Until recently some urban council regulations banned the collection of rainwater, but now Melburnians are encouraged to collect water for use in their hot water systems, toilets, laundries and gardens. The tanks that are featured in these stories are in many shapes and sizes and are used for a range of purposes including drinking, cooking, bathing, showering, washing clothes and dishes.

Issues of how and where to store rainwater are well addressed by these homes that are located in and around the city. One story shows how neighbours can work together to create a community catchment.