Best Water Tanks for Bushfire-Prone Areas in Tasmania
If you’re living or building in a bushfire-prone area in Tasmania, water storage is not just about convenience — it’s about safety, compliance, and long-term reliability. In most cases, you’ll need two separate water storage solutions:
- A dedicated fire water storage tank – usually a 10,000L galvanised steel tank that meets Tasmanian bushfire requirements
- Domestic water tank(s) – to supply your household with clean, safe drinking water year-round
Building a new home is an exciting time, but it’s also full of critical steps. Your fire tank requirements will be outlined in your Development Application — usually received early in the planning stage. Don’t leave ordering your tanks until the last minute; lead times, delivery scheduling, and installation planning all need to be factored in well before completion.
Your Bushfire Attack Level (BAL) rating and Bushfire Hazard Management Plan (BHMP) will influence exactly what’s required for your property, and your building surveyor will have the final say on approval.
While the fire tank is a regulatory requirement (see our guide Building in a Bushfire-Prone Area in Tasmania), the best option for your domestic water supply is often a polyethylene (poly) water tank.
Why Poly Tanks Are the Best Choice for Drinking Water in Bushfire Areas
1. Safe, clean water for your home
Poly tanks are made from food-grade, BPA-free polyethylene, ensuring your rainwater stays safe for drinking, cooking, and bathing. Unlike some steel tanks, there’s no risk of metallic taste or zinc leaching.
2. Corrosion-free
Tasmania’s mix of coastal salt air and acidic rain can be tough on metal tanks. Poly tanks won’t rust or corrode — even if they’re scratched — making them a smart long-term choice for domestic water storage.
3. Lower maintenance
Poly tanks are seamless, lightweight, and easy to clean. No internal liners, no corrosion treatment, and no risk of galvanised coatings breaking down over time.
4. Flexible sizing and colours
From 1,575L slimline tanks to big 24,000L round tanks, there’s a poly tank to suit any home. You can choose from a wide range of Colorbond®-matched colours to blend with your surroundings.
Poly vs Steel in a Bushfire
If a severe bushfire sweeps through your property, both poly and steel tanks can be damaged — heat, radiant energy, and flying debris can compromise any structure.
That’s why Tasmanian regulations require a dedicated galvanised steel fire tank with firefighting fittings. This fire tank is not intended for domestic use, which means your poly tank remains the best, most practical option for your everyday water supply.
Positioning Your Poly Tank for Bushfire Resilience
While no tank is “fireproof,” you can reduce risk by:
- Placing the tank in a sheltered location away from direct vegetation or fuel loads
- Keeping gutters and roofs clean to maintain water quality and reduce ignition risk
- Ensuring good access for maintenance and refilling
Typical Setup in Bushfire-Prone Areas
Most rural and semi-rural Tasmanian properties in bushfire zones will install:
- 1 x 10,000L galvanised steel fire tank (required under development approval)
- 1 x or more Poly tanks sized for household needs (commonly 2x 24,000L)
This combination meets compliance for firefighting while giving you a low-maintenance, safe, and reliable domestic water supply.
Disclaimer
This article is for general information only. Bushfire-prone area requirements can vary depending on your (BAL) rating, Bushfire Hazard Management Plan (BHMP), and council conditions. Always confirm requirements with:
- Your building surveyor
- Your local council
- The Tasmanian Fire Service
Talk to the Local Experts
With over 30 years manufacturing and supplying water tanks across Tasmania, Tankworld Tasmania can help you:
- Meet all bushfire water storage regulations
- Choose the right poly tank for your property’s drinking water
- Deliver and position your tanks for optimal performance and compliance
Contact us today to discuss your property and get a tailored water storage solution.