Rainwater Tanks
Rainwater Tank Rebates
Hunter Water customers who install a rainwater tank connected to the laundry and/or a toilet are now eligible to apply for two rebates.
Click here for our rainwater tank fact sheet.
Plumbers click here for Guidelines for Plumbing of Rainwater Tanks.
Australian Government Initiative
On 30 January 2009 the Minister for Climate Change and Water announced that the Australian Government is offering rebates of up to $500 to households for either:
- The purchase and installation of a new rainwater tank which is connected for internal reuse of the water for toilet and/or laundry use; or
- The purchase and installation of a permanent greywater treatment system.
Detailed information on the Scheme can be found by calling contact the national information line on 1800 808 571 or visit Department of Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts.
NSW Government Initiative
The Rainwater Tank Rebate Scheme is administered by the Department of Environment and Climate Change and the rebates are issued by them.
Hunter Water has a number of requirements that need to be met that are specific to the type of rainwater tank connection you are making.
You should ensure that all relevant documentation is completed and returned to Hunter Water so your application can be lodged quickly and avoid any delays in receiving your rebate. The Rainwater Tank Rebate Scheme is administered by the Department of Environment and Climate Change and the rebates are issued by them.
There are two types of rebate available to customers who install rainwater tanks to existing homes.
- Customers who choose not to plumb the rainwater tank to their laundry and/or toilets and are only eligible to apply for a rebate for the purchase cost of the rainwater tank. If you are not connecting your rainwater tank to your internal services you are only required to submit an application form and the original invoice for the purchase of the tank to Hunter Water. We will update our records to note a rainwater tank has been fitted to your property. We may also arrange for the water meter at your property to be exchanged depending on the age of the meter and whether it has an appropriate backflow prevention device fitted. Hunter Water will then forward the documentation to DECC on your behalf.
- Customers who wish to plumb their laundry and toilet facilities to the rainwater tank connection can apply for a rebate for both the rainwater tank purchase cost as well as the plumbing costs to install the tank. If you are connecting the rainwater tank to any internal services you are required to arrange for the tank to be installed by a licensed plumber. Please download the Rainwater Tank Information Package which comprises all the documents you will require such as: Compliance Certificate, Rainwater Tank Checklist, DECC Application Form, and the HWC Rainwater Tank Guidelines.
You will need to ensure your plumber completes the Compliance Certificate and Rainwater Tank Checklist once the installation of the tank has been completed. Your next step is to forward the following documentation to Hunter Water for processing:
- Compliance Certificate
- Rainwater Tank Checklist
- Original receipt
(for purchase of the rainwater tank and the plumbers installation costs)
- DECC application form
- Payment of the Inspection Fee (refer to Special Inspections Fee which forms part of Hunter Water’s Miscellaneous Charges.
Hunter Water conducts an independent inspection for rainwater tank installations which are connected to internal services such as laundry and toilets prior to forwarding applications to the DECC for payment of the rebate. This inspection is a critical part of protecting our water supply system. Hunter Water may also arrange for the water meter at your property to be exchanged depending on the age of the meter and whether it has an appropriate backflow prevention device fitted.
Detailed information on the Scheme can be found by phoning 1300 361 967 or visit Department of Environment and Climate Change.