A bushfire water tank holds water set aside for fighting a fire, with an outlet fire crews can connect to quickly. In NSW, building on bush fire prone land without town water usually means providing a dedicated firefighting supply. That’s 5,000 to 20,000 litres depending on lot size, with a 65mm Storz outlet, metal pipework and access for a fire truck.
Above-ground firefighting tanks must be concrete or metal. Of the tanks we sell, that means steel. Underground poly tanks may also qualify, and poly tanks remain the practical choice for your household water on the same property.
The Bush Fire Danger Period normally starts on 1 October across most of NSW. This year it started on 14 September in Wingecarribee and Wollondilly because of dry conditions. The AFAC spring outlook also flags heightened fire risk in northern and south-eastern NSW. If your property needs a firefighting supply, the time to install it is before the season peaks.
When a Bushfire Water Tank Is Required in NSW
In NSW, the RFS document Planning for Bush Fire Protection 2019 (PBP) applies to development on mapped bush fire prone land. That covers new homes, rebuilds, and alterations and additions to existing homes. Check whether your lot is mapped on the bush fire prone land map at the NSW Planning Portal.
PBP asks for an on-site firefighting supply where a property isn’t on town water, or where town water can’t be guaranteed. Rainwater counts as non-reticulated water, so rural blocks running on tanks fall into this group.
If you’re not building, nothing requires a bushfire water tank on an existing home. It’s still one of the most useful things to have in place. The RFS also runs a free program to help crews find it (more on that below).
Outside NSW, each state’s fire service sets its own rules. In Victoria, for example, the CFA has its own requirements, so check with your local fire authority or council.
How Much Water a Bushfire Water Tank Needs to Hold
Under PBP 2019, the minimum firefighting supply depends on lot size:
| Development type | Minimum firefighting water supply |
|---|---|
| Residential lot (under 1,000m²) | 5,000 litres per lot |
| Rural-residential lot (1,000m² to 10,000m²) | 10,000 litres per lot |
| Large rural or lifestyle lot (over 10,000m²) | 20,000 litres per lot |
| Multi-dwelling housing (including dual occupancies) | 5,000 litres per dwelling |
These are the standard figures. Your bush fire assessment report or consent conditions may set a different volume for your site, and they take priority.
The firefighting volume sits on top of your household water. PBP states the RFS prefers firefighting water to be dedicated solely to firefighting. Once a supply is provided, it must be available for the lifetime of the development. A separate tank for firefighting, kept full, is the simplest way to meet both.
Choosing a Bushfire Water Tank: Steel, Underground Poly or Poly
PBP 2019 requires above-ground firefighting tanks to be concrete or metal. Here’s how the tanks we sell line up:
| Tank type | Firefighting supply on a new NSW build? | Why | Sizes we sell |
|---|---|---|---|
| Steel (Kingspan Water), above ground | Yes | Above-ground firefighting tanks must be concrete or metal | Round 2,000L to 27,000L; slimline and Modline 1,000L to 7,000L |
| Underground poly (LU3000, LU5000) | Possibly. Confirm with your bush fire consultant or certifier | PBP sets access and marking rules for underground tanks but doesn’t name a material. Our LU tanks have a 450mm access opening, above the 200mm minimum | 3,000L and 5,000L, under-yard or under-driveway |
| Poly, above ground | No, not for the firefighting supply | Above-ground firefighting tanks must be concrete or metal | Round, slimline and underdeck, 360L to 34,000L, for the household supply |
Steel for the firefighting supply.
Our round steel tanks are made by Kingspan Water and run from 2,000 to 27,000 litres. That covers all three NSW volumes in one tank: 5,000, 10,000 and 20,000 litres. If the tank sits on a stand, the stand must be non-combustible or built from bush fire-resisting timber. Our steel water tank prices guide lists every size, and our water tank sizes chart shows the footprint of each.
Underground poly as an option to check.
PBP sets separate rules for underground firefighting tanks: a 200mm access hole so tankers can refill directly from the tank, and clear marking. It doesn’t name a material for underground tanks. Our LU3000 and LU5000 underground tanks have a 450mm access opening, well above the 200mm minimum. The LU5000 holds 5,000 litres, which matches the volume for a residential lot under 1,000m². Ask your bush fire consultant or certifier to confirm an underground poly tank is accepted for your consent before you order. Our underground water tank prices guide has the details.
Poly for the household supply.
A standard above-ground poly tank can’t form the firefighting supply under the PBP acceptable solutions. It’s still the cost-effective choice for everything else on the property: drinking water, toilets, laundry, the garden and BASIX. On many bush fire prone blocks, the right setup is two tanks: steel for fire, poly for the house.
Bushfire Water Tank Fittings and Setup Checklist
The fittings decide whether firefighters can use your water. PBP 2019 lists these acceptable solutions:
| Item | What PBP 2019 asks for |
|---|---|
| Above-ground tank | Made from concrete or metal |
| Raised tank stand | Non-combustible material or bush fire-resisting timber (Appendix F of AS 3959) |
| Underground tank | A 200mm access hole so tankers can refill directly from the tank, and the tank clearly marked |
| Firefighting outlet | 65mm Storz outlet with a ball valve, located in the Inner Protection Area or on the non-hazard side, away from the house |
| Ball valve and pipes | Metal, sized for the water flow, with the same bore from tank to ball valve |
| External pipes | All exposed water pipes outside the building are metal, including fittings and up to any taps |
| Truck access | A hardened ground surface within 4m, with unobstructed access at all times |
| Tanks on the hazard side | Adequate shielding to protect firefighters |
| Pump (if fitted) | At least 5hp or 3kW, petrol or diesel, shielded against bush fire attack; any connected hose and reel 19mm internal diameter |
Our Kingspan steel tanks can be supplied with a 65mm Storz outlet and metal ball valve, so your firefighting tank arrives ready to connect. Mention it when you order, and our team will spec the outlet to suit your site.
Pipework is the other common miss. Every exposed water pipe outside the building must be metal, fittings included. A compliant steel tank connected with plastic pipe still fails the checklist.
Placement matters as much as the tank:
Placement matters as much as the tank:
- Outlet position. Put the firefighting outlet on the non-hazard side, or in the Inner Protection Area, away from the house.
- Truck access. Keep a hardened surface within 4 metres so a fire truck can reach the outlet. Keep that access clear all year.
- Shielding. If the tank sits on the hazard side of the building, it needs shielding to protect firefighters.
Bushfire Water Tank Pumps
PBP doesn’t require a pump on every site. Where one is provided, it must be:
- at least 5hp or 3kW
- petrol or diesel powered, so it doesn’t rely on mains power
- shielded against bush fire attack.
Any firefighting hose and reel connected to the pump must have a 19mm internal diameter. PBP asks for regular testing of firefighting equipment. Start the pump and test the ball valve at the beginning of each fire season.
Getting Your Bushfire Water Tank Ready for Fire Season
Whether you’re building or already living on a bush fire prone property, these steps make your water usable:
- Register it with the RFS. The RFS Static Water Supply program provides free signs for tanks, pools and dams holding more than 3,000 litres, so crews can find your water. Contact your local Fire Control Centre to register. PBP says the sign should go in a visible spot on the street front.
- Keep the firefighting tank full. If you use it for anything else, top it back up straight away.
- Test the pump and valve at the start of the season.
- Keep access clear. Check gates, driveways and vegetation, so a truck can still reach within 4 metres of the outlet.
- Check the BAL requirements. If you’re building, your Bushfire Attack Level (BAL) rating also affects how tanks and fittings are installed. Our guide to BAL compliance for rainwater tanks covers this.
Frequently Asked Questions: Bushfire Water Tanks
How much water do I need for a bushfire water tank in NSW?
Under PBP 2019, it’s 5,000 litres for a residential lot under 1,000m², 10,000 litres for 1,000–10,000m², and 20,000 litres for lots over 10,000m². Multi-dwelling housing needs 5,000 litres per dwelling. Your bush fire assessment report may set a site-specific figure.
Can I use a poly tank as a bushfire water tank?
Not above ground on a new NSW build. PBP 2019 requires above-ground firefighting tanks to be concrete or metal, so steel is the option from our range. PBP doesn’t name a material for underground tanks, so ask your certifier whether an underground poly tank is accepted.
Do your underground tanks meet the 200mm access hole rule?
Yes. Our LU3000 and LU5000 underground tanks have a 450mm access opening, above PBP’s 200mm minimum. Confirm with your certifier that an underground poly tank is accepted for your consent.
What fitting does a bushfire water tank need?
A 65mm Storz outlet with a metal ball valve, connected with metal pipe of the same bore from the tank. All exposed pipework outside the building must be metal.
Do I need a bushfire water tank for my existing home?
Only if you lodge development on bush fire prone land, such as a rebuild, alteration or addition. It’s still worth having. You can also register a tank, pool or dam over 3,000 litres with the RFS Static Water Supply program for a free sign.
Planning a bushfire water tank? Browse our steel water tank range or call 1300 826 532 to talk through sizes, fittings and a household tank to match.