WATER TANKS IN NEW HOMES COULD SAVE QUEENSLAND FAMILIES THOUSANDS AND THE STATE BILLIONS
Queensland's rainwater tank industry has welcomed a review of the benefits of rainwater tanks in new homes.
Water savings targets and rainwater tanks have not been a requirement for new homes in Queensland from 2012. Since this change, water costs have increased significantly, and our water security has been challenged.
The review to incorporate rainwater tanks in new homes has the potential to save Queensland billions of dollars in operating, renewal and augmentation costs for water and stormwater infrastructure throughout South East Queensland.
New homes which incorporate rainwater tanks will reduce residential water use in South East Queensland which will increase the resilience and security of the state's water supplies. The cost of living for Queensland families will also be reduced through a reduction in household municipal water consumption and lessening the increases in fixed charges due to less capital infrastructure expenditure.
Homes in South East Queensland with a rainwater tank are estimated to store and use over 21 billion litres of water every year. This means 21 billion litres less of water to be supplied from expensive infrastructure and 21 billion litres less water to be dealt with in our stormwater systems.
"The infrastructure and stormwater cost savings achieved by installing rainwater tanks can't be ignored," said Bryan Ward, Irrigation Australia CEO. "The adoption of rainwater tanks in all new buildings has the potential to save Queensland billions in future infrastructure expenses."
"Rainwater tanks should be an integral part of the water resources of the state. They play a significant role in both demand management and stormwater management – ideal for our climate of drought and flooding rain." said Mr Ward.
"By reintroducing the requirement for rainwater tanks in new homes, the government can help save Queensland billions and reduce the cost of living for Queensland families."
