What you need to know before deciding on installing a tank

• East Gippsland Shire Council has no official policy on rain water tanks and recommends that people be environment conscience. There are matters regarding siting, planning, health and building requirements that may be relevant in your case.

‍

Planning

• A planning permit is not required for a rain water tank less than 4500ltrs where a dwelling exists on the land. You should check your title, contract of sale, and councils Planning Department for any restrictions that may be relevant. This is advisable in particular with regard to recent subdivided estates where tanks are mandatory or recommended for ecological and environmental reasons. A planning permit may be required for rain water tanks with a capacity greater than 4500ltrs in rural areas where specified setbacks from boundaries are not met.

‍

Health

• The tank should not be used for drinking water unless design and installation is approved by the relevant water authority. This is due to a variety of possible problems, including contamination from roof coverings, residue, sealing in the system and vermin.
• Water tanks need to be sealed to prevent mosquitoes and vermin from entering the tank and also the possibility of small children gaining access.
• Rain water tank must not be connected to the town water supply as the possible back flow could contaminate the supply to your property and that of other users. Hoses left in a tank may siphon water back into the water mains or onto the ground.

‍

Building

• A Building Permit may be required where the tank, stand and installation have a structural effect on the existing building or the tank is physically restrained by connection to the building for support (this does not include down pipe connection and the restraint of the down pipe).
• The tank must be fitted with an overflow the same diameter as the inlet, and connected to the continuation of the storm water pipe. This must discharge to the same discharge point as the residence, storm water drain, etc. this is important as water must not discharge to create an unhealthy environment or onto neighboring properties.
• A minimum setback of 500mm is required from side and rear boundaries (not street boundaries) for a tank up to 3000mm in height.
• A minimum setback of 2000mm is required from a side or rear street boundary.
• The combined height of the tank and stand is not to exceed 3000mm above ground level within 1000mm of a side or rear boundary. For tanks greater than 3000mm in height please contact the Building Department on (03) 5153 9500.
• The minimum setback from the front street boundary is the average of the front street setbacks of the adjoining neighbours dwellings or 9m, whichever is the lesser. When on a rural block the tank must be shown on the approved Planning Permit plans.

‍

Building Resilience

This booklet has been developed for East Gippsland homeowners, businesses and residents. It summarises the existing large volume of information on the most relevant risks and actions that can be undertaken.

‍

General

• It is advisable that an appropriate system be installed to exclude an initial quantity of rain water to catch and divert contaminates such as leaves, atmospheric pollution deposits, animal droppings, etc.
• If you have any further questions or are uncertain of your particular circumstances please contact East Gippsland Water on 1300 720 700.

If you would like to know more about sustainable housing please refer to the Your Home or Sustainability Victoria websites or download the East Gippsland Shire Smart Living energy efficiency booklet and our Building Resilience booklet.

‍