NCC 2022 Volume Three - Plumbing Code of Australia

B7

Part B7 Rainwater storage

Part B7 Rainwater storage

Introduction to this Part

This Part sets out the requirements for rainwater storage and applies from the point of rainwater entry to the rainwater storage to the point of connection to the cold or rainwater service (as applicable).

This Part applies to the storage of water intended for drinking and personal hygiene use as an alternative water source supplying a cold water service.

This Part applies to rainwater provided for non-drinking purposes where water for drinking and personal hygiene is provided by the Network Utility Operator.

This Part does not apply to rainwater stored for the purposes of fire-fighting water services or an irrigation system.

State, Territory or Local Government Authorities may in some areas require the mandatory installation of rainwater tanks. Consultation with the relevant authority having jurisdiction is recommended.

Objectives

The Objective of this Part is to—

  1. safeguard people from illness, injury or loss (including loss of amenity) due to the failure of a rainwater storage; and
  2. conserve water; and
  3. safeguard the environment; and
  4. safeguard public and private infrastructure; and
  5. ensure that the rainwater storage throughout its serviceable life will continue to satisfy the requirements of Objectives (a) to (d).

Functional Statements

Rainwater storage systems must be designed and installed so as to operate in a way that avoids the likelihood of inadvertent contamination of any drinking water service, and minimises any adverse impact on building occupants, the Network Utility Operator's infrastructure, property and the environment.

Performance Requirements

(1) Stored rainwater must reduce the likelihood of contamination.

VIC B7P1 Contamination control2019: BP6.1

Delete subclause B7P1(1) and insert B7P1(1) as follows:

(1) Rainwater storage must reduce the likelihood of contamination within the rainwater storage system, the cold water service and the Network Utility Operator's drinking water supply (if connected).

(2) Stored rainwater must not pose a hazard to public health.

VIC B7P1 Contamination control2019: BP6.1

Delete subclause B7P1(2) and insert B7P1(2) as follows:

(2) Rainwater storage must not pose a hazard to public health.

Rainwater storage must avoid the likelihood of failure or uncontrolled discharge.

(1) Rainwater storage must allow access for cleaning and maintenance.

(2) Rainwater storage must allow for the system to be isolated.

NCC Blurbs

Rainwater storage and holding tanks used only for non-drinking purposes must be clearly identified.

NCC Title

Identification

NCC State
VIC
NCC Variation Type
Replacement
NCC SPTC Current
Identification

Rainwater storage and holding tanks used only for non-drinking purposes must be clearly identified.

Exemptions

Where rainwater storage is intended to supply water for drinking and personal hygiene, identification of the storage and holding tanks is not required.

Deemed-to-Satisfy Provisions

(1) Where a Deemed-to-Satisfy Solution is proposed, Performance Requirements B7P1 and B7P4 are satisfied by complying with B7D2 and B7D3.

VIC B7D1 Deemed-to-Satisfy Provisions2019: B6.1

Delete subclause B7D1(1) and insert B7D1(1) as follows:

(1) Where a Deemed-to-Satisfy Solution is proposed, Performance Requirements B7P1 to B7P4 are satisfied by complying with B7D2 and B7D4.

(2) Where a Performance Solution is proposed, the relevant Performance Requirements must be determined in accordance with A2G2(3) and A2G4(3) as applicable.

Notes

There are no Deemed-to-Satisfy Solutions for B7P2 and B7P3.

NCC Blurbs

(1) Rainwater storage must only collect roof water.

(2) A rainwater storage system for Class 1 and Class 10 buildings satisfies B7D1 if it is installed in accordance with the requirements within the Tasmanian Building Act - Directors Guidelines - Charged Downpipes to Rainwater Tanks of Class 1 and Class 10 buildings for drinking water purposes document.

NCC Title

Collection of rainwater

NCC State
TAS
NCC Variation Type
Replacement
NCC SPTC Current
Collection of rainwater

Rainwater storage must only collect roof water.

Explanatory information

The Environmental Health Committee (enHealth) has produced a document, Guidance on the use of rainwater tanks. This guidance document includes information on design and installation as well as the potential contribution of rainwater tanks to improved water conservation.

Any cold water service from a Network Utility Operator's drinking water supply to a rainwater storage system top up or switching device must comply with Part B1.

NCC Blurbs

The rainwater storage must be identified as rainwater in accordance with AS/NZS 3500.1.

NCC Title

Identification

NCC State
VIC
NCC Variation Type
Replacement
NCC SPTC Current
Identification

The rainwater storage must be identified as rainwater in accordance with AS/NZS 3500.1.

Exemptions

Where rainwater storage is intended to supply water for drinking and personal hygiene, identification of the storage and holding tanks is not required.

NCC Blurbs

Rainwater storage must—

  1. comply with AS/NZS 3500.1; and
  2. not have an unprotected cross-connection with any Network Utility Operator's drinking water service or with any non-drinking water service; and
  3. comply with Part B1 where any cold water service from a Network Utility Operator's drinking water supply connects to a rainwater storage system or to a switching device.

Notes

The Victorian NCC 2019 rainwater tank variation (VIC V2.6.1 and V3.12.0 respectively) remains in effect until 30 September 2023 after which the following takes effect:

A rainwater tank must be installed in a Class 1 building in accordance with the regulations made under the Building Act 1993 (Victoria).

NCC Title

General requirements

NCC State
VIC
NCC Variation Type
Insertion
NCC SPTC Current
General requirements