Do I need approval?
Usually exempt
Development approval
Most tanks for existing homes need no approval. Tanks over 10 m² and 4 m high including the stand must be lodged on PlanSA. City of Onkaparinga, PlanSA wizard guide
Required
New homes
New homes and extensions over 50 m² need a rainwater tank of at least 1,000 L plumbed into the toilet. City of Onkaparinga
MBS 008
Bushfire
Designated bushfire prone areas set a dedicated water supply from 2,000 to 22,000 L depending on risk, mains connection and lot size. MBS 008
Bushfire water
On a 4,000 m² lot without mains or hydrant: 10,000 L. Steel, concrete or other non-combustible material is recommended. Fire fittings.
High bushfire risk area or interface within 100 m, assessed BAL-12.5 or BAL-19 (MBS 008 Table 5.2.1). Higher BAL ratings can require up to 22,000 L. Source
New homes and renovations
New homes and extensions over 50 m² need a rainwater tank of at least 1,000 L, plumbed into the toilet. City of Onkaparinga In designated bushfire prone areas Ministerial Building Standard MBS 008 adds a dedicated fire supply from 2,000 L to 22,000 L. MBS 008
What size works here
Adelaide (Kent Town) averages 547 mm of rain a year. Bureau of Meteorology Check the monthly pattern for your station before you size for summer.
For farm volumes, Bushmans lists Aqualine steel tanks from 20,000 L to 360,000 L. Bushman Tanks
1,000 L3,000 L5,000 L10,000 L22,500 L46,400 L
Size a tank for SARebates
| Program | What | Until | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| City of West Torrens Ratepayers and residents; tenants with owner approval | $100 (1,000 to 1,999 L), $200 (2,000 to 4,999 L), $300 (5,000 to 10,000 L), $400 (over 10,000 L). Plus $50 or $100 if plumbed into the house. | Until 30 June 2027 or until funds run out | Open |
From council and water-utility pages, checked 13 Nov 2026. All rebates
Suppliers for SA
| Supplier | Materials | Delivery area, as the supplier states it |
|---|---|---|
| Kingspan Water Tanks | steel, poly | Australia-wide |
| Coerco | poly, steel | Queensland, Western Australia, South Australia, Northern Territory |
| ASC Water Tanks stockist | poly | Bushmans tanks available in VIC and SA only, per product page |
| 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 SA follow. Supply SA? Claim or add a listing.
Questions
When do I need approval?
Only for large tanks: over 10 m² and 4 m high including the stand. City of Onkaparinga
How big must the fire supply be?
It depends on risk zone, mains connection and lot size. MBS 008 The bushfire water calculator applies that table.