Rainwater Storage Solutions for Fire Fighting: A Complete Guide
In bushfire-prone regions across Australia, access to a reliable, high-capacity water supply can be the difference between safeguarding a home and total loss. While the importance of rainwater harvesting is well established for sustainability and domestic use, its role in fire fighting is becoming increasingly essential—especially in rural and semi-rural zones. For many property owners, rainwater tanks serve a dual purpose: supplying household water and acting as a primary resource for bushfire protection.
Eco Building Supplies specialises in tailored rainwater storage solutions designed to support fire readiness. From fire-rated steel tanks to compliant fittings and high-pressure pump systems, we supply and advise on complete systems that meet Australian bushfire protection standards and property-specific requirements.
Why Rainwater Storage Matters in Bushfire Protection
During a bushfire emergency, mains water infrastructure is often unreliable or completely unavailable. Pressure drops, power failures, and road closures can isolate properties and leave them vulnerable. In these scenarios, a dedicated rainwater tank for fire fighting isn’t just practical—it’s critical.
For rural properties and large homesteads, these tanks provide an immediate source of water that can be deployed via fire hose kits or connected directly to CFA or CFS trucks. Even in residential areas bordering bushland, councils often recommend or mandate the installation of a compliant fire tank system as part of building permits or bushfire management overlays (BMOs).
What Makes a Rainwater Tank Suitable for Fire Fighting?
To be suitable for bushfire protection, a rainwater tank must be more than just large—it must be fire-resistant, accessible to fire services, and capable of rapid water delivery under pressure.
Eco Building Supplies provides aqua plated steel tanks, which offer the durability and fire resilience that poly tanks often lack. Unlike polyethylene tanks, which can melt or deform under radiant heat, steel tanks remain structurally sound during high-temperature events. Our tanks come in a selection of Colorbond® finishes or galvanised steel to suit your property’s aesthetic and environmental conditions.
Importantly, all tanks used for firefighting must include the correct fittings. This includes CFA/CFS-compliant 65mm Storz outlets with blanking caps, brass ball valves, and placement specifications that allow for fire truck access.
How Much Water Do You Need?
Tank size depends on your location, risk level, and whether your system is dedicated solely to fire fighting or shares capacity with household use. In general, most Australian councils require a minimum of 2,000 to 22,000 litres for fire protection purposes alone. For rural properties or agricultural operations, tanks with capacities of 30,000 to over 100,000 litres are more appropriate, especially if fire services will be drawing from them during an event.
For multi-building sites, fire zones, or isolated farms, having multiple connected tanks or one large-capacity unit ensures water availability even if one outlet or structure becomes inaccessible.
Dual-Purpose Tanks: Rainwater Harvesting and Fire Readiness
Many of our customers ask whether they can use their rainwater tank for both household use and fire fighting. The answer is yes—if the system is designed appropriately.
A dual-purpose setup allows you to collect rainwater for drinking, irrigation, or greywater use, while reserving a designated volume of water exclusively for fire emergencies. This reserve can be ensured by installing the fire outlet at the base of the tank while drawing domestic water from a higher outlet or internal float valve. Some councils also require signage and tank level indicators to display the amount of water reserved for emergency use.
By combining functionality with safety, a dual-purpose rainwater tank helps maximise your storage while ensuring you’re not left unprotected during bushfire season.
Fittings That Comply with Bushfire Regulations
Proper fittings are crucial to ensure your tank is functional during a bushfire and compliant with local codes. Eco Building Supplies provides all fittings required for a firefighting-ready tank system.
Most fire authorities, including the CFS, require a 65mm Storz outlet, placed at the base of the tank and located no more than four metres from an all-weather driveway. This allows fire trucks to pull up, connect their hoses, and draw water without delay. We also offer brass camlock fittings, high-quality ball valves, and additional accessories like signage and outlet covers to keep your system secure and ready.
Pumping Systems for Fire Readiness
In many fire events, water access isn’t the problem—water delivery is. Without pressure, even a full tank of water can be ineffective. That’s why we supply high-pressure fire fighting pump systems that can draw water from your tank and deliver it through hoses or sprinkler lines with force and reliability.
Our fire pumps are available in petrol or diesel options and feature twin impeller designs for higher pressure and better performance over long hose lengths or elevation changes. These pumps are either permanently installed next to the tank or configured for mobile use, depending on the layout of the property.
Electric start models and solar-compatible units are available for properties without grid power or for those seeking more self-sufficient fire protection.
Hose Kits and Fast Deployment Equipment
An effective fire response often depends on how quickly you can act. That’s why we offer professional-grade hose kits specifically designed for firefighting use. These include lay-flat hoses, fire nozzles with adjustable spray patterns, and snap-on fittings for rapid setup. Hose reels are available for wall mounting or portable use, depending on your needs.
Many properties install these hose kits near their tanks or around key structures, allowing residents or on-site workers to respond immediately to ember attacks, spot fires, or radiating heat.
In larger installations, hose systems may be paired with pump-fed sprinkler systems designed to wet down roofs, walls, and surrounding vegetation automatically when activated.
Compliance with Local Fire Safety Standards
Eco Building Supplies is committed to helping property owners meet local and national bushfire regulations. Our tanks and fittings are selected to comply with the AS/NZS 2419.1 standard for fire protection systems, and we can assist with bushfire overlay requirements as specified in your planning permit.
If you’re unsure whether your property requires a dedicated fire tank, we can provide guidance and help you communicate with council planning departments, building surveyors, or bushfire consultants.
Placement and Installation Considerations
Location is just as important as the tank itself. Your fire tank should be located on solid ground, accessible to vehicles, and situated to protect key structures on your property. Most fire authorities recommend installation within reach of a 3.5-metre-wide driveway, with 3-metre clearance around the tank for equipment and vehicle access.
Installation often includes a concrete or dolomite base, stormwater overflow, first flush diverters for potable setups, and reinforced connections for pumps and hoses. Our team works closely with builders and installers to ensure your tank system is installed correctly and to code.
Who Needs a Fire Fighting Water Tank?
While traditionally associated with rural properties, firefighting water tanks are becoming increasingly common in urban fringe and semi-rural developments. Many new builds in high-risk areas are subject to mandatory fire protection requirements under local council regulations.
Our solutions are ideal for:
Whether you’re looking to meet compliance standards or take proactive steps to protect your family and property, we can design a system that suits your needs.
Why Choose Eco Building Supplies?
At Eco Building Supplies, we understand that fire protection isn’t one-size-fits-all. We offer customised solutions that integrate your fire tank with the right fittings, pumps, and hose kits to create a reliable defence system. Our tanks are made from Australian aqua plated steel, our components are fire-tested, and our team is experienced in helping customers navigate complex compliance requirements.
From 2,000L residential tanks to 100,000L+ commercial fire systems, we supply South Australian homes and businesses with fire-ready water storage that you can rely on.
Get Fire Ready Today
When fire season approaches, preparation is key. A compliant rainwater storage system designed for fire fighting gives you a vital edge—protecting not just property, but lives.
Contact Eco Building Supplies today for a tailored fire protection plan. Whether you’re retrofitting an existing site or building from scratch, we’ll help you choose the right tank, pump, and accessories to stay ready for whatever the season brings.
