Rainwater Tanks

Hunter Water customers who are considering installing a rainwater tank at an existing home are eligible to apply for a rebate and should follow the guidelines set out below.  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 Compliance Certificate and Rainwater Tank Checklist below and ensure your plumber completes these once the installation of the tank has been completed.  The HWC Rainwater Tank Guidelines can be downloaded here. 

You will then need 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 cost)
• DECC application form
• inspection fee  - Please refer to Special Inspections on Hunter Water’s Miscellaneous Fees

Hunter Water conducts an independent inspection for this type of rainwater tank installation 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.