Heritage buildings may soon start reverting to their original means of capturing and storing water, if the Prime Minister John Howard is successful in his bid to install a water tank at Kirribilli House.
Ray Herbert, Executive Director of the Master Plumbers and Mechanical Services Association of Australia (MPMSAA), said that the issue needed to be reviewed as many historic buildings had elaborate independent water supplies with tanks being an integral part of the heritage plumbing.
"We understand heritage officials are insisting the 150-year-old harbourside mansion is covered by laws banning changes to the structure that extends to the provision of a tank for rainwater, even though the building may have had on-site water storages when first erected."
Mr Herbert said that the clever design of the modern water tank and the ability to either screen or disguise the tank should be taken into consideration.
"The real issue here is how we could provide the heritage rainwater harvesting and plumbing at Kirribilli House and make it a showcase and good example of how to blend water saving into heritage buildings with integrity."
"We believe the Prime Minister should be supported 100 per cent in wanting to put a water tank in his official residence."
"With the Government moving to make major gains in water conservation in this country, we need the heritage advisers to look at achieving positive outcomes and how to promote heritage plumbing that reintroduces on-site rainwater harvesting."
"It is a matter of common sense and good governance," Mr Herbert said.
Around 5,000 Green Plumbers nationally have been trained by the MPMSAA in the benefits of energy efficiency, water conservation and the most appropriate and cost effective appliances to suit individual needs.
