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Rainwater tanks make good sense

With high water consumption levels in the Huon Valley, Council has introduced policy mandating the installation of a rainwater tank for each new dwelling constructed on a building lot within a water district. The 'Urban Rainwater Tanks - New Development Policy' was introduced in addition to a number of other water conservation measures, including water restrictions and water metering. These initiatives complement the Huon Valley reticulated water system.

Huon Valley Mayor, Councillor Robert Armstrong, said the system is under pressure from increasing demands on water supply and infrastructure due to new building developments and subdivisions within the area. The new condition requires installation of a minimum 2,000 litre size rainwater tank and will now form part of any building permit authorising construction of new dwellings in the Huon Valley. It also requires developers to provide a site specific analysis, identifying optimum tank size to meet both internal and external demands.

"Rainwater tanks can supplement water conservation measures by providing community savings through reducing demands on reticulated water supplies, delaying the need for new water supply infrastructure and reducing the amount of stormwater run off and associated adverse impacts. In an average household, 1,000 litres of water does not go far. It is equal to ten showers lasting five minutes, one hour of lawn or garden watering or using a washing machine eight times. The use of rainwater tanks, as an alternative source for outdoor water use and/or toilet flushing has the potential to reduce pressure on the limited surface and groundwater resources used to supply reticulated water to urban communities."

Mayor Armstrong said that water captured from a roof for a simple range of uses including garden watering, car washing, and other minor uses around the home will save a reasonable amount of water, which would otherwise be drawn from the main.

For further information contact Council's Engineering Administration Officer, Sue Riley, on (03) 6264 8437.

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