BASIX Water Targets: Tanks, Fixtures and How to Hit Them
The water side of BASIX is often the easiest to satisfy. Here is how efficient fixtures, tanks and landscaping add up to a pass.
BASIX has three targets, and water is the one owners worry about least and forget about most. It is usually straightforward to meet, but the wrong assumptions about tanks and fixtures can still trip up a certificate. Here is how the water target works.
What the water target measures
The water target rewards reductions in mains, or potable, water use compared to a benchmark home. You earn that reduction through efficient fixtures, rainwater capture and sensible landscaping choices.
The levers that count
- Efficient fixtures. Water-rated taps, showerheads and dual-flush toilets are the easiest wins.
- Rainwater tank. A tank connected to toilets, laundry or irrigation reduces mains demand.
- Landscaping. Drought-tolerant planting and reduced lawn lower outdoor water use.
- Pool covers. Where a pool is present, a cover cuts evaporation.
Right-sizing the tank
Bigger is not always better. An oversized tank wastes money and yard space, while an undersized one may not deliver the required reduction. The assessment calculates the connection and capacity needed for your roof catchment and the uses you plumb it to, so the tank is sized to the job.
| Connection | Effect on target |
|---|---|
| Toilets | Strong, year-round demand |
| Laundry | Strong, steady demand |
| Outdoor taps only | Weaker, seasonal demand |
Why water rarely fails
With efficient fixtures and a properly connected tank, most homes clear the water target comfortably. The key is connecting the tank to indoor uses rather than only the garden, where demand is seasonal.
Frequently asked questions
Do I always need a rainwater tank? Not always. Efficient fixtures alone can be enough on some designs, but a tank is the most reliable way to hit the target.
Can I reuse an existing tank? Often yes, provided it is connected to qualifying uses.
Want the water target sorted with the least cost and yard impact? Send us your plans.
BASIX & NatHERS specialists, a division of Contrive Consultants. We help NSW homeowners and builders achieve energy-efficient, compliant homes.