Rainwater storage restricted plumbing permit
Water supply plumbing work under the Regulations is currently limited to ‘potable water from a meter assembly’. Metered water supplies generally relate to water supplied by water services providers such as the Water Corporation.
A decision paper ‘Reforms to Plumbing Regulation in Western Australia’ published by the Department of Energy, Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety — Building and Energy Division (Building and Energy) in 2019, determined to expand the scope of regulated water supply plumbing work, to capture work connected to non-metered water supplies including rainwater storage systems.
What do the changes mean for unlicensed rainwater system installers?
Commencing 10 February 2025 rainwater storage system installers who install water supply plumbing services from the outlet of a rainwater tank to a building, will need to apply to the Board for a restricted plumbing permit (rainwater storage) to legally continue carrying out such work.
Permit holders will be authorised to carry out water supply plumbing work from a rainwater storage system to a building. The permit will not authorise the holder to carry out water supply plumbing work within a building. The permit is valid for three years with renewals available on expiry.
There will be a four-month grace period from 10 February 2025, during which unlicensed rainwater system installers will be able to continue carrying out such work while making an application for the permit. If the Board accepts an application during the four-month period, the applicant will be able to continue performing the work until the Board either issues or refuses to issue the permit.
The ability to apply for a permit will only be available for a one-year period. From 10 February 2026, no further applications will be considered. Recognising that a licence or permit has not previously been required to carry out the described water supply plumbing work, the Board has determined that there will be no fee charged for the application, issue and first renewal of the ‘restricted plumbing permit (rainwater storage).
What is required to apply for a restricted plumbing permit (rainwater storage)?
The Board has determined three requirements to apply for the permit.
- Attend an induction course
- Demonstrate experience when making an application, detailing two plumbing installations carried out for the supply of water from a rainwater storage system to a building during the five year period prior to 10 February 2025. As evidence of experience, provide a letter from an employer or copies of invoices made out to customers (including email and telephone contact details of the employer or customers).
- Provide a National Police Certificate (NPC) from a DEMIRS approved provider
To express interest in attending an induction, please email your full name, postal address, individual email and phone number to plumbingreview@demirs.wa.gov.au
How to apply
All applications must be made on a fully completed application form which can be found here:
Restricted plumbing permit (rainwater storage) - Form 109
Applications can be submitted by post, or in person. Details of how to apply in person or by post are included on the application form.
Should you have any queries regarding your application please contact 1300 489 099.
Fees
No fees are payable with this application.
Timeframes for application processing
Most applications are determined within five weeks. You can assist us to keep processing times as low as possible by:
- Checking that you have attached all the required information, and have completed the application form in full, before submitting
- Allowing enough time for processing of your application before contacting us for an update.
Licensing officers will contact you if any additional information is needed to finalise your application.
More information on the new licensing requirements for rainwater system installers is available in Building and Energy's Industry Bulletin 164.
