Water is a limited natural resource and a public good fundamental for life and health. The human right to water is indispensable for leading a life in human dignity. It is a prerequisite for the realisation of other human rights. (United Nations 2002)

Australia has a generally hot, dry climate and fresh water is a limited and valuable commodity. Over 90 per cent of Australians receive their domestic supply from reticulated mains or town water but there are vast areas with very low population densities with few reticulated supplies (Australian Bureau of Statistics 2001). Living and surviving in these areas depends on the use of local sources of water such as rainwater collected in tanks and groundwater. Even in areas that receive mains water, many households collect rainwater in domestic tanks to augment supplies or provide an alternative and renewable source of water. Widespread water restrictions in 2002–03 involving several capital cities, large urban areas and hundreds of rural centres highlighted the importance of water conservation measures, including use of rainwater tanks. A number of agencies have offered cash rebates to support installation of rainwater tanks.

Collection of rainfall from roof run-off is an ancient practice that dates back over 3000 years. In Australia the use of domestic rainwater tanks is an established and relatively common practice, particularly in rural and remote areas. Between 1994 and 2001, 16 per cent of Australian households used rainwater tanks, with 13 per cent of households using tanks as their main source of drinking water (see Table 1). Use of tanks as the main source of water for gardens (3%) or bathing, showering and washing (6%) is less common.