Nothing else has happened on the block this week while they're waiting for the concrete piers to cure, so I thought I might share some of the hassles I have been experiencing over the rainwater tank.
Due to recent changes in legislation it is now compulsory for all new houses in South-East Queensland to have a rainwater tank plumbed in to their toilet and washing machine.
The amendment to the Queensland Building Code Pt 25, which commenced on May 1 for all development applications after January 1 this year, requires that all new houses in reticulated town water areas of SEQ must achieve water savings targets of 70kL per year from an alternate water source. The recommended method for achieving this is a minimum 5000 litre tank installed to receive rainfall from at least 100 sq metres of roof, with appropriate ancillary equipment such as leaf beater, first flush device, backflow prevention, mosquito prevention and related plumbing.
The builder's quote for all of this, in a Colorbond Slimline version on an engineered concrete slab was $7320. Gulp! Lot of money for rainwater! Still, methinks, if it's gotta be done, it's gotta be done.
Then the sales rep informs me that because the tank has to be topped up from mains water from time to time to make sure the toilets will continue to flush during periods of low rainfall, the tank is effectively considered a part of the mains water supply and cannot be used for activities such as hosing gardens, washing cars and topping up pools during periods of water restrictions.
So let me get this right...? I have to spend $7320 on a water tank and I still can't wash the car?
OK, I really don't mind doing my bit for all kinds of environmental purposes, including water conservation, but deep down I'm seething at the injustice.
What do I do? Splash out for another tank? We had trouble finding a place to put this one...
Coincidentally a couple of weeks later I'm at a local festival featuring worm farms, permaculture and the like, when I spot a rainwater tank display and get chatting to the reps about something called an Onga Waterswitch. Aha, I think, problem solved! Wait 'til the builder hears about this one!
So first thing Monday I'm emailing them about this wonder device that allows you to switch neatly between mains water use and tank use, so you never need to fear infringing water regulations again. Whatever it costs, it has to be less than putting in a second tank!
In the meantime, I'm online, researching it, gathering evidence for the idea that it can be used to get around water restrictions. I find a council fact sheet that outlines the three ways you can ensure back-up to the toilets - a trickle feed top-up, which adds a small amount of mains water whenever the level drops below a certain point, an automatic switching device, such as I discovered, or a manually switched supply line. I also find a Brisbane City Council site that implies that only the trickle feed top-up system restricts use.
But no, the builder is not convinced.
So, journalist that I am, I'm on the phone to the local Moreton Regional Council plumbing division to hear it from the horse's mouth. No it can't be done, they say. You can install a water switch as a top-up mechanism, but you'll still be subject to water restrictions.
But, but, but...I say...and point them to the Brisbane City Council site. Well, they say, this is all pretty new to us. Leave it with us and we'll ring you back. A day later, the call comes. Yes, we've checked with the Water Commission. You can do it, provided the external tap is located between the tank and the pump (not downstream as it would draw from mains supply, and not upstream as it would suck air from the tank).
Woo-hoo! I'm feeling like I'm on a win here. Now to find out how much the switch will cost...
Question: Please provide upgrade price for Onga Waterswitch in lieu of top-up system.
Answer: As per your contract, the following is standard: Onga SMH45 pump.
Question: Yes, I can read the contract, but as the switch is sold separately, or can be purchased as a kit, it's not clear if it is provided.
Answer: The switch is included with the pump. It is one unit.
Question: OK, great. (Mumble, mumble...it took 17 days to get to this point, but at least it's good news that it's all included). Please confirm that the Ausbuild-supplied system can be used for water restriction purposes.
Answer: Ausbuild is getting conflicting information from the council. So it is up to you to comply with your local council regulations and water restrictions.
Question: Yes, I understand that. Please confirm that the Switch will be fitted with the garden tap/s installed between the pump and the switch, as required by council.
No reply.
Grrrrrrrrrrrrr............
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
3 comments:
Hi,
You will be interested to know that councils have been VERY disorganised regarding the rules around requirement for water tanks to be plumbed into your house. They were born out of a bit of panic here in SEQ.
I am also in NLakes and use my water tank to wash car water lawn etc and I have had a few people make rude comments when they walk past. What these idiots don't realise is that often my 6000 ltr tank is nearly full and if it rains again it will overflow so why not use the water?
So far this year we have averaged 29 ltrs per person per day vastly different from target 140 or 170. I will pull this out if ever i am fined for using the water i paid to collect that will overflow later anyway. good luck
Had a detailed discussion with the builder today, and yes, it seems there is a very large grey area here that the state governments and councils haven't adequately addressed.
The builder is reluctant to modify their plumbing configuration because they say it wouldn't give me a "get out of jail free" card anyway.
As long as mains water is not entering the tank, the way to avoid a fine is to keep the objectives of the legislation in sight and ensure "responsible use" and "water savings" at all times.
Since there are no guidelines as to what that means in relation to a full tank, or a tank three-quarters full, or even half full, it would seem to be a matter of conscience, and being prepared to argue the toss with the council and the neighbours if challenged???
Hi, Anonymous here again. As you suggest I only use the tank to water the garden/wash the car when it is near full so my conscience is clear.
You might not get the chance to argue the point with the neighbours. Someone poisoned my lawn, perhaps because of my water use?
But it's ok it'll come back with alot more watering!
Post a Comment