A minimum 1000 litre rainwater tank must be installed for each new dwelling to collect roof stormwater. The location of the rainwater tank to be installed should be clearly indicated on plan and satisfy the requirements of Part A of the Strathfield Council Consolidated DCP.

Should owners of existing dwellings wish to install rainwater tanks within their properties development consent may be required. Some rainwater tanks may not need development consent. Please refer to the Strathfield Council Exempt and Complying Development in the Strathfield Planning Scheme Ordinance.

Installation of rainwater tanks on properties that are heritage items or contained in heritage conservation areas require Council approval. Please note that siting, size and locational requirements for rainwater tanks under State Environmental Planning Policy (SEPP) 4 override the provisions of the Strathfield Planning Scheme Ordinance and Strathfield Council Consolidated DCP Part A.

Why install rainwater tanks?

• Rainwater tanks reduce our reliance on drinking water. Lots of applications in the home don’t require drinking water quality standard
• Reduces the amount of water that runs off your property into the stormwater system which reduces pollution of waterways and flooding
• The collected rainwater can be used for watering gardens, washing cars, clothes and flushing toilets

Unfortunately NSW Health does not recommend drinking rainwater in the city

Do I need Council approval to install a rainwater tank?

• No, if the tank and its installation complies with State Environmental Planning Policy No. 4. - Development without Consent (SEPP4)
• Yes, if the tank and installation doesn’t meet these exemptions eg heritage item or located in heritage conservation areas

How do I meet these requirements?

• Prefabricated tank designed to collect roofwater only
• Installed in accordance with manufacturer’s requirements and structurally sound
• Maximum capacity 10 000 litres
• Not located in front yard
• Fitted with first-flush device to reduce pollutants entering tank
• Fitted with screened inlet to prevent entry of debris or mosquitoes.
• Overflow directed to existing stormwater system
• Maximum height must not exceed 2.4 metres including any tank stand.

For additional requirements refer to State Environmental Planning Policy (SEPP) 4.

Getting the most from a rainwater tank

• Tank capacity – As a rule of thumb a minimum tank size of 5,000 litres is desirable
• Use the rainwater on a regular basis so there is always storage capacity in the tank when it rains again eg connect to flush toilet, use in garden

Maintenance

• It is important to maintain your rainwater tank
• Rainwater tanks are low maintenance, not no maintenance
• Regularly clean your gutters, first flush device, and inspect screens of leaves and other debris
• Gutter guards can help

Rainwater tank rebates are still available

• Sydney Water has a rebate program offering up to $650 to customers who install a rainwater tank
• Rebate ends 31 July 2008
• Information on Sydney Water Rebate Program

Rain Water Tank Loans

For a limited time only Community First Credit Union in Auburn are offering the public a 12 month interest free personal loan to cover the purchase and installation of a rain water tank.  Membership of Community First is required to take the loan, and the interest free loans are up to a maximum amount of $3 000.  Conditions apply and residents should contact Community First Credit Union directly.