Residential Rebate Program

The $100 million Residential Rebate Program is part of the NSW Government's Climate Change Fund, established to help people make their homes more water and energy efficient. 

Rebates

More than 101,000 rebates have been claimed in NSW, saving more than 2 billion litres of water and 88,000 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions a year.

Rainwater Tank Rebate

The Rainwater Tank Rebate is available for the installation of any new rainwater storage system in residential properties in NSW.

• The tank(s) must have a minimum 2000 litre capacity and be purchased in full and installed between 1st July, 2007 and 30th June, 2011.
• Households not connected to the mains supply are eligible for a rebate for the purchase of the tank(s) only.
• Rainwater tanks installed to comply with BASIX (the Building Sustainability Index) for new homes, major renovations or a pool installations are not eligible for the rebate.

How To Claim Your Rebate

Once your tank is installed and the plumbing work is completed, you are then able to claim your rebate.

Customers of:-

• Sydney Water http://www.sydneywater.com.au/Water4Life/InYourGarden/RainwaterTanks/,
• Hunter Water http://www.hunterwater.com.au/256.aspx and
• Gosford Wyong Councils Water Authority http://www.gwcwater.nsw.gov.au/SavingWater/rebates/PDFs/forms/DECC_RainwaterTanks_CCA_20071123.pdf 

must apply through their water utilities.  All other water utilities and people not connected to mains supply apply through the Department of Environment and Climate Change NSW.

You will need to:

• Read and agree to the terms and conditions - http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/rebates/termsconds.htm
• Complete the Rainwater Tank Application Form - http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/resources/rebates/07266tankform.pdf
• If plumbing work occurred, have your plumber complete the relevant section of the application form
• Attach your original receipts for the tank and installations, showing payment in full has been made
• Finally, send to - NSW Climate Change Fund Rainwater Tank Rebate Program, PO Box A290, Sydney South, NSW, 1232.

Local Planning Requirements

The rules vary for the installation of rainwater tanks, contact your local council to find out about the planning and building requirements in your area before you install a rainwater tank.

Tank Installation & Connection

Rainwater tank connections to the toilet or washing machine must be undertaken by a licensed plumber and meet requirements under the NSW Code of Practice for Plumbing and Drainage. The licensed plumber will need to sign your rebate application form and is required to notify the local water utility on completion of the job.  Many local water utilities also require an inspection of rainwater tank plumbing.