Eligibility

Who is eligible to claim a rebate?

All residential customers connected to an urban reticulated water supply and who have an account with a Victorian urban water supplier. The water suppliers are listed on the claim form.

Can a tenant of a property obtain a rebate for products under the rebate scheme?

Yes, if the tenant has a water account with one of the urban water businesses. Tenants that do not pay water bills will not be eligible for a rebate.

Are rural customers with water rights able to claim rebates?

No. The rebate scheme is only available to customers connected to a reticulated water supply of an urban water business.

Do pensioners and concession card holders get an extra discount?

No.

Do pensioners and concession card holders get assistance with the cost of a plumber?

No, but the Department of Human Services may be able to provide financial assistance under their "Smart Homes Program". For further information, please contact the Concession Unit on 1800 658 521.

I own more than one property. Can I claim a rebate for the purchase of water saving goods for each of the properties?

Yes. Rebates are claimed per household as they are taken off the cost of the property's next water bill. Rebates can be claimed for each property for which you have a water account with an urban water supplier.

General Questions

Who funds the rebate scheme?

The rebate scheme is funded by the Victorian Government through the Department of Sustainability and Environment. Your local water business is responsible for processing the rebate application.

Is there a rebate scheme across Australia?

Rebate schemes vary from state to state. Please consult the relevant water authority for further information. The Federal Government also has a rebate scheme: find out more about the National Rainwater and Greywater Initiative

Where can I get more information?

Call 136 186 or your local water business.

What if the rebate is more than my water bill?

If the rebate is more than your water bill, your account will remain in credit. Depending on your water bill, it may take several bills to receive the total rebate amount.

How many rebates can I claim?

You can claim one rebate for each Core Product over the life of the scheme for each eligible property that you receive a water bill for (except for showerheads where two rebates can be claimed).

‘Core products’ include rainwater tanks, rainwater tank to toilet connection, large rainwater tank (including toilet and/or laundry connection), greywater systems, dual flush toilets and hot water recirculators.

For the $30 rebate on a $100 basket of goods, you can claim one rebate per calendar year for each eligible property.

When does the product need to be purchased and installed?

To be eligible to claim a rebate under the Water Smart Gardens and Rebate Scheme 2009-2011, the product needs to be purchased and installed between 1 July 2009 and 30 June 2011. Applications for these rebates must be submitted by 30 September 2011.

Product Information

Why are high-pressure cleaning devices no longer eligible?

High pressure cleaning devices have been removed from the rebate program because they were found to save comparatively less water than other water-saving devices.

Who does water conservation home audits?

The audits are performed by independent organisations. There are many professional organisations that specialise in water efficiency that may perform the audits. You can also contact your local water business for more information.

Do lay-by goods qualify for the rebate?

Yes, however you can only claim a rebate once the full amount of the lay-by has been paid off and original receipt(s) of your purchase must be submitted with your rebate application.

I am building a new house and installing dual flush toilets. Can I claim a rebate?

No. The rebate only applies where an existing single flush toilet is being replaced by a dual flush toilet.

I am renovating my bathroom and replacing my single flush toilet with a dual flush toilet. Can I claim the rebate?

Yes, provided you have purchased the new toilet within the eligible period.

What happens if I return a product for which I've already claimed a rebate?

You should advise your water business and the water business will reverse the rebate on your water bill.

Rainwater Tanks

Do I have to be connected to a reticulated water supply to be eligible for the rainwater tank rebate?

Yes. The rebate aims to help householders connected to a reticulated water supply to reduce the demand on public water supplies.

How will my large tank rebate be paid?

Customers will have a choice of receiving the large tank rebates as a credit on their water bill, a cheque or a one-off Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT). Your choice of payment must be selected on the application form and the relevant details provided.

If I get six 1,000 tanks and connect them all to the toilet and laundry, do I get the $1,000 rebate?

Yes. As long as the total capacity is greater than 4000 litres for the $1,000 rebate and between 2,000 and 3,999 litres for the $500 rebate. This gives people greater flexibility to choose tanks that suit their situation and the size of their property.

When do I need to use a plumber?

A licensed plumber must install all rainwater tanks, permanent greywater systems, hot water recirculators, dual-flush toilets and cisterns and tank to the toilet connections. Where required, a Plumbing Industry Commission (PIC) certificate must be supplied.

The installation must also meet any relevant building code requirements and have the necessary council permit (where required). A council septic tank permit may also be required for greywater systems. See terms and conditions for full details.

What is a PIC certificate?

A PIC certificate is a Plumbing Industry Commission certificate of compliance that is supplied by a licensed plumber. A PIC certificate must be included with the rebate application if the total cost of the product, materials and associated plumbing is greater than $750. Ask your plumber to supply you with a PIC certificate on completion of works. For more information visit the Plumbing Industry Commission website. 

Note: Recent Victorian Plumbing Regulations have raised the threshold for plumbing jobs requiring a Compliance Certificate from $500 to $750.  As a result of this change, a PIC certificate is now only required for rebate claims where the total value of the materials (includes product), works and installation exceeds $750.

Can I connect the tank to the toilet/laundry myself?

No. You must use a licensed plumber. You will be asked to provide the original tank receipt, plumber’s receipt or Plumbing Industry Certificate with your rebate application form.

Can I get my tank plumbing costs reimbursed?

The rebate is to help with the total costs of both purchasing and installing the tank and having it connected to your toilet and/or laundry by a licensed plumber.

I have already installed a 5,000 litre rainwater tank and received a $150 rebate. Can I now apply for the difference up to $900 or $1,000?

No, the program is not retrospective. The large tank (including toilet and/or laundry connection) rebate is for tanks purchased and installed on or after 1 January 2009.

Can I claim the tank rebate for a newly built house?

No. The tank rebates are not available to new houses that received a building permit after 30 June 2005.

The rainwater tank or rainwater tank to toilet rebate is only available to new houses that received a building permit for the house before 30 June 2005. Proof of the building permit issue date is required.

If I receive a rebate to install a rainwater tank, will I be charged a water supply fee?

No. The Government has no plans to introduce a water supply fee for rainwater or water collected in tanks.

Where a planning permit is required from your local Council, there may be a fee associated with obtaining this permit. Please contact your local Council to find out whether this is the case.

I already have a water tank installed. If I connect this to my toilet, how much can I claim?

You can claim a $150 rebate for the toilet connection provided that you meet all the terms and conditions. The Rebate Claim Form (PDF - 130Kb) includes information on terms and conditions.