can be used as a fence. Sacs, which are flexible, inflatable tanks are suitable for tight sub-floor spaces and are good for properties with limited space. Underground concrete or polyethylene tanks are also available if you have limited space to capture rainwater and stormwater. Underground tanks can be more expensive and require excavation work but will save on space.
Material
Tanks can be made of galvanised steel, concrete, fibreglass, or polyethylene and sacs are made of PVC / geotextile.
Colour
For those conscious about colour, rainwater tanks are available in a range of shades to suit any household colour scheme.
Use
The NSW Department of Health supports the use of rainwater tanks for non-drinking purposes in urban areas. The water can be used for flushing toilets, washing clothes, in water heating systems and for outdoor use such as watering gardens, washing cars, filling up swimming and ornamental pools and fire fighting.
NSW Health does not recommend the use of rainwater for cooking or drinking when public water supply is available.
Contact one, or all of our preferred suppliers to discuss your needs and budget to determine the best type of tank for your purpose.
For more information about rainwater tanks, see Frequently Asked Questions.
Rebates
Sydney Water and the Australian Government have rebates available for rainwater tank installations on residential properties. The following table outlines the types of rebates for varying tank capacities and uses. It is possible to claim both rebates if your rainwater tank is connected to a toilet and / or washing machine.
| Tank Capacity (Litres) | Sydney Water | Australian Government * |
| 2,000 – 3,999 | $150 | $400 |
| 4,000 – 6,999 | $400 | $500 |
| 7,000 + | $500 | $500 |
| Plumbed into toilet | Additional $500 | |
| Plumbed into washing machine | Additional $500 |
* Tank must be connected for internal reuse of water to a toilet and/or laundry.
Help with rebates
The ClimateClever Shop preferred suppliers can assist you with available rebates and your eligibility. If you would like further information on available rebates visit the following websites:
Sydney Water
www.sydneywater.com.au
Australian Government
www.environment.gov.au/water/
