To claim a rebate for a water audit in a residential home there are a number of requirements to be met.

Where the focus of the audit is internal, the audit must provide a comparative analysis of usage between the home and a waterwise home expressed in water and dollar savings. The audit must include the household's bathroom, laundry, kitchen and toilet in the analysis. The audit should also provide a recommendation for improving the water efficiency of the home.

Where the focus of the audit is on outdoor water use, it must include an assessment of soil type, plant selection, irrigation system efficiency and other water saving opportunities, i.e. use of mulch, pool management, use of tap timers, etc.

The audit should include a visual inspection for leaks both indoors and outdoors.

Both the indoor and outdoor audits should include an assessment of the feasibility for alternative water supplies for use in the home or garden (i.e. rainwater tank or permanent greywater system).

A qualified professional who is insured for providing advice to the homeowner/occupier should conduct these audits.  This may include plumbers, hydraulic engineers, environmental auditors, and horticulturalists, among others.

Suggested questions you could ask the auditor

• What is your qualification for conducting the audit on my home?
• Do you have insurance?
• Will your audit provide me with an estimation of water and dollar savings for the water saving initiatives recommended?
• Will your audit provide me with advice on the feasibility of installing a rainwater tank or permanent greywater system?