Council Regulations for Water Tanks in Tasmania
Installing a water tank is more than picking a size and location, in Tasmania, local council regulations often dictate certain requirements. Whether you’re installing for rainwater harvesting, fire safety, or household supply, it pays to know the rules.
Why Regulations Matter
Councils have a few reasons for regulating water tanks:
Protecting drinking water supply and preventing contamination
Ensuring water tanks don’t negatively impact neighbours (overflow, drainage, visual blight)
Ensuring fire‑fighting water reserves are correctly installed
Making sure emergency services can access water if needed
Failing to comply might result in fines, having to relocate or modify the tank, or refusing building / occupancy permits.
What Rules Are Common Across Tasmanian Councils
While each council may have slightly different standards, many use similar requirements in the following areas:
Fire reserve capacity and fittings
For new builds or rural/commercial properties, councils often demand a minimum fire reserve, e.g. 10,000‑litres, with a dedicated outlet: commonly a 65 mm Storz fitting for fire trucks. Tanks may need labeling as “fire water supply.”
Tank colour, positioning and visibility
Some councils require tanks to blend in, e.g. Colourbond colours, or restrict them from being visible from the street or neighbouring properties. There can be rules about placing tanks close to boundaries, property lines, easements or rights-of-way.
Overflow management and drainage
Overflow pipes must direct water safely away from buildings, foundations and neighbouring properties. Overflow must be controlled so it doesn’t cause erosion or nuisance.
Access for maintenance and emergency services
If tanks are used for fire reserves, they must be accessible for fire trucks or emergency services. This includes clear paths, appropriate height clearance, stable ground and unobstructed access.
Plumbing and drinking water safety
If tank water will be used for drinking or internal uses, councils may require appropriate filtration, backflow prevention, and plumbing to be compliant with building codes and health regulations.
What That Means for You. A Realistic Checklist
If you’re planning a tank installation:
Contact your local council early, especially if you’re building new or doing renovations. Ask about fire‑reserve requirements, size limits, aesthetic/visibility rules and plumbing rules.
Choose a tank and fittings that comply: E.g. ensure 65 mm Storz fittings are in place if needed.
Plan location carefully: Consider access, visibility, overflow drainage, proximity to boundaries or easements.
Ensure overflow pipes are correctly installed and diverted to safe points (drains, rock pits, soakaways, away from foundations).
If collecting drinking water, plan filtration/backflow prevention and check plumbing compliance.
How We Help at Taztanks
During our free site visit, we assess property layout, access, compliance requirements, and help you plan a compliant installation.
We supply compliant fittings (fire‑rated outlets, overflow pipes, vents) as standard if needed.
We advise on tank colour and placement to meet council visibility or aesthetic requirements.
We provide guidance if you want to use tank water internally; we can recommend plumbing setup, backflow prevention, and filtration.
Things People Often Overlook
Assuming a “small tank” doesn’t need council approval, even smaller tanks may require permits depending on location, property type or intended use.
Overflow water draining onto neighbours’ or common‑use areas. Overflow must be directed to a safe area.
Installing a tank but forgetting access for fire services, meaning the tank can’t serve as fire water supply, even if it meets volume requirements.
Not considering future plans: e.g., extensions, additions, or property subdivision and whether the tank installation will still be compliant in future.
Rules and compliance might seem tedious, but they exist for good reason. Ignoring them could cost more in the long run than the tank itself. At Taztanks, we make regulatory compliance part of the process. Let us guide you through it so you’re covered.
