**Please note Versatile Tanks DO NOT repair water tanks**
Australia is well-known for having extreme and varying weather conditions, whether it is flash flooding, bushfires or high-intensity rainfall. Due to logistic, economic and lifestyle factors, the country has experienced increased plans for urbanisation in rural, riverine and coastal areas which are subject to a high risk of flooding.
Local councils in Australia require a stormwater detention system for residential development throughout many areas that are built-up across the country. So, why is having an onsite detention tank necessary? What are the general requirements one must meet? How can you ensure that you are complying with water detention requirements?
What exactly is ‘stormwater detention’?
As more residential homes are being built and more areas are being developed, the amount of hard surfaces increases. This can include rooftops, parking areas, driveways, roads, pavements and more. Unlike the ground and soil that previously existed underneath, these types of hard surfaces cannot be penetrated by water, which is the cause of a lot of rainwater runoff.
Local councils make efforts to draw any water away using stormwater drains. Although, during heavy downpours stormwater drains can fill up, resulting in excess stormwater spilling out on the streets. This can often lead to flooding in residential areas and roads.
In order to help share the burden of managing stormwater runoff, you may be required by your local council to be responsible for the water runoff at your own property. This can involve temporarily detaining some of the stormwater when it rains on your property.
What are the council requirements?
Even though council requirements can differ from one another, they will usually entail:
- A minimum percentage or/and maximum outflow of rooftop area which needs to be directed to your stormwater detention system. For example, a maximum outflow rate of three litres per second and a minimum of 60% of the rooftop area to be directed to the detention system.
- The type of specific area, development and property size which is required to detain any stormwater. For example, properties that are planned on areas under 500 metres.
- Additional stormwater detention requirements for any developments which contain hard surfaces including parking areas or shared driveways.
- The amount of stormwater that a property is required to detain and store. For example, this could require a property to store a minimum of 2000 litres of rainwater from the roof.
Ensure you are meeting stormwater detention requirements
When building a property, consulting with a qualified hydraulic engineer or contacting our team at Versatile Tanks will help you to design an efficient storm and rainwater detention system. The most common and council-approved solutions for onsite stormwater detention include:
- Large rainwater tanks, which are approved by most councils.
- Concrete onsite detention tanks. These are specially designed tanks which feature split inside storage. One compartment is for detaining stormwater and the other is for storing rainwater.
- Underground concrete water storage tanks. These are designed to store stormwater runoff. They are usually designed to work with a rainwater harvesting system for receiving any excess water that overflows from the rainwater tank.
Reach out to the experts
It is important to remember that council requirements can vary from one another, so always discuss any requirements for a stormwater detention system before you begin installing.
Whether you are in need of a concrete stormwater detention tank, an underground wine cellar, a rainwater retention tank, an underground storage shed or more, contact our friendly team at Versatile Tanks to discover how we can assist you.
Explore our website to view our entire range of concrete underground tanks or call us today on 1300 783 344.