Rain water tanks for drinking water supply
Rainwater tanks are a common method of water supply for homes in the Rodney District. About half of the properties in Rodney are on water tanks, and on the Whangaparaoa Peninsula about one-third are on tanks, with the rest on public water supply.
The Ministry of Health recommends using the public supply for drinking water purposes (including cleaning teeth, washing hands, bathing, showering, food preparation and cooking). However, there are many situations where a public supply is not available, and rainwater tanks are the most practical solution.
The pamphlet below provides guidance on the selection, use, and maintenance of rainwater tanks for drinking-water purposes where the properties are not connected to a public water supply.
Rainwater Tanks for Drinking Water Supply pamphlet 
(450k)
It should be read in conjunction with our other pamphlet Rainwater Tanks for Non-Drinking Water Purposes, which includes additional information about:
- The environmental benefits of rainwater tanks.
- Typical household usage.
- The various components of a rainwater system.
- Building consent requirements.
- Requirements for mains top-up systems (e.g., backflow prevention devices).
Rain water tanks for non-drinking water supply
People have relied on rainwater for household, landscape and agricultural water uses for centuries. As communities have become larger and more centralised, community water treatment and distribution systems have gradually replaced the collection of rainwater as our primary water supply. However, as we have begun to understand the need for the sustainable use of water worldwide there has been a renewed interest in collecting rainwater.
Rainwater tanks can help to reduce localised flooding, erosion of streams, and sedimentation of rivers and estuaries. The tanks mimic, to some degree, the way natural environments behave in slowing down the discharge of roof water, and mitigate the effects of increasing urban development.
Rainwater tanks can safely be used for gardens, washing cars, toilet flushing, and washing clothes.
For more information please download our rainwater tanks for non-drinking water supply brochure.
Rainwater Tank Rebate Scheme
The Rainwater Tank Rebate Scheme is to encourage homeowners in urban areas to install rainwater tanks. The amount of the rebate is $500 per home plus payment of any consent costs associated with plumbing the tank into the home. This would amount to about $1,000 per applicant in Rodney District.
Conditions of rebate
- Preference will be given to the retro-fit of existing houses and to problem catchments where the tanks will be of benefit for reducing stormwater runoff.
- Does not apply to rural properties or non-reticulated urban areas.
- Does not apply to new developments if a full or partial supply rainwater tank is required in order to obtain a building or resource consent.
- Minimum tank size is 4,500 litres (but larger tanks are preferred).
- Tanks are to be privately owned and serve only one house.
- Tanks must be installed and maintained in accordance with manufacturer’s recommendations and Council’s guidelines.
- Tanks must be correctly plumbed into house systems, including a backflow prevention device. The Council will pay for the associated consent costs.
- Rodney District Council is able to use photos and details of the installation in any promotional material.
The offer is limited to the first 20 applicants per financial year (from July to June).
The approval of the application is at Council’s discretion.
For more information contact us.
How do I apply?
Complete and send back the Rainwater Tank Rebate Scheme Application Form (20k).