|
|
 |
Rainwater Tank Rebate Guidelines
Last modified: September 27, 2007 - 11:00 AM
Part 1: Eligibility criteria for rebate:
- The property must be currently connected to one of Council’s reticulated water supplies (Aberdeen, Cassilis, Merriwa, Murrurundi or Scone)
- The tank(s) capacity must be at least 9000 litres
- The tank(s) must be connected to external fittings, including pool top up if there is a pool on the property
- The property must be residential and have an existing dwelling
- If the tank is connected to plumbing fittings, a licensed plumber must carry out the work in accordance with the Code of Practice for Plumbing and Drainage
- If there is an interconnection with / top up from the mains water supply, the tank must have suitable backflow prevention to protect the drinking water quality in the mains supply (see below)
- At least 30 % of the roof area must drain to the tank
- If the installation does not comply with the exemptions reproduced in Part 4 of this Guideline, formal development approval must be sought from Council
Note:
- No rebate is available for rainwater tanks required under BASIX (for new houses or extensions/renovations)
- No rebate is available for commercial or industrial users.
- Where multiple tanks are installed to achieve 9000 litre storage, only one rebate is available.
Property owners considering installing rainwater tanks should consider the following:
- NSW Health supports the use of rainwater tanks for all non-potable uses such as garden watering and car washing but does not recommend the use of rainwater tanks for drinking purposes where a reticulated potable water supply is available.
- It is important to maintain your tank: ensure that roof, gutters, first flush diverters and insect screens remain clear of leaves and debris, and ensure that insect screens stay in place and are not damaged.
- Consider the suitability of the site: slope, access restrictions, potential impact on stability of foundations or retaining walls, overhanging vegetation which may attract vermin.
- Connecting the tank to non-potable indoor uses such as toilet/s and washing machine will allow use of the tank water year round, but will add to the expense of the installation
- Use of water from rainwater tanks which are connected to the town supply for “top up” will be subject to any water restrictions in place for users of the town supply
Part 2: Backflow Prevention
The priority for Council must be to protect the community by maintaining drinking water quality in the reticulated water supply system. Where mains water is interconnected with or used to top up domestic rainwater tanks, appropriate steps must be taken to prevent the potential contamination of the mains supply from rainwater tanks. There are two requirements (based on the NSW Code of Practice for Plumbing and Drainage 3rd Edition 2006):
· An authorised backflow prevention device such as a dual check valve (see comment below)
· A visible air gap between the mains top up and the top water level (minimum 100mm)
All of Council’s new 20 mm and 25mm water meters have in built dual check valves. Council will replace older meters as part of the ongoing meter replacement program at no cost to the property owner.
Part 3: Procedure
- Resident wishing to apply for the rebate will submit to Council the “Rainwater Tank Rebate Application” before installing the tank
- Council will grant conditional approval to complying applications (conditional on passing inspection after installation)
- Resident will contact Council to request inspection after tank and connections, first flush diverter and any other relevant components are installed
- A rebate cheque will be posted to the applicant after the tank, connections and any other relevant components have passed inspection.
Part 4: Development Approval Exemption Criteria
Council has a policy which permits rainwater tanks to be installed on premises under certain conditions without any formal approval being obtained. These criteria are
Residential zones: Village and Rural zones:
Maximum capacity 10,000 litres. Maximum capacity 100,000 litres.
- It complies with any requirements of Upper Hunter Shire Council.
- Is designed to collect roof water only, but can be topped up from a water supply service pipe.
- Is fitted with a first-flush device.
- Is prefabricated, enclosed and has any inlet screened, is structurally sound and is installed in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions.
- Does not exceed a height of 2.4 metres from ground level.
- Is not installed over or immediately adjacent to a water or sewer main unless the requirements of the public authority with responsibility for the main have been met.
- Is located behind the front building alignment.
- Is located at least 900mm from any property boundary or any covenant attached to the land.
- Has a sign affixed stating ‘rainwater’.
- Has overflow directed into an existing stormwater system.
- Is maintained to prevent mosquito breeding and overflow.
- The installation of the tank must not involve the excavation of more than one metre from the existing ground level, or the filling of more than one metre above the existing ground level.
- If plumbing is required to connect the tank to the water supply service or water main, it must be done by a licensed plumber, in accordance with the NSW Code of Practice-Plumbing and Drainage, have the consent of and meet any requirement of the Upper Hunter Shire Council who is responsible for the water supply service pipe or water main.
- Noise from pumps not to exceed 5dbA at the wall of a dwelling on any adjoining property.
Council may permit tanks larger than those indicated above however a formal approval process is required.
Download document
Rainwater Tank Rebate Application Form
Contact details
Upper Hunter Shire Council
Tel: 02 6540 1100
Fax: 02 6545 2671
council@upperhunter.nsw.gov.au
All news:
by date |
by topic |
latest news
|
