Residential customers » Saving water » Rebates for water-wise products

Rebates for water-wise products
"Living Victoria Water Rebate Program"

The Victorian Government offers rebates on certain water-saving products through the Living Victoria Water Rebate Program.

The rebates are administered by Barwon Water on behalf of the state government, and deducted from your Barwon Water bill.

Image of a man using a washing machine.

Water efficient washing machines are now eligible for rebates for a limited time.

Changes to the rebate program from 1 July 2011

The Victorian Government Living Victoria Water Rebate Program applies from 1 July 2011 – 30 June 2013. This program replaces the Water Smart Gardens and Homes rebate program.

The new rebate program now extends to small businesses (20 or less employees) and also covers new products, including washing machines and swimming pool covers. 

Under the new program, rainwater tanks must be connected to toilet(s) or the laundry to be eligible for a rebate.

PDF  Living Victoria Water Rebate Program brochure (PDF 1.5 MB)

PDF  Living Victoria Water Rebate Program application form (PDF 176 KB)

 

Washing machines: $150 rebate (new rebate, limited time only)

For new efficient clothes washers.

  • Must have at least a 5-star water rating.
  • Must have at least a 4-star energy rating.
  • Must be for personal, residential use (commercial applications are not eligible).
  • Must be installed and operational.
  • This rebate is only available for one year and expires 30 June 2012. Claims must be lodged by 30 September 2012. 
  • Limit 1 per property

 

Swimming pool covers and blankets: $200 rebate (new rebate)

For swimming pool covers with rollers or reels.

  • Must be purchased with a roller / reel to assist covering / uncovering the pool
  • Must be approved with the Smart Approved WaterMark
  • Must be UV stabilised and at least 400 microns (0.4 mm) thick.
  • Must cover the whole pool.
  • Must be installed and operational.
  • Spa covers are not eligible.
  • Limit 1 per property

   

Dual-flush toilets: $100 rebate

For replacing a single-flush toilet or upgrading a less efficient dual-flush toilet

  • Must have at least a 3-star water rating.
  • Must use 6 litres (or less) on full-flush and 3 litres (or less) on half-flush.
  • Must be installed by a licensed plumber.
  • Replacement only, new houses not eligible.
  • Limit 1 per property.

 

Hot water recirculator: $150 rebate

A device that saves cold water in hot water pipes by diverting it back to hot water system.

  • Systems for directing water to rainwater tanks or outside are not eligible.
  • Must be installed by a licensed plumber.
  • A Plumbing Industry Commission (PIC) certificate may be required if product and works exceed $750.
  • Limit 1 per property.

 

3-star water efficient showerhead: $10–$20 rebate

A 3-star showerhead uses 9 litres of water or less per minute.

  • $10 rebate for showerheads $30–$99.99
  • $20 rebate for showerheads over $100
  • Limit 2 per property

Internal link  See also our free showerhead exchange

 

Water conservation audit: $50 rebate

A water audit to assess how your household can save water.

  • Limit 1 per property.

Internal link  See also our WaterSecure Home audit and retrofit

 

Permanent greywater system: $500 rebate

A permanent system that recycles waste water from bathrooms and laundries for use on the garden.

  • Must include sub-surface irrigation.
  • Must be permanently installed and provide overflow to sewer or septic tank.
  • Must be installed by a licensed plumber.
  • A Plumbing Industry Commission (PIC) is required.
  • Must not store untreated greywater for more than 24 hours.
  • Blackwater systems not eligible.
  • Limit 1 per property.

 

Rainwater tanks: $500–$1000 rebate

Rainwater tanks 2000–3999 litres are eligible for a $500 rebate, when connected to toilet(s) and/or laundry.

Rainwater tanks 4000 litres and over are eligible for a $900 rebate, when connected to toilet(s) or laundry.

Rainwater tanks 4000 litres and over are eligible for a $1000 rebate, when connected to toilet(s) and laundry.

  • Must be installed by a licensed plumber.
  • Tanks must be designed and manufactured to the relevant Australian Standard. Tanks must be certified to the standards before 1 July 2012.
  • Installation must meet National Construction Code and relevant council requirements.
  • A Plumbing Industry Commission (PIC) certificate may be required if product and works exceed $750.
  • New houses (recieved a building permit after 30 June 2005) are not eligible.
  • Multiple tanks installed and connected together are eligible (e.g. two 1000 litre tanks is considered equivalent to a 2000 litre tank)
  • Limit 1 per property.

 

Rainwater tank to toilet/laundry connection: $200 rebate

This rebate is available for new toilet/laundry connections from existing rainwater tanks (not previously connected to toilets/laundry).

  • Applied to rainwater tanks 2000 litres and over
  • Must be installed by a licensed plumber.
  • Limit 1 per property.
  • This rebate is only for new connections to existing rainwater tanks. It cannot be claimed "on top of" the rainwater tank rebate, above.

 

Basket offer: $30 rebate

A $30 rebate is available for the purchase of 1 or more of the following products, with a combined value of $100 or more. You can claim the basket offer once per calendar year.

  • Mulch
  • Compost/mulch bin
  • Flow interrupters for toilets
  • Shower timers
  • Rainwater diverter
  • Trigger nozzle
  • Moisture/rain sensor
  • Temporary greywater diverter
  • Garden tap timer
  • Waterless car cleaning products
  • Drip watering system
  • Soaker hose

   

 

Rebates for residents not connected to Barwon Water's supply network

The Victorian Government Living Victoria Water Rebate Program is also open to residents not connected to reticulated water (ie: mains water, or "town" water).

These rebates are administered by the Department of Sustainability and Environment. They are not administered by Barwon Water.

PDF  Living Victoria Water Rebate Program (self supplied water) application form PDF 169 KB

 

 

Rebates for small businesses

The Victorian Government Living Victoria Water Rebate Program is now extended to small businesses (those with 20 employees or less).

Eligible businesses can claim up to 50% of the cost of eligible water-wise products (up to a maximum rebate of $2000).

A wide range of products attact rebates, including rainwater tanks, washing machines, dishwashers, dual-flush toilets, urinals, greywater systems, wok stoves, spray nozzles, data loggers, flow control valves and more.  

Internal link   More on rebates for small businesses

 


Page last updated Tuesday 11 October 2011

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