rebates

Special Deals

Rain Water Tanks


 Eligibility

  • The tank(s) must have a minimum 2000-litre capacity and be purchased in full and installed between 1 July 2007 and 30 June 2009.
     
  • Households not connected to the mains supply are eligible for a rebate for the purchase of the tank only.
     
  • Rainwater tanks installed to comply with BASIX (the Building Sustainability Index) for new homes, major renovations or a pool installation are not eligible for a rebate.

How much is the rebate?

The rebate is based on the size of the tank and whether the rainwater is plumbed into your toilet or washing machine.

 

Tank(s) capacity  Rebate Connection to toilet(s) Connection to washing machine(s) Maximum total
2000–3999 litres $150 $500 $500 $1150
4000–6999 litres $400 $500 $500 $1400
7000 litres and above $500 $500 $500 $1500

 


How do I apply?


You apply for the rebate after your tank has been installed and any plumbing work is completed.

Sydney Water customers apply through Sydney Water.

Customers of all other NSW water utilities, apply through the Department of Environment and Climate Change NSW (DECC) and need to:

  • read the details of the offer in the Rainwater Tank Rebate Application brochure (2007266intro.pdf; 196 kb, requires Acrobat Reader)
  • complete the rainwater tank rebate application form (DECCRTRappform2007266.pdf; 129kb, requires Acrobat Reader)
  • if plumbing work was done, have their plumber complete their section of the application form
  • attach their original receipts for the tank and installations
  • send it to:
    NSW Climate Change Fund Rainwater Tank Rebate Program
    PO Box A290
    Sydney South 1232.

If you have any questions, please contact DECC on 1300 361 967.

When do I get my rebate?

We will send out a cheque for your rebate within 60 days of receiving the completed application form and receipt(s) for the tank and installation, subject to verification of your application details.

Local planning requirements

The rules covering installation of rainwater tanks vary in different areas. Many local councils have specific requirements for installing the tank, including size, colour and distance from neighbours’ boundaries.

Contact your local council to find out about the planning and building requirements in your area before you install a rainwater tank.

Tank installation and 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 to confirm that the tank has been professionally connected and complies with the regulations.

Many local water utilities also require an inspection of rainwater tank plumbing. Your plumber is required to notify the local water utility on completion of rainwater tank plumbing work and will be able to advise you about local water utility requirements in your area.

Health requirements

The NSW Department of Health does not recommend drinking rainwater where a reticulated water supply is available. More information is available from the NSW Health Rainwater Tank brochure (http://enhealth.nphp.gov.au/council/pubs/documents/rainwater_tanks.pdf)