Rainwater tanks and harvesting

Collection of rainwater from downpipes is not a new concept, but we are moving to the next stage where this collected water will be used for flushing toilets and for a cold water supply to the washing machine.

The main features of rainwater harvesting are that water is collected from the roof of the home and stored in a tank. This water is then used to flush toilets and in washing machines. The water is not always suitable for drinking or personal washing in as it has not been treated or sterilised so we will not be running it to any points in the home that could possibly (or accidentally) been used for these purposes.

For this system to work, the house plumbing has to be re-designed to provide a separate supply to the toilets and washing machine from the rest of the water supply in the house. Also, the tank needs a power point to power the pump that sends the water (under pressure) to the toilets and washing machine.

When the rainwater supply run out, these tanks are automatically replenished (to a low level) from the normal water supply. As this water can be standing in the tank for days it is not always suitable for drinking or washing.

W&B will be offering our homes with a “rainwater ready” option which will include the modified plumbing design, and a power point for the pump, and a stormwater connection point (for when the tank overflows). Clients can select the specific tank and pump combination that they like from numerous suppliers in the market.

These can be simply installed by the owners once they move into their home by a number of contractors.

Note: The rainwater tank is only connected to one downpipe on the home, so the clients will still need a full stormwater system around their home.

Rebates are available for the installation of rainwater tanks which can be claimed by the homeowner once a tank has been installed.