Tiny House Water Tanks & Supply
Where your water comes from shapes how independent your tiny home can be. Some owners plumb into mains and keep it simple; others collect every drop of rain and never see a water bill. Here are the options, and how to think about size, weight and placement.
Water options
Rainwater tanks
Collect rain off the roof for drinking, washing and the garden. The standard off-grid water source in Australia. Tank size depends on your roof catchment and local rainfall; for a tiny home, somewhere around 5,000 to 10,000 litres covers most needs.
Best for: Off-grid living and reducing or removing water bills.
Slimline tanks
Narrow, tall tanks designed to sit flat against a wall or under a deck. They suit the tight spaces around a tiny home and can tuck in where a round tank will not fit.
Best for: Small sites and homes parked close to boundaries.
Under-deck / under-home bladders
Flexible bladder tanks that sit low under the home or a deck, using otherwise dead space and keeping the weight low. Good where you cannot fit a visible tank.
Best for: Hiding storage and keeping the centre of gravity low.
Town water connection
Where mains water is available, a pressure-reduced hose and proper fitting connect the home directly. Simple and reliable, though it ties you to a serviced site and ongoing bills.
Best for: Sites with mains water access.
Bore water
On rural land, a bore can supply water from underground. Quality and yield vary by location and it often needs filtration or treatment before drinking. Worth testing before you rely on it.
Best for: Rural blocks with a good bore.
Filtration & pumps
Off-grid water usually needs a pump for pressure and filtration to make it safe to drink. A basic setup is a pump plus sediment and carbon filters; add UV or finer filtration for full drinking-water peace of mind.
Best for: Turning rain or bore water into reliable supply.
What to consider
Weight is the big one. Water is heavy: 1,000 litres weighs a tonne. A full tank can blow your towing weight budget, so most owners travel with tanks empty and fill on site. Plan tank position and size with this in mind.
Placement. Put tanks on the side the roof drains toward to keep plumbing short, close to downpipes, and accessible for cleaning. Keep them clear of the tow path if the home will be moved.
Pressure. A raised tank gives gravity pressure; otherwise you need a pump. Most tiny homes use a pump for consistent flow.
Drinking safety. Rain and bore water should be filtered, and ideally treated, before drinking. Keep gutters and tank inlets screened to keep debris and pests out.