RAINWATER TANKS

152 Mr HAMILTON-SMITH (Waite—Leader of the Opposition) (30 September 2008). What plans does the government have to make it mandatory for people in existing homes to install rainwater tanks for general household purposes?

The Hon. K.A. MAYWALD (Chaffey—Minister for the River Murray, Minister for Water Security): I am advised that since 1 July 2006, South Australian building rules detailed in the Development Act 1993 and the Development Regulations 1993, have required new dwellings (and some extensions or alterations) to include a plumbed-in rainwater supply. The additional water supply is required to be plumbed into the home to at least a toilet, all laundry cold-water outlets, or to a hot water service of a new home.

To complement these mandatory building provisions, the government has sought to encourage and support existing home owners (those homes built before 1 July 2006) by providing rebates for the installation of a plumbed-in rainwater supply. Typically, older homes face additional costs for installing a plumbed in rainwater supply.