Circular No.

03/32 Contact Henry Musidlak

Date 23/10/2003 02 4428 4181
File No. AF99/0150 henry.musidlak@dlg.nsw.gov.au

GUIDELINES FOR PLUMBING ASSOCIATED WITH RAINWATER TANKS

WHERE COUNCILS/COUNTY COUNCILS ARE LOCAL WATER UTILITIES
AND APPROVAL AUTHORITIES

The Committee on Uniformity of Plumbing and Drainage Regulations in NSW

(CUPDR) has now issued Circular P&D Number 18: Guidelines for Plumbing
Associated with Rainwater Tanks in Urban Areas. A copy accompanies this
circular. This replaces Circular P&D No. 17 which previously limited roof
collected rainwater to non-potable uses where a reticulated supply is available.

There are a number of issues, which councils as approval authorities under s.

68 of the Local Government Act 1993 and water supply utilities under ss. 21-24,
may need to consider in the application of the revised guidelines:
1. Advice to any property owners seeking approval for plumbing rainwater
tanks to potable household uses of the risk associated with such a
decision and informing them of NSW Health’s recommendation that
rainwater tanks not be used for drinking purposes where a reticulated
potable supply is available;
2. That appropriate cross connection controls and backflow prevention
devices are in place to protect reticulated supply from the possibility of
backflow contamination in line with section 2 of CUPDR Circular P&D
No. 18; and
3. Where a rainwater tank is to be cross connected with reticulated supply,
an appropriate and testable backflow prevention device be fitted in
accordance with CUPDR Circular P&D No. 18. In order to assure all
other consumers of the integrity and quality of supply it may be
necessary for councils to consider instituting and implementing a
compliance and testing regime, with appropriate associated charges and
fees, for those customers with a cross connection.

With these and any other issues arising from the implementation of CUPDR
Circular P&D No. 18 councils should seek their own legal counsel as to the
need for and appropriateness of measures to be included in their local
approvals policies.

Garry Payne
Director General
Department of Local Government
5 O’Keefe Avenue NOWRA NSW 2541
Locked Bag 3015 NOWRA NSW 2541
T 02 4428 4100 F 02 4428 4199 TTY 02 4428 4209
E dlg@dlg.nsw.gov.au W www.dlg.nsw.gov.au ABN 99 567 863 195
 Committee on Uniformity of Plumbing
and Drainage Regulations in NSW (CUPDR)

CIRCULAR P&D No 18

To: All Local Water Utilities/Water Authorities & the

Plumbing Industry

GUIDELINES FOR PLUMBING ASSOCIATED WITH

RAINWATER TANKS IN URBAN AREAS
(WHERE A RETICULATED POTABLE WATER SUPPLY IS INSTALLED)

SCOPE
These Guidelines replace those in CUPDR Circular P&D No 17 and set out the
installation requirements for plumbing for rainwater tank systems. The Circular
applies to rainwater tanks that collect roof water only. It covers –
• the "topping up" of the tank from the potable supply;
• pipe work from the tank to installations such as toilet cisterns, washing machines
and outlets for garden watering;
• direct connection with the potable supply; and
• backflow protection.

The information below provides an outline of the key requirements.

1. RAINWATER USES
In urban areas, rainwater can provide an alternative source for the following:

• toilet flushing;
• residential garden irrigation;
• washing cars;
• filling ornamental ponds; and
• washing machines.

It is recognised that some consumers may also wish to use rainwater for all domestic
purposes, including drinking, cooking, bathing and in hot water systems.

-1- September 2003

 CUPDR - Rainwater Tank Plumbing

NSW Health Circular 2002/1 (copy attached) in part states:

“A properly maintained rainwater tank can provide good quality drinking water.
NSW Health strongly advises householders, councils and developers to ensure
that an adequate system of cleaning and maintenance is in place if rainwater is the
sole source of drinking water.

“Those who use rainwater should be aware of potential risks associated with
chemical and microbiological contamination. Collection of rainwater for human
consumption (drinking and cooking) in areas affected by heavy traffic, incinerators,
smelters or heavy industry is not recommended.

“The use of rainwater tanks for drinking purposes is not recommended where a
reticulated potable water supply is available.”

Maintenance of a rainwater tank and the quality of the water supplied from a tank
are the responsibility of the owner, not the local water utility.

Further information on health risks and tank maintenance can be obtained from the
following sources:
http://www.health.nsw.gov.au/public-health/ehb/water/rainwater.html
http://enhealth.nphp.gov.au/council/pubs/pdf/rainwtr.pdf

2. CROSS CONNECTION CONTROL AND BACKFLOW PREVENTION

Rainwater tank installations may be designed, installed and maintained so as to allow a
cross connection with the potable water supply.

Where a property has both a rainwater tank system and a potable water supply from a
reticulated system, the following shall apply:

2.1 No Direct or Indirect Connection with the Potable Supply

An authorised backflow prevention device, sized to suit the potable water service,
shall be fitted at the meter location on the potable supply. The device must meet
the requirements of the local water utility.

2.2 With Topping-Up from the Potable Supply

Rainwater tank services that are not directly connected with the potable supply may
also have an indirect connection for "topping up" from the potable supply.

The indirect connection shall be by means of a visible "Air gap", external to the
rainwater tank, in accordance with the provisions of the National Plumbing Code,
AS /NZS 3500-Minimum air gap requirements.

Figure 1a provides a drawing of plumbing for above ground rainwater tanks with an
indirect connection to the drinking water supply.

-2- September 2003

 CUPDR - Rainwater Tank Plumbing

2.3 Direct Connection between Rainwater Tank and the Potable Supply
Where a rainwater tank is to be cross-connected (direct connection) with the
authority supply, an appropriate testable device shall be provided at the meter
location to prevent backflow of rainwater. There is no requirement for “topping up”
of the rainwater tank where there is a cross-connection, however if “topping up” is
fitted the requirements of 2.2 shall apply.

Figure 1b provides a drawing of plumbing for above ground rainwater tanks with a
direct connection to the drinking water supply.

3. INSTALLATION REQUIREMENTS
Where rainwater tanks have plumbing installed, the following conditions shall apply:
3.1 All plumbing work is to be carried out by a licensed plumber.
3.2 A permit in accordance with the NSW Code of Practice Plumbing and Drainage is to
be obtained from the local water authority for the work to be carried out.
3.3 Installation and materials shall be in accordance with AS/NZS 3500 Part 1,Water
Supply, Sections 2 and 8, and any other authority requirements, eg. local council
planning requirements.
3.4 The maximum DN size of a potable water supply pipe, used for "topping up", shall
be determined by the local water authority.

Note: The local water authority may require flow restriction devices to be fitted on
the "topping up" line to reduce significant impact on their capacity to provide
adequate flow to surrounding installations.

4. PROXIMITY TO OTHER SERVICES

4.1 Separation between above ground rainwater services and any parallel potable
water supply must be a minimum of 100mm.

4.2 Below ground rainwater services must be separated by a minimum of 300mm from
any parallel potable water supply pipe.

5. MARKING AND LABELLING

Marking and labelling of rainwater services shall be in accordance with the following:

5.1 Above ground distribution pipes shall be continuously marked ‘RAINWATER’ in

accordance with AS1345. Alternatively, pipes can be clearly labelled
‘RAINWATER’ with adhesive pipe markers made in accordance with AS1345.

5.2 Below ground rainwater pipes shall be continuously marked ‘RAINWATER’ in

accordance with AS1345. Alternatively, identification tape/pipe sleeve continuously
marked ‘RAINWATER’ made in accordance with AS2648 can be used.

5.3 Every rainwater tank outlet and all taps, valves and rainwater tank apertures shall
be identified as ‘RAINWATER’ with a sign complying with AS1319 (refer Figure 2)
or a green coloured indicator with the letters ‘RW’. Alternatively, a permanent sign,
at the front of the premises and visible to all visitors, may be displayed advising that
rainwater is in use.

-3- September 2003

 CUPDR - Rainwater Tank Plumbing

5.4 Identification tape marked ‘RAINWATER’ shall be at least 75mm wide. The
identification tape shall be installed on top of the rainwater pipeline installed within
the trench, running longitudinally, and fastened to the pipe at not more than three
metre intervals.

6. MAINTENANCE
The rainwater tank installed is to be maintained by the owner in accordance with the above
provisions, the NSW Health Department Circular, No 2002/1 "Use of rainwater tanks
where a reticulated potable supply is available ", and any other local water utility
requirements.

Should you wish to discuss further any aspects of the above, please contact the following
persons:
• Mr Geoff Vickers Sydney Water (02) 9952 0576
• Mr Steve Vidot- Hunter Water (02) 4979 9602
• Mr Paul Bennetts Australian Inland Energy & Water (08) 8082 5801
• Mr Allan Rogers Country Local Government areas (02) 9895 5945

Piers Toop
A/Chairman
26 September 2003

-4- September 2003

 CUPDR - Rainwater Tank Plumbing

Figure 1a

Suggested plumbing configuration for rainwater tanks in urban areas

with a reticulated supply – indirect connection with the potable supply

A H RAINWATER

External mains
tap House
Garden Tap
Drinking water G
Water
supply pipes B
Toilet
Meter C
D
FH
Pump Washing
Machine
E
Drinking Water Main Backflow Prevention Device

Key
A Gutter screen E Backflow prevention
B First flush device. F Tank de-sludging
C Fine screen (mosquito). G Use of approved materials
D Air gap above tank (top up valve) H Signage.

-5- September 2003

Figure 1b

Suggested plumbing configuration for rainwater tanks in urban areas with a reticulated supply – direct
connection with the potable supply

First flush
device, screen
etc

Rainwater All taps & fixtures

tank

Outdoor
use
Testable
Water backflow
Stop
meter prevention Three way or other
valve Desludging Pump
device suitable device
Water
main

External mains
tap

-6- September 2003

Figure 2

Signage for rainwater tanks and outlets

Note: Background colour should be Yellow

Text is white on a black background
Tap symbol is black

RAINWATER

-7- September 2003

CUPDR - Rainwater Tank Plumbing

-8- September 2003