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IS 16017:2012 is the Indian Standard (BIS) for rainwater harvesting - storage systems - code of practice. This code of practice provides guidelines for the planning, design, construction, and maintenance of rainwater storage systems. It covers aspects such as siting requirements, material selection, capacity calculation, and water quality management to ensure the safe and effective collection and storage of rainwater for various uses.
Lays down the code of practice for the design, construction, and maintenance of various types of storage systems for harvested rainwater.
Overview
Status
Current
Usage level
Frequently Used
Domain
Water Resources — Green Building and Sustainability
BIM-relevant code. See the BIM Hub for ISO 19650, IFC, and LOD/LOIN frameworks used alongside it.
Practical Notes
! Always install a 'first flush' device to divert the initial, more contaminated runoff away from the storage tank, improving stored water quality.
! Ensure all tank openings (inlets, overflows, vents) are covered with fine, corrosion-resistant mesh to prevent entry of mosquitoes and other vectors.
! Regular cleaning of the tank (at least annually before the monsoon) and the catchment surface is crucial for maintaining water quality and system efficiency.
BS EN 16941-1:2018BSI (British Standards Institution) / CEN (European Committee for Standardization), UK/Europe
HighCurrent
On-site non-potable water systems. Systems for the use of rainwater
Covers planning, design, installation, and maintenance of rainwater harvesting systems for non-potable use, mirroring the IS code's scope.
ARCSA/ASPE/ANSI 63:2018ARCSA/ASPE/ANSI, USA
HighCurrent
Rainwater Catchment Systems
A comprehensive standard for designing, installing, and maintaining rainwater catchment systems for both potable and non-potable applications.
DIN 1989-1:2002-04DIN (Deutsches Institut für Normung), Germany
HighCurrent
Rainwater harvesting systems - Part 1: Planning, installation, operation and maintenance
A foundational European standard detailing the planning, components, and operation of rainwater utilization systems.
AS/NZS 3500.1:2021Standards Australia / Standards New Zealand, Australia/New Zealand
MediumCurrent
Plumbing and drainage, Part 1: Water services
Specifies requirements for water services including rainwater source and cross-connection control, but is part of a larger plumbing series (not a single RWH code).
Key Differences
≠The IS code is a 'Code of Practice', often recommendatory unless enforced by local bylaws. In contrast, standards like ARCSA/ASPE/ANSI 63 are designed for direct adoption into legally binding building codes.
≠International standards like BS EN 16941-1 provide highly prescriptive requirements for backflow prevention (e.g., specifying Type AA or AB air gaps referencing EN 1717) to protect municipal water, which is more detailed than the general air gap guidance in IS 16017.
≠IS 16017 is implicitly tailored for monsoon climates (high-intensity, short-duration rainfall), whereas European standards like DIN 1989-1 and BS EN 16941-1 include specific considerations for frost protection and snowmelt.
≠For systems intended for potable use, ARCSA/ASPE/ANSI 63 mandates that components in contact with water comply with NSF/ANSI 61 for material safety. IS 16017 provides general material guidance without referencing equivalent mandatory certification.
Key Similarities
≈All standards mandate a similar system architecture: catchment, conveyance, pre-storage filtration (like first-flush diverters), storage tank, and a delivery system.
≈There is a universal emphasis on water quality protection through measures such as first-flush diversion, screening of debris, and using opaque tanks to prevent algal growth.
≈All codes of practice require that storage tanks be designed to exclude insects, animals, and other vermin, typically by sealing all openings with fine mesh screens.
≈A strong emphasis is placed on establishing and following a regular maintenance schedule for all system components, including cleaning gutters, filters, and tanks, which is crucial for long-term performance and water quality.
Parameter Comparison
Parameter
IS Value
International
Source
First Flush Diversion Volume
Recommends diverting first 10-15 min of rain or 0.5-1.0 mm of rainfall.
Often specifies a rule of 1-2 L/m² of catchment area.
DIN 1989-1
Mains Water Top-up Backflow Prevention
A physical air gap must be provided between the mains inlet and the tank's overflow level.
Must comply with EN 1717, requiring a specific 'Type AA' (unrestricted air gap) with a gap ≥ 2x the inlet pipe diameter (min 20mm).
BS EN 16941-1:2018
Vermin Proofing Mesh
Recommends 'mosquito-proof' ss/plastic mesh on all openings.
Specifies corrosion-resistant mesh with an aperture not exceeding 1 mm on all tank openings.
AS/NZS 3500.1:2021
Potable Water Tank Material
Lists suitable materials (RCC, plastic) that should be non-toxic and not impart color/taste.
Materials in contact with potable water shall be certified to NSF/ANSI 61 'Drinking Water System Components – Health Effects'.
ARCSA/ASPE/ANSI 63:2018
Inlet Calming
Recommends an inlet arrangement (e.g., calming plate, upturned elbow) to prevent disturbance of sediment.
Mandates an 'inlet calming device' shall be used to prevent re-suspension of settled solids.
BS EN 16941-1:2018
Pipe Labeling
Recommends that pipes carrying rainwater be clearly identified.
Mandates that all rainwater pipes be permanently identified as 'NON-POTABLE RAINWATER' (or similar wording) and color-coded (e.g., purple/lilac).
ARCSA/ASPE/ANSI 63:2018
⚠ Verify details from original standards before use
Key Values6
Quick Reference Values
Minimum distance from septic tank15 m
Minimum freeboard in tank150 mm
Minimum manhole size (square)500 mm x 500 mm
Minimum manhole size (circular)600 mm diameter
Maximum slope for rooftop catchment15 degrees
Minimum overflow pipe diameter100 mm
Key Formulas
Storage Capacity (L) = Catchment Area (m²) x Rainfall Depth (mm) x Runoff Coefficient
Tables & Referenced Sections
Key Tables
Table 1: Physical Requirements of Plastic Materials for Lining of Water Storage Structures
Table 2: Requirements for Seams in Plastic Linings for Water Storage Structures
Key Clauses
Clause 4: Siting Requirements
Clause 5: Materials
Clause 6: Design and Construction of Storage Tanks
What is the minimum distance a storage tank should be from a septic tank?+
A minimum horizontal distance of 15 metres is required, as per Clause 4.2.
What is the recommended freeboard in a storage tank?+
A freeboard of 150 mm to 200 mm should be provided above the maximum water level (Clause 6.3.3).
What is the minimum size for a manhole or access opening?+
Minimum 500 mm x 500 mm for square openings or 600 mm diameter for circular openings to allow for cleaning and maintenance (Clause 6.3.4).
Is treatment required for stored rainwater?+
It depends on the end-use. For non-potable uses like gardening, basic filtration is sufficient. For potable use, treatment to meet IS 10500 standards is mandatory (Clause 8).