Water tanks in Australian Capital Territory

In the ACT a rainwater tank up to 20,000 L and no higher than 3 m above datum ground level needs no development approval, if it meets the other conditions. Source

26%of Australian households used a rainwater tank as a water source in 2013 (ABS)

615 mmaverage yearly rain at Canberra Airport Comparison (BoM)

0open rebate programs we found

2suppliers with a checked source for ACT

Do I need approval?

Usually exempt

Development approval

A rainwater tank needs no DA if it holds up to 20 kL and is no higher than 3 m above datum ground level, with further conditions. ACT Planning

Check

Siting

Tanks are class 10 structures. Extra criteria apply when two exempt class 10 structures sit within 1.5 m of a side or rear boundary. ACT Planning

Check

Plumbing

Ask a licensed plumber whether connecting tank water to toilets or laundry needs approval at your address.

Bushfire water

We have not loaded a statewide static water table for Australian Capital Territory. Fire water requirements come from your council, development conditions or fire service.

Work out your lot

New homes and renovations

A tank holding up to 20 kL and no higher than 3 m above datum ground level needs no DA. Extra criteria apply to two exempt class 10 structures within 1.5 m of a side or rear boundary. ACT Planning

What size works here

Canberra (Airport Comparison) averages 615 mm of rain a year. Bureau of Meteorology

1,000 L 3,000 L 5,000 L 10,000 L 22,500 L 46,400 L

Size a tank for ACT

Rebates

We found no open household program on 13 Nov 2026. Your council or water utility may still run one.

From council and water-utility pages, checked 13 Nov 2026. All rebates

Suppliers for ACT

Supplier	Materials	Delivery area, as the supplier states it
Kingspan Water Tanks	steel, poly	Australia-wide
Bunnings (special order) stockist	poly, steel	Stores Australia-wide; tanks are mostly special order

Unclaimed listings from the suppliers' own pages, checked 13 Nov 2026. We have checked suppliers mainly for south east Queensland and northern NSW so far; more for ACT follow. Supply ACT? Claim or add a listing.

Questions

Do I need a DA for a 10,000 L tank?

Usually not, if it is no higher than 3 m and meets the siting criteria. ACT Planning