Up to 40 per cent of a household's water use can be replaced with rainwater. The NSW rainwater tank rebate provides up to $1500 cash back for the installation of any new rainwater storage system in residential properties in NSW.
Eligibility
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The tank(s) must have a minimum 2,000 litre capacity and be purchased in full and installed between 1 July 2007 and 30 June 2011 inclusive.
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Households not connected to the mains supply are eligible for a rebate for the purchase of the tank only.
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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.
There is a limit of one rainwater tank per property.
From 15 January 2010, the total NSW Home Saver Rebates a household can receive must not exceed $1500 per property.
How much is the rebate?
The rebate is based on the size of the tank and whether it is plumbed into your toilet or washing machine.
| Tank(s) capacity | Tank Rebate | Connection to toilet(s) | Connection to washing machine(s) | Maximum total |
| 2,000-3,999 litres | $150 | $500 | $500 | $1,150
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| 4,000-6,999 litres | $400 | $500 | $500 | $1,400 |
| 7,000 litres and above | $500 | $500 | $500 | $1,500 |
How to claim your rebate
To claim your rebate you will need to:
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if plumbing work was done, have your plumber complete the relevant section of the application form
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attach a copy of receipt(s) demonstrating proof of payment and installation, and clearly indicate payment has been made in full
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send your completed form and a copy of receipt(s) to:
NSW Home Saver Rebates - Rainwater Tank
PO Box A290 I Sydney South 1232.
You claim the rebate after your tank has been installed and any plumbing work is completed. Rebate applications must be received by DECCW within 6 months of the installation date or no later than 5pm 30 September 2011 (whichever is sooner). The installation date should be documented on the receipt(s) submitted with your application form. Applications received more than 6 months after installation or after 30 September 2011 (whichever is sooner) will not be eligible for a rebate.
You can elect to receive your rebate by direct deposit into your nominated bank account or posted to you by cheque.
The terms and conditions of the rebate are the same wherever you live in NSW. However, Sydney Water, Hunter Water and Gosford Wyong Councils' Water Authority customers apply through their local water utilities at the links below.
Sydney, Central Coast and Hunter regions
Gosford/Wyong Water Authority customers
Hunter Water customers
Sydney Water customers
Customers of all other water utilities and people not connected to mains supply apply through the Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water NSW.
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
Frequently asked questions
Go to frequently asked questions
When do I get my rebate?
The Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water NSW will acknowledge receipt of your application and provide an estimated turnaround time. Most rebate payments will be made within 60 days of receiving your completed application form and a copy of your receipt(s), subject to verification of your application details. You can elect to have your rebate directly deposited into your nominated bank account or posted to you as a cheque.
Contact
For more information about applying for the rainwater tank rebate, call the Environment Line on 1300 361 967 or email rebates@environment.nsw.gov.au
