*FenceTank and Slim City Tank render installed on a commercial site.*

New Zealand’s recent summers have highlighted the increasing challenge of drought. Last year, many regions faced severe water shortages, and councils responded with restrictions that limited or banned the use of sprinklers and hoses. With July recorded as one of the warmest on record, another hot, dry summer is expected.

For architects, engineers, and developers, these conditions reinforce the need to build water resilience into projects from the outset.

Why Water Resilience Matters

Council compliance: Stormwater detention and reuse are now common requirements, and addressing these early avoids delays during consenting.
Client expectations: Buyers and homeowners are looking for sustainable features that reduce bills and add long-term value.
Urban constraints: As section sizes shrink, solutions must be space-efficient while still delivering meaningful storage.
Project confidence: Systems need to be straightforward to install and maintain, ensuring designs work as intended on site.

Adding Value for Developments

Integrating rainwater harvesting and stormwater management at the design stage benefits more than just compliance. It can:

Differentiate a development in a competitive market
Increase buyer appeal through visible sustainability features
Preserve saleable land by using slim, integrated solutions
Strengthen the long-term reputation of a project as future-ready and resilient

Design Considerations

When planning or specifying systems, consider:

The capacity required for each dwelling or stage of development
Placement options that minimise visual impact and preserve usable space
Scalable solutions that allow developments to expand over time

Building Smarter for the Future

Every litre of rainwater captured reduces reliance on council networks and supports community resilience during dry periods. By specifying rainwater harvesting and detention systems at the design stage, architects, engineers, and developers can deliver projects that are compliant, marketable, and investment-ready.

Featured