Treatment MeasuresRain Water Tanks
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Green Plumbers
RMIT University in consultation with Melbourne Water and the Master Plumbers' Association developed an educational package for small to medium-size plumbing contractors, plumbers and plumbing apprentices at the end of 2001. An additional information package for consumers was also produced under the Green Plumbers - Caring for our Water branding.
Melbourne Water encourages water conservation and is supportive of initiatives to reduce water demand by substitution with alternative water resources.
Traditionally, rainwater tanks have been a source of domestic water supply for isolated properties and small communities in the absence of potable town water supplies. However, when applied in the urban context, rainwater tanks can provide an opportunity to significantly reduce demand on potable (drinking water) supplies in certain areas of use.
Historically stormwater (or rainwater) has been viewed as a nuisance or hazard in terms of flood management and drainage conveyance. An alternative to this thinking is to view stormwater as a "resource" to be harvested and used beneficially for broader community benefits.
As a resource, stormwater can be collected in rainwater tanks and accessed specifically for toilet flushing, laundry, garden watering, car washing and the like; potentially reducing potable use by up to 70% in an average household. Similarly rainwater tanks can assist in reducing localised flooding or stormwater runoff volumes during rainfall events, through temporary storage and delayed release or reuse.
