Rainwater tanks can save up to 40,000 litres per household per year.

The Water Smart Gardens and Homes rebate scheme rewards residential customers connected to a mains water supply for purchasing water-saving devices and services, thereby reducing their water consumption.

Households who purchased and installed a rainwater tank from 1 January 2007 are eligible for a rebate of up to $1000.

The rebate is based on the size of the tank and requires the tank to be connected to toilet and/or laundry facilities as follows:

• Rainwater Tanks, 2000 – 3999 litre capacity, connected to toilet and/or laundry - $500 rebate   
  
• Rainwater Tanks, 4000+ litre capacity, connected to toilet or laundry - $900 Rebate      
  
• Rainwater Tank 4000+ litre capacity, connected to toilet and laundry - $1000 Rebate

Householders who have already claimed a tank rebate prior to 1 January 2007 are still eligible for a rebate if they purchase an additional large tank connected to the toilet and/or laundry.

The large tank rebates can be paid via a one-off Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) or by cheque and should take around 10-12 weeks to process.

The existing $150 rebate for tanks 600 litres or larger not connected for indoor use will still apply, as will the $150 tank to toilet connection for new small tanks (600 L to 1999 L) and existing tanks. These two $150 rebates will continue to be credited to your next water bill.

Customers considering the purchase of a rainwater tank should be aware that Australian Standards and guidelines apply to the design, material, manufacture and installation of rainwater tanks.

The Water Smart Gardens and Homes Rebate Scheme is administered by the retail water authorities on behalf of the Victorian Government, in partnership with the Department of Sustainability and Environment.