National Rainwater and Greywater Initiative
Water for the Future – Fact sheet
Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts, 2009
PDF file
As part of the $12.9 billion Water for the Future plan, the Government is delivering the $250 million National Rainwater and Greywater Initiative to help people use water wisely in their everyday lives.
The National Rainwater and Greywater Initiative offers households up to $500 towards a new rainwater tank or greywater system which is purchased after 30 January 2009.
Rebate applications will be accepted from 1 March 2009.
Rebates are available for either:
- The purchase and installation of a new rainwater tank which is connected for internal reuse of the water for toilet and/or laundry use; or
- The purchase and installation of a permanent greywater treatment system.
Your questions answered
Who can apply for a rebate?
The owner of an existing home that is a principal place of residence where an eligible rainwater tank or greywater system has been installed may apply for a rebate under the National Rainwater and Greywater Initiative.
Suppliers and installers of rainwater tanks and/or greywater systems cannot apply for the National Rainwater and Greywater Initiative rebate on behalf of their customers. Commonwealth, state, territory or local government authorities are not eligible for the rebate.
How do I apply?
The guidelines and application form for the National Rainwater and Greywater Initiative household rebates are available from www.environment.gov.au/water or by calling 1800 808 571.
What is the deadline for applications?
Applicants must apply for the rebate within six months of purchasing an eligible rainwater tank or greywater system. Applications will not be accepted after 31 March 2014.
How much is the rebate?
| Rainwater tank(s)* 2,000 - 3,999 litres | $400 |
| Rainwater tank(s) 4,000 litres or larger | $500 |
| Permanent greywater treatment system | $500 |
* The capacity may be reached by installing two or more smaller tanks.
House and rainwater tank
Source DEWHA
Can I apply for the rebate if I am renting?
Only the owner of a property, which is a principle place of residence, can apply for the National Rainwater and Greywater Initiative rebate. Renters may want to encourage the property owner to submit an application and install a tank or greywater system.
Can I get the rebate for a tank or greywater system I install on my investment property?
Yes, as long as it is a principal place of residence (i.e. tenanted as a residence, not a holiday home or similar). An owner may apply for rebates on separate properties that they own.
What if I live in an apartment or retirement village?
You are eligible for the rebate if you are the owner of a strata title dwelling within a body corporate or retirement village and the rainwater tank or greywater system has been installed at your individual place of residence.
Are rebates available for homes under construction?
No. The rebates are only available for rainwater tanks or greywater systems installed at an existing, occupied home. This is to ensure that the rebate is not duplicating existing planning requirements etc.
Can community organisations apply for a rebate for a rainwater tank or greywater system?
Community organisations that own dwellings which are permanently occupied may apply for a rebate for rainwater tanks or greywater systems installed at these homes. The program is targeted to households so rebates are not available for tanks or greywater systems installed at other (non residence) community buildings.
Can I apply for a rebate if I have already purchased my rainwater tank or greywater system?
Yes, if the eligible rainwater tank or greywater system was purchased after 30 January 2009.
Can I apply for a rebate if I have already received a rebate for that property under the National Rainwater and Greywater Initiative?
No, each eligible property is eligible for one rebate only under this program. If you are unsure whether an Australian Government rebate for a rainwater tank or greywater system has already been claimed for your property, please call 1800 808 571.
Can I apply for separate rebates for rainwater tanks and greywater systems for the one property?
No, each eligible property is eligible for one rebate only under this program.
What if I have already claimed, or intend to claim, a state, territory or local government rebate for my rainwater tank or greywater system?
An application for the Australian Government rebate program will not be affected by any rebates offered by other governments.
For details on other rebates that may be available, contact your relevant local government, state or territory authority.
Is the rebate means tested?
No.
Why does the rainwater tank or greywater system need to be plumbed in? What does this mean?
Plumbing in to the house will help reduce the amount of water taken from the existing mains supply.
Modelling results vary across Australia but the yield of a tank increases when it is connected to the house. For example, a toilet connection of a 2,000 litre tank (average roof area) is estimated to increase the yield of a tank in Sydney by 32 per cent and in Melbourne by 10 per cent.
Plumbing in means a permanent connection, installed by a licensed plumber, of a rainwater tank or greywater system to indoor plumbing for toilet and/or laundry use or, in the case of a greywater treatment system, to a sub-surface irrigation system and/or indoor plumbing for toilet and/or laundry use (if this is allowed under state or territory regulations).
Rainwater tank
Source M. McAulay & DEWHA
Why must a licensed plumber connect my rainwater tank or greywater system?
In most cases this is a requirement under plumbing regulations. The licensed plumber can also certify that the tank(s) / greywater system has been installed according to the program guidelines.
What is a permanent greywater treatment system?
A permanent greywater treatment system collects, treats and disinfects greywater generated from a household. These systems usually include primary treatment in the form of a grease trap and coarse filter and a secondary aerobic treatment and disinfection. The input to the system needs to be permanently connected to the dwelling and the output needs to be plumbed back in to the house and/or to a sub-surface irrigation system.
More information
For more information about the National Rainwater and Greywater Initiative call 1800 808 571 or visit www.environment.gov.au/water.
For more information about Water for the Future call 1800 218 478 or visit www.environment.gov.au/water.
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