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 application
- Provide a National Police Certificate (NPC)
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.
More information on the new licensing requirements for rainwater system installers is available in Building and Energy's Industry Bulletin 164 (available at demirs.wa.gov.au).
