Water Rebates

The Living Victoria Water Rebate program gives you the chance to save water and money when you purchase eligible water-saving products between 1 July 2011 and 30 June 2013.

Eligible products include water efficient showerheads, upgrading to eligible dual flush toilets, garden products, rainwater tanks and systems for reusing household waste water.

The rebates available are listed in the table below. To apply for rebates download your reticulated water supply or self-supplied water application form, complete and mail your claim to the address on the form.

For more information on rebates visit the Victorian Government's website at www.water.vic.gov.au. 

Rebate Description	Rebate Value
Dual flush toilet	$100
Washing machine with five-star water, four-star energy rating	$150
Pool cover with roller/reel (cover must have Smart Approved WaterMark)	$200
Water efficient showerhead (for a showerhead costing greater than $30 and less than $100)	$10
Water efficient showerhead (for a showerhead costing greater than $100)	$20
Permanent greywater system	$500
Rainwater tank (for a tank 2,000L-3,999L connected to a toilet and/or laundry)	$500
Rainwater tank (for a tank 4,000L or greater connected to a toilet or laundry)	$900
Rainwater tank (for a tank 4,000L or greater connected to a toilet and laundry)	$1,000
Rainwater tank to the toilet/laundry connection to an existing tank	$200
Water conservation audit	$50
Hot water recirculator device	$150
Basket of goods (flow control valve/tap flow reduction devices (these are flow control devices); mulch - extension of definition to include inorganic mulch (pebbles, scoria, etc.); rainwater diverter; waterless carwash products; flow interrupter for toilets; shower timer; compost/mulch bin; wetting/moisture agent; moisture/rain sensor; trigger nozzle; drip water system/weep hose;garden tap timer; temporary greywater diverter)	$30 when $100 or more is spent on eligible products (listed)

• What is new about this rebate program?

  While many products are the same as the previous scheme, some significant changes include:

  • two new products - the five-star water, four-star energy washing machines and the pool covers with a roller or reel for easy use
  • residential rebates now available to all Victorians, including those not connected to an urban reticulated supply (mains water)
  • rainwater tanks only attracting a rebate when they are connected to a toilet and/or laundry
  • eligible rebates for rainwater tanks that must be designed and manufactured to the relevant Australian Standards. Rainwater tanks must also be certified to the relevant Australian Standards before 1 July 2012 to be eligible for a rebate after this date.

• Who funds the rebate program?

  The Living Victoria Water Rebate Program is funded by the Victorian Government through the Department of Sustainability and Environment. Your local water supplier is responsible for processing the rebate applications for their own customers. A central assessor will process the claims for self-supplied owners and tenants.

• Is there a rebate scheme across Australia?

  Rebate schemes vary from state to state. Please consult the relevant state water authority for further information.

  On 10 May 2011 the Federal Government announced that rebates for rainwater tanks and greywater systems under the National Rainwater and Greywater Initiative will no longer be available. Rebates will still be available to householders that made a purchase on or before 10 May 2011, provided their rebate applications are submitted by 10 November 2011.

• Who is eligible to claim a rebate?

  Rebates are now available for households that are self-supplied (not connected to a reticulated water supply). This is in addition to households connected to an urban reticulated water supply and who have an account with a Victorian urban water supplier.

• Are people eligible for a rebate under the new program if they received a rebate under the previous Water Smart Gardens and Homes Rebate Scheme?

  No, this program is a continuation of the old program. People cannot claim a rebate for any product that they have have already received a rebate for. Rebates for the basket of goods can be claimed once per calendar year.

  For example, if you received a washing machine rebate under the previous scheme, you cannot claim another rebate for a new washing machine.

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

  Yes, the home and garden rebates are available for tenants of properties. If the tenant does not pay a water bill from one of the urban water suppliers, appropriate documentation showing proof of residency must be provided with the claim form. Please see the terms and conditions on the back of the rebate application form for further information.

• Do pensioners and concession card holders get an extra discount?

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

• 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.

• 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 either self-supplied or connected to an urban reticulated water supply.

• How are rebates paid?

  The rebates for most home and garden products will be provided to you as a credit on your next water bill. Rainwater tank rebates and permanent greywater system rebates can be paid to the customer as an EFT payment. Rebates for households that are self-supplied with water (not a reticulated water supply) will receive their rebate as an EFT payment.

• Is the special $100 rebate for efficient dual flush toilets continuing?

  The Victorian Government has set a rebate of $100 for efficient dual flush toilets available for new replacement dual flush toilets purchased and installed from 1 July 2011 under the Living Victoria Water Rebate Program.

  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.

• When does the product need to be purchased and installed?

  To be eligible to claim a rebate under the Living Victoria Water Rebate Program, the product needs to be purchased and installed between 1 July 2011 and 30 June 2013.

  Rebates on goods purchased prior to 30 June 2011 can continue to be claimed up until 30 September 2011 on the Water Smart Gardens and Homes Rebate Scheme claim form.

• 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 of compliance must be supplied.

  The installation must also meet any relevant National Construction Code requirements and have the necessary council permit (where required). A council septic tank permit may also be required for some 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 value 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.

• How many toilet rebates can I claim?

  A residential customer can claim one rebate for a water efficient dual flush toilet.

• Why are rebates now available on washing machines?

  Washing machines are one of the biggest water users in the house. Providing rebates on washing machines with a five-star water rating makes it easier for people to upgrade to the most efficient models.

• Why are high-pressure cleaning devices not eligible?

  High-pressure cleaning devices are a good water saving alternative to using trigger nozzle hoses, but they are not one of the most commonly used items around the home. The rebate scheme offers rebates for products that will provide the biggest water savings for households.

• I am about to submit a claim for the basket of goods. If the purchases are a combination of more than one calendar year, can I make a claim for the $30 reabte?

  Yes, and if a portion of the basket of goods is purchased in the previous year and you did not claim a rebate in the previous year you can use receipts from that year. However, once a claim has been lodged in a calendar year, no further receipts from that year can be used for future claims.

• Why are rebates on rainwater tanks only available if it is connected to the laundry or toilet?

  Victoria has received considerable rainfall over the last few months, making it the perfect time to install a rainwater tank. With this rainfall and the easing of water restrictions, it also means that there is less of a need to use this water on the garden. Having a rainwater tank connected to the toilet or laundry triples the potential year round water savings.

• 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 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 and installed the new toilet within the eligible period. A licensed plumber must install dual flush toilets and cisterns. Where required, a Plumbing Industry Commission (PIC) certificate must be supplied.

• 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.

• 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 or less efficient dual flush toilet is being replaced by a three-star WELS rated, 3/6 litre (or better) dual flush toilet.

• How long do I have to install my rainwater tank once I have purchased the tank?

  To claim a rainwater tank rebate the period between purchase and installation of the tank cannot be longer than 12 months. All rainwater tank rebates are conditional on them being connected to a toilet and/or laundry. All rainwater tanks must be installed by a licensed plumber and meet all of the terms and conditions provided on the back of the  claim form to be eligible for a rebate.

  All rebates for applicants on mains water will be paid as an EFT payment.

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

  No. Residential rebates are now available to all residential Victorians, including those not connected to an urban reticulated supply (mains water). However rainwater tank rebates are now only available to tanks connected to the laundry or toilet.

  Rainwater tanks must be designed and manufactured to the relevant Australian Standards to be eligible for a rebate under this scheme. Rainwater tanks must be certified to the relevant Australian Standards before 1 July 2012 to be eligible for a rebate after this date.

• 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. A rebate can only be paid once the product is installed in the home.

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

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

• Who does water conservation home audits?

  The audits are performed by independent organisations that are a registered business.

  Many plumbers and in particular, Green Plumbers can conduct the audits. There are also professional organisations that specialise in water efficiency that may also perform the audits. They are generally not done by the water corporations.

  Water audits can be either internal audits of a home or external audits that look at water use outside the home and in the garden. Only one rebate may be claimed per eligible customer or household.

  To claim the $50 rebate, customers need to send in a copy of the water  audit report with their claim form and an original receipt from the professional who conducted the audit.