From 31 March 2008, property owners who are building, redeveloping or significantly extending their properties will need to demonstrate how they meet a new 40 per cent water efficiency target.  This applies to all residential, commercial and industrial developments.

• Single residential options
• Commercial and industrial options
• Planning controls and technical standards
• Calculators

Single residential options

For single residential buildings, the following options will be deemed to comply with this target

Option 1: Rainwater tank

Option 2: Greywater system, treating water to Class A standard

• All bathroom and laundry greywater is to be captured
• Greywater is to be connected to all toilet, laundry cold water and all external uses

For single residential blocks less than 300m2, inclusion of water efficient plumbing fixtures, which are already mandatory, will be deemed to comply with the water use target

If you wish to demonstrate an alternative method of achieving the water reduction target, then this will be considered. Contact us for more information.

Use the single residential waterways calculator to identify how the water efficiency targets can be met.

• Rainwater tanks - Guidelines for Residential Properties in Canberra provides advice about installing a rainwater tank

• Greywater use - Guidelines for residential properties in Canberra promotes ways to re-use water from laundries, kitchens and toilets

• The ACT Government’s Think water, act water web site, has information on incentive rebates, and  other water strategies

• The ActewAGL web site, which has tips on saving water and advice on permanent water restrictions

Commercial and industrial options

Please refer to the Waterways: Water Sensitive Urban Design General Code for full details. This is available from the Territory Plan.

Planning controls and technical standards

Design professionals and construction occupation professionals may also need to refer to the following planning guidelines and technical standards:

• Plumbing Note 24: Grey water drainage separation and provision for rainwater plumbing (single residential buildings).

Calculators

Three different waterways calculators have been developed to assist in identifying how the water efficiency targets can be met. 

• Single residential waterways calculator
• Commercial development waterways calculator
• Multi-unit waterways calculator

The calculators have been designed specifically for the Canberra region - with local water usage statistics, rainfall data and watering requirements. 

Advice on requirements and options for stormwater quality and quantity targets are contained in the Waterways Code .