Water
Designing homes to use water efficiently, reduce costs and cope with more frequent droughts or storms.
Water storage options
Stored rainwater is most commonly used where homes have no piped supply.
NZBC G12/AS1 requires backflow prevention to be provided where it is possible for water or contaminants to backflow into a piped potable water supply. The responsibility of owners and building professionals to prevent contamination of potable water supplies cannot be overemphasised.
Whatever type of storage system is used, overflow from and drainage of tanks must be to an approved drainage outlet or, in rural areas, a natural watercourse.