Collecting water from your roof
If you collect roof run-off in a tank and use it for drinking water, you’ll need to be careful about how you clean and maintain the roof. You’ll also need to steer clear of some roofing materials.
Join us now to unlock this content
Unlock all of Consumer from just $12 a month
- Heaps of buying advice so you can choose with confidence
- Independent reviews of thousands of products and services
- Personal advice an email or phone call away on our advice line (members only)
When you’re washing the roof, disconnect the downpipes so you don’t send contaminated water into your tank.
Products not suitable for collecting drinking water are:
- Any lead-based products.
- Asbestos cement.
- Wood treated with CCA (copper, chrome and arsenic) or LOSP (light organic solvent preservative).
- Bituminous materials.
The following products need washing or weathering before they are suitable:
- New, untreated cedar.
- Newly applied acrylic roof paint.
- Fibre cement products.
The following products can be used straight away (as long as they are clean):
- Galvanised steel.
- Clay tiles.
- Factory-painted steel or tiles.
- Zinc.
- Stainless steel.
- Mineral fibre asphalt.
- Slate.
- Butyl (although black butyl rubber will need regular maintenance and cleaning as it weathers).
Building articles
Whether you're planning to build your own home or renovate an existing one, we've got you covered with a wide range of articles covering the whole process.
Renovating articles
Renovating and altering houses is a favourite pastime for many New Zealanders. Our articles take a look at what's involved when you undertake a renovation project.
Home maintenance
Regular maintenance is needed to ensure your house holds its value and remains safe and comfortable to live in.
