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Water rebates

Rebates, Free Exchanges & Toilet Replacement Assistance

1. Rebates

Rebates reduce the upfront expense of water saving measures, while exchanges enable you to access new water saving devices (showerheads and hose nozzles) at no cost.

Over the last decade a number of government rebate programs have operated at the State, and even Federal level occasionally, to encourage households to invest in water saving devices. 

Although the most recent Federal program (the National Rainwater and Greywater Initiative) has now ceased (as of May 2011), the State Government has recently re-vamped its rebate program and included rebates for Small Business.  The Victorian Government Living Victoria Water Rebate Program is available up until June 30, 2013.  The program is split into two categories – one for small business (20 or less employees) and the other for home and garden. 

The following is a list of items for which rebates can be sought:

1. Dual-flush toilet – $100.  The limit is one per property and is tied to replacement of a single flush toilet or less water efficient toilet.  The toilet must be installed by a licensed plumber.  The latest technology allows only 4.5 litres to be used in a full flush and 3 in a half flush and some have wash basins attached to the cistern that allows water from hand washing to fill the cistern. Assistance is also available from City West Water and Yarra Valley Water to help householders replace their old toilets with water efficient dual flush toilets (see further below).  
2. Washing machine with 5 star water (WELS) and 4 star energy ratings – $150.  This rebate is only available until 30 June 2012 and machines must be for domestic use.  All washing machine rebate claims must be lodged by 30 September 2012.   

Models listed below have been confirmed as having a minimum 5 star WELS and 4 star energy rating.  This listing is subject to change and will be periodically updated to reflect the current models on the market that are eligible for a rebate under the Living Victoria Water Rebate Program:

This listing has been developed using available water and energy ratings information and consultation with manufacturers and the listing is subject to change at any time. 

1. Pool cover with roller/reel – $200.  Covers must be a Smart Approved WaterMark product, 400 microns thick and UV stabilised. 
2. Water efficient showerhead – up to $20.  Efficient showerheads (3 Star rated) now use 9 litres per minute or less.  Some showerheads are more efficient again and use as little as 5.5 litres per minute.  See: A $10 rebate applies when the showerhead costs more than $30 but less than $100.  A $20 rebate applies if the showerhead costs $100 or more. 
3. Permanent greywater system – $500.  Applies to many permanent treatment and diversion systems and must:

• include suitable sub-surface irrigation
• be EPA compliant with Council septic tank permit if required (applies to treatment systems)
• be installed by a licensed plumber, provide overflow to sewer and not store untreated greywater for longer than 24 hours
• have a PIC certificate included.

For fiurther information, see the rebate section of the greywater part of this site. 

1. Rainwater tanks meeting Australian Standards connected to toilet and/or laundry – $500-$1000.  If a licensed plumber installs a rainwater tank sized between 2000 and 3999 litres and it is connected to laundry or toilet a $500 rebate is possible.  If you install a tank with a size upwards of 4000 litres connected to laundry or toilet you will be eligible for a $900 rebate.  If you install a tank with a size upwards of 4000 litres connected to both laundry and toilet a $1000 rebate is possible.  If you have an existing tank of 2000 or more which has not previously been connected to toilet or laundry and you install those connections you will be eligible for a $200 rebate. Click here for details. 
2. Water conservation audit – $50.  This is a service to assess where a household can save water and recommend products that could assist.  This may be an indoor or outdoor audit. 
3. Hot Water Re-circulator device – $150.  This is a device that saves cold water in the hot water pipes by diverting cold water back into the hot water system or cold water plumbing.  This reduces cold water wastage. Systems directing cold water to rainwater tanks or storage for outdoor use are not eligible. Works must be carried out by a licensed plumber. 
4. Basket of Goods – Only one rebate is available per customer per calendar year.  The rebate is $30 when $100 or more is spent.  Items in the basket include:

• Mulch
• Compost bin or mulch bin
• Wetting agent
• Flow interrupters for toilets - these stop the stop the flush as soon as the pressure on the flush button is released
• Shower timers
• Rainwater diverter – a device that diverts flow from downpipes to be used in a swimming pool or on a graden
• Trigger nozzle
• Garden tap timer
• Flow and control valve/tap and flow reduction device
• Soil moisture/rain sensor
• Temporary greywater diverter (see greywater section of this website)
• Waterless car cleaning products
• Drip watering system/weep hose.

Frequently asked questions about rebates.

2. Free Exchanges

Showerheads

In conjunction with City West Water, Council offers a free showerhead exchange program. Details of how to exchange your showerhead are available from the City West Water website.

Locations in the City of Yarra where shower heads can be exchanged are:

Trigger Nozzles

From April 2010 free trigger nozzles have been available to help Victorian gardeners save water.  Gardeners are able to exchange their old twist nozzles for a new water efficient trigger nozzles.  All people need to do is to bring their old twist nozzle to their local Water Saver Garden Centre. All Victorian households are required to have a trigger nozzle fitted to their hose when watering gardens.

The closest Water Saver Garden Centre to the City of Yarra is the Northcote Nursery, corner Victoria Road & South Cresent, Northcote – 9482 2997

3. Toilet Replacement Assistance

Both water retailers in the City of Yarra (City West Water and Yarra Valley Water for residents east of Merri Creek) have toilet replacement programs to encourage households to upgrade to a modern dual flush cistern possibly using as little as 4.5 litres for a full flush. 

These subsidised programs can save households money (up to 48% off a standard toilet replacement according to Yarra Valley Water) with the $100 rebate (see above) included in the price. 

City West Water's toilet replacement program

Yarra Valley Water toilet replacement program

Further information
David Taylor
Water Management Officer  
9205 5777
david.taylor@yarracity.vic.gov.au