Residential Water Filtration Systems for Home Use

Residential Water Filtration With rising water costs and growing interest in sustainability, many New Zealand homeowners ask the same question: Can rainwater be safely used for laundry and toilets?
The short answer is yes when the system is set up correctly.

Using rainwater for non-drinking purposes such as washing clothes and flushing toilets is one of the most practical ways to reduce reliance on mains water while making better use of your water tank.

How Rainwater Is Commonly Used in NZ Homes

In New Zealand, rainwater is most often reused for:

• Toilet flushing
• Laundry washing
• Garden irrigation
• Outdoor cleaning

These uses do not require potable (drinking) water, making rainwater a suitable and efficient alternative.

Is Rainwater Safe for Laundry Use?

Rainwater can be safely used in washing machines when properly filtered.

Benefits include:                   

• Softer water than mains supply
• Reduced mineral buildup in appliances
• Better performance for detergents

However, untreated rainwater may contain roof debris or fine sediment, so basic filtration is essential before it enters the laundry system.

Recommended setup:

• Clean roof catchment
• Leaf guards or screens
• Sediment filtration system

Just Tanks NZ supplies residential filtration systems designed for rainwater and mains supply applications.

Is Rainwater Suitable for Toilet Flushing?

Yes | toilet flushing is one of the best uses for rainwater.

Why?

• Toilets account for a large portion of household water use
• Water quality requirements are lower than for drinking
• Using rainwater here can significantly reduce water bills

A correctly installed tank and plumbing system ensures consistent water supply without affecting toilet performance.

What Type of Water Tank Works Best for This?

Tank choice depends on space and household size.

Common options include:

• Slimline tanks for urban homes with limited space
• Above-ground tanks for properties with more room
• Larger tanks where multiple uses are planned

Slimline tanks are especially popular in NZ cities, as they fit neatly beside homes while still providing useful storage capacity.

Do You Need Filtration for Laundry and Toilets?

Yes | filtration is strongly recommended.

While the water doesn’t need to be drinkable, filtration helps:

• Protect washing machines
• Prevent blockages
• Improve water clarity
• Reduce sediment buildup

A basic filtration system is usually sufficient for laundry and toilet reuse.

What About Plumbing and Separation from Mains Water?

Rainwater systems must be separate from mains drinking water unless professionally designed to meet safety standards.

Key considerations:

• Dedicated plumbing lines
• Backflow prevention
• Clear labelling of rainwater outlets

A qualified installer can ensure the system operates safely and correctly.

Is Using Rainwater Legal in NZ Homes?

Using rainwater for toilets and laundry is widely accepted in New Zealand, provided systems are installed correctly and safely.

Requirements can vary by location, so homeowners should always:

• Follow standard plumbing practices
• Use compliant components
• Seek professional advice where required

Benefits of Using Rainwater Indoors

Reusing rainwater for laundry and toilets can:

• Reduce mains water consumption
• Lower household water bills
• Extend appliance lifespan
• Support sustainable living

It’s a practical step toward water independence without major lifestyle changes.

Conclusion: A Smart Way to Use Stored Rainwater

Rainwater can absolutely be used for laundry and toilet flushing in NZ homes when supported by the right tank, filtration, and plumbing setup.

✔ Suitable for everyday household use
✔ Cost-effective and sustainable
✔ Ideal for slimline and above-ground tanks
✔ Supported by proper filtration

With the right system in place, rainwater reuse becomes simple, efficient, and reliable.