What is new about this rebate program?

Many products are the same as the previous Water Smart Gardens and Homes Rebate Scheme. Some significant changes are:

• Two new products that have been included.  These are 5 star water, 4 star energy washing machines and pool covers with a roller or reel for easy use.
• Residential rebates are now available to all residential Victorians, including those not connected to an urban reticulated supply (mains water).
• Rainwater tanks now only attract a rebate when they are connected to a toilet and/or laundry.
• All Rainwater tanks must now be designed and manufactured to the relevant Australian Standards to be eligible for a rebate under this scheme.  Rainwater tanks must also be certified to the relevant Australian Standards before 1 July 2012 to be eligible for a rebate after this date.

What are the products and rebates for homes and gardens?

The products are:

• Dual-flush toilet – $100
• Washing machine with 5 star water (WELS) and 4 star energy ratings – $150
• Pool cover with roller/reel – $200
• Water efficient showerhead – up to $20
• Permanent greywater system – $500
• Rainwater tanks meeting Australian Standards connected to toilet and/or laundry – $500-$1000
• Rainwater tank to toilet/laundry connection – $200
• Water conservation audit – $50
• Hot Water Re-circulator device – $150
• Basket of Goods – Rebate: $30 when $100 or more is spent

A licensed plumber must install all rainwater tanks, permanent greywater systems, hot water recirculators, dual-flush toilets and cisterns and tank to the toilet connections. Where required, a Plumbing Industry Commission (PIC) certificate must be supplied.

Eligibility

Who is eligible to claim a rebate?

Rebates are now available for households that are self-supplied (not connected to a reticulated water supply). This is in addition to households connected to an urban reticulated water supply and who have an account with a Victorian urban water supplier. The water suppliers are listed on the claim form.

Can a tenant of a property obtain a rebate for products under the rebate program?

Yes, the home and garden rebates are available for tenants of properties. If the tenant does not pay a water bill from one of the urban water suppliers, appropriate documentation showing proof of residency must be provided with the claim form. Please see terms and conditions on the back of the claim form for further information.

Are rural customers with water rights able to claim rebates?

Yes, the home and garden rebates are available for all residential households across Victoria. The same terms and conditions apply for a household which is self-supplied with water as those connected to a reticulated water supply. However, there is a separate claim form for those not supplied by an urban water supplier.

A licensed plumber must install all rainwater tanks, permanent greywater systems, hot water recirculators, dual-flush toilets and cisterns and tank to the toilet connections. Where required, a Plumbing Industry Commission (PIC) certificate must be supplied.

All Rainwater tanks must now be designed and manufactured to the relevant Australian Standards to be eligible for a rebate under this scheme.  Rainwater tanks must also be certified to the relevant Australian Standards before 1 July 2012 to be eligible for a rebate after this date.

Do pensioners and concession card holders get an extra discount?

No, there are currently no extra discounts on rebates for pensioners and concession card holders.

Do pensioners and concession card holders get assistance with the cost of a plumber?

No, but the Department of Human Services may be able to provide financial assistance. For further information, please contact the Concession Unit on 1800 658 521.

I own more than one property. Can I claim a rebate for the purchase of water saving goods for each of the properties?

Yes. Rebates are claimed per household as they are taken off the cost of the property's next water bill. Rebates can be claimed for each property either self-supplied or connected to an urban reticulated water supply.

Are people eligible for a rebate under the new program, if they received a rebate under the previous Water Smart Gardens and Homes Rebate Scheme?

No this program is a continuation of the old program. People cannot claim a rebate for any product that they have had a rebate for in the past. Rebates for the basket of goods can be claimed once per calendar year.

For example, if you had a washing machine rebate under the previous scheme, you cannot claim another rebate for a new washing machine.

General Questions

Who funds the rebate program?

The Living Victoria Water Rebate Program is funded by the Victorian Government through the Department of Sustainability and Environment. Your local water supplier is responsible for processing the rebate applications for their own customers. A central assessor will process the claims for self-supplied owners and tenants.

Is there a rebate scheme across Australia?

Rebate schemes vary from state to state. Please consult the relevant state water authority for further information.

On 10 May 2011 the Federal Government announced that rebates for rainwater tanks and greywater systems under the National Rainwater and Greywater Initiative will no longer be available. Rebates will still be available to householders that made a purchase on or before 10 May 2011, provided their rebate applications are submitted by 10 November 2011.

Where can I get more information?

Call 136 186 or your local water supplier.

How are rebates paid?

The rebates for most home and garden products will be provided to you as a credit on your next water bill(s). Rainwater tank rebates and permanent greywater system rebates can be paid to the customer as an EFT payment. Rebates for households that are self-supplied with water (not a reticulated water supply) will receive their rebate as an EFT payment.

What if the rebate is more than my water bill?

If the rebate is more than your water bill, your account will remain in credit. Depending on your water bill, it may take several bills to receive the total rebate amount.

How many rebates can I claim?

You can claim one rebate for each Core Product over the life of the scheme for each eligible property that you receive a water bill for (except for showerheads where two rebates can be claimed).

‘Core products’ include rainwater tanks, rainwater tank to toilet connection, large rainwater tank (including toilet and/or laundry connection), greywater systems, dual flush toilets and hot water recirculators.

For the $30 rebate on a $100 basket of goods, you can claim one rebate per calendar year for each eligible property.

When does the product need to be purchased and installed?

To be eligible to claim a rebate under the Living Victoria Water Rebate Program, the product needs to be purchased and installed between 1 July 2011 and 30 June 2013.

Is the special $100 rebate for efficient dual flush toilets continuing?

The Victorian Government has set a rebate of $100 for efficient dual flush toilets available for new replacement dual flush toilets purchased and installed from 1 July 2011 under the Living Victoria Water Rebate Program.

A licensed plumber must install all rainwater tanks, permanent greywater systems, hot water recirculators, dual-flush toilets and cisterns and tank to toilet connections. Where required, a Plumbing Industry Commission (PIC) certificate must be supplied.

Why are rebates on rainwater tanks only available if it is connected to the laundry or toilet?

Victoria has received considerable rainfall over the last few months, making it the perfect time to install a rainwater tank. With this rainfall and the easing of water restrictions, it also means that there is less of a need to use this water on the garden. Having a rainwater tank connected to the toilet or laundry triples the potential year round water savings.

Why are high-pressure cleaning devices not eligible?

High pressure cleaning devices are a good water saving alternative to using trigger nozzle hoses, but they are not one of the most commonly used items around the home. The rebate scheme offers rebates for products that will provide the biggest water savings for households.

Do lay-by goods qualify for the rebate?

Yes, however you can only claim a rebate once the full amount of the lay-by has been paid off and original receipt(s) of your purchase must be submitted with your rebate application. A rebate can only be paid once the product is installed in the home.

What happens if I return a product for which I've already claimed a rebate?

You should advise your water supplier and the water supplier will reverse the rebate on your water bill.

Product Information

Rainwater Tanks

What rebates are available for rainwater tanks?

Rebates of up to $1,000 are available for rainwater tanks under the program:

• Rainwater Tanks, 2000 - 3999 litre capacity, connected to toilet and/or laundry – $500
• Rainwater Tanks, 4000+ litre capacity, connected to toilet or laundry – $900
• Rainwater Tanks, 4000+ litre capacity, connected to toilet and laundry – $1000

Do I have to be connected to a reticulated water supply to be eligible for the rainwater tank rebate?

No. Residential rebates are now available to all residential Victorians, including those not connected to an urban reticulated supply (mains water). However rainwater tank rebates are now only available to tanks connected to the laundry or toilet.

Rainwater tanks must be designed and manufactured to the relevant Australian Standards to be eligible for a rebate under this scheme.  Rainwater tanks must be certified to the relevant Australian Standards before 1 July 2012 to be eligible for a rebate after this date.

What does the cost of a tank include?

The rebate is to help with the total costs of both purchasing and installing the tank and having it connected to your toilet and/or laundry by a licensed plumber. This cost includes all plumbing and associated works to install the tank.

How will my rainwater tank rebate be paid?

Customers will have a choice of receiving the rainwater tank rebates as a credit on their water bill or as an Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT). Your choice of payment must be selected on the application form and the relevant details provided.

How long do I have to install my rainwater tank once I have purchased the tank?

To claim a rainwater tank rebate the period between purchase and installation of the tank cannot be longer than 12 months.  All rainwater tank rebates are conditional on them being connected to a toilet and/or laundry.  All rainwater tanks must be installed by a licensed plumber and meet all of the terms and conditions provided on the back of the claim form to be eligible for a rebate.

All rebates for applicants on mains water will be paid as an EFT payment.

If I get six 1,000 tanks and connect them all to the toilet and laundry, do I get the $1,000 rebate?

Yes. As long as the total capacity is greater than 4000 litres for the $1,000 rebate and between 2,000 and 3,999 litres for the $500 rebate. This gives people greater flexibility to choose tanks that suit their situation and the size of their property.

When do I need to use a plumber?

A licensed plumber must install all rainwater tanks, permanent greywater systems, hot water recirculators, dual-flush toilets and cisterns and tank to the toilet connections. Where required, a Plumbing Industry Commission (PIC) certificate  of compliance must be supplied.

The installation must also meet any relevant National Construction Code requirements and have the necessary council permit (where required). A council septic tank permit may also be required for some greywater systems. See terms and conditions for full details.

What is a PIC certificate?

A PIC certificate is a Plumbing Industry Commission certificate of compliance that is supplied by a licensed plumber. A PIC certificate must be included with the rebate application if the total value of the product, materials and associated plumbing is greater than $750. Ask your plumber to supply you with a PIC certificate on completion of works. For more information visit the Plumbing Industry Commission website.

Can I connect the tank to the toilet/laundry myself?

No. You must use a licensed plumber. You will be asked to provide the original tank receipt, plumber’s receipt or Plumbing Industry Certificate with your rebate application form.

Can I get my tank plumbing costs reimbursed?

The rebate is to help with the total costs of both purchasing and installing the tank and having it connected to your toilet and/or laundry by a licensed plumber.

I have already installed a 5,000 litre rainwater tank and received a $150 rebate. Can I now apply for the difference as part of the new program?

No, the program is not retrospective. However, a rebate may be available for a tank to toilet/laundry connection for the tank installed earlier, if it is now to be connected to the toilet and/or laundry. This rebate is $200 and the installation must be made by a licensed plumber.

Can I claim the tank rebate for a newly built house?

No. The tank rebates are not available to new houses that received a building permit after 30 June 2005.

The rainwater tank or rainwater tank to toilet rebate is only available to new houses that received a building permit for the house before 30 June 2005. Proof of the building permit issue date is required.

If I receive a rebate to install a rainwater tank, will I be charged a water supply fee?

No. The Government has no plans to introduce a water supply fee for rainwater or water collected in tanks.

Where a planning permit is required from your local Council, there may be a fee associated with obtaining this permit. Please contact your local Council to find out whether this is the case.

I already have a water tank installed. If I connect this to my toilet, how much can I claim?

You can claim a $200 rebate for the toilet connection provided that you meet all the terms and conditions.

Dual Flush Toilets

What rebate is available for water efficient dual flush toilets?

The rebate available for water efficient dual flush toilets is $100 for toilets purchased and installed from 1 July 2011 to 30 June 2013. The toilet must be a water efficient dual flush toilet of 6L/ 3L or better, and must have a WELS rating of 3 stars or better.

The rebate for a dual flush toilet is only available when replacing an existing single flush or less efficient dual flush toilet. 

The toilet or cistern must be installed by a licensed plumber. A licensed plumber must also issue a PIC Certificate of Compliance if the total cost of the toilet, materials and installation is $750 or greater.

How many toilet rebates can I claim?

A residential customer can claim one rebate for a water efficient dual flush toilet.

I am building a new house and installing dual flush toilets.  Can I claim a rebate?

No.  The rebate only applies where an existing single flush toilet or less efficient dual flush toilet is being replaced by a 3 star WELS rated, 3/6 litre (or better) dual flush toilet.

I am renovating my bathroom and replacing my single flush toilet with a dual flush toilet. Can I claim the rebate?

Yes, provided you have purchased and installed the new toilet within the eligible period. A licensed plumber must install dual-flush toilets and cisterns. Where required, a Plumbing Industry Commission (PIC) certificate must be supplied.

Washing Machines

What rebate is available for a new clothes washing machine?

The Living Victoria Water Rebate Program has introduced $150 rebates for 5 star water (WELS rated) and 4 star energy rated clothes washing machines.  These rebates will be in place for only one year, until 30 June 2012.  This rebate will be reviewed after that time.  All washing machine rebate claims must be lodged by 30 September 2012.

A clothes washing machine must be at least a 5 Star WELS rated and have an energy rating of at least 4 Star.  WELS is Australia’s national mandatory water efficiency and labelling standards. For more information about the WELS program visit www.waterrating.gov.au

The clothes washing machine must be purchased for personal residential household use within Victoria only and must not be resold or used for commercial applications.

The clothes washing machine must be purchased, installed and operational for the rebate to be claimed.

Why are rebates now available on washing machines?

Washing machines are one of the biggest water users in the house. Providing rebates on washing machines with a five star water rating makes it easier for people to upgrade to the most efficient models.

Can I get a rebate if I buy my washing machine on lay-by?

You can only claim a rebate once the full amount of the lay-by has been paid off and the washing machine has been delivered and installed.  The original receipt(s) of your purchase must be submitted with your rebate application.

Why are dishwashers not on offer under the rebate program?

While washing machines have been included in the new Living Victoria Water Rebate Program, dishwashers have not been included.

Dishwashers use a smaller amount of water per wash and thus water saving is greater with a clothes washing machine.  The selection of products has tried to make the best use of funds and at this stage washing machines provide the greatest potential savings. 

Permanent Greywater Systems

Can I get a rebate for a greywater system?

Yes, a $500 rebate is available for permanently installed systems that are connected to subsurface irrigation.  Evidence of the irrigation system must be provided with the claim for a permanent greywater system.

To be eligible it must be a permanent greywater system that is compliant with the Environment Protection Authority (EPA) publications, Greywater use around the home and Guidelines for environmental management: Code of practice – onsite wastewater management.  This rebate may be claimed where the product is installed in a new home.

Treatment type permanent greywater systems must be approved by the Victorian EPA and listed on the EPA website, and non-treatment systems must be assessed by DSE and listed at:

http://www.water.vic.gov.au/saving/home/greywater/rebates

Can a greywater system process blackwater?

Permanent greywater systems must not contain blackwater (water from a toilet or septic tank). The systems must also have the necessary Council permit (where required). A licensed plumber must make this installation.

If they do contain blackwater they are not eligible for a rebate.  Septic tank systems or upgrades to septic tank treatment systems are not eligible.

Make sure you read all the terms and conditions on the back of the claim form for full details.

Why is there no rebate for a tank to toilet connection for a grey water system?

Some treatment type greywater systems may be used to provide water to flush the toilet. Rebates for these systems would be given as greywater rebates and not tank to toilet connection rebates.  EPA approval is required for treatment type systems and approval from your local council may also be required if the treated greywater is to be used in the home.  Please check with your local council on this matter.

Hot water recirculators

Can I get a rebate for hot water recirculator?

Yes you can get a $150 rebate.  To be eligible for the rebate, the hot water recirculator must divert the cold water from the hot water pipes back to the household water-supply system.

An eligible hot water recirculator must not discharge to an external tank. 

The hot water recirculator rebate may be claimed where the product is installed in a new home.

A licensed plumber must install all hot water recirculators, Where required, a Plumbing Industry Commission (PIC) certificate must be supplied.

Swimming pool covers

What rebate is available for swimming pool covers?

You can get a rebate of $200 for a swimming pool cover with a roller or reel.

The pool cover must be purchased with a roller or device to assist with the covering/uncovering of the pool and be a Smart Approved WaterMark product.  Please refer to the Smart Approved WaterMark website, www.smartwatermark.org for further information.

The pool cover must also be a minimum of 400 microns thick and be UV stabilised.  The area of the pool cover must be equal to or greater than the area of the pool itself for it to be eligible for a rebate. Where there is a pool and spa in one, the cover must cover both to be eligible for a rebate.

A rebate for a pool cover is not payable until after the swimming pool is fully completed and operational.

Liquid pool covers are not an eligible product.

Solar blankets are eligible provided that they meet the criteria set out on the claim form.

Can I still get a rebate for a swimming pool cover if I already have an existing roller or reel installed?

You may be eligible to claim a $200 rebate, assuming all other terms and conditions are met.

Proof must be provided of an existing roller/reel installed and must be submitted as part of your rebate claim. Proof must be in the form of receipts for the purchase/installation of the roller/reel attached to the rebate application.

Where the receipt is unavailable, you will need to provide a picture of the roller with a signed declaration attached, to declare that the information provided is correct and that the roller/reel exists at the property where the pool cover is being claimed.

Can I get a rebate for a spa cover?

No, covers for spas are not eligible for this rebate.

Basket of Goods

What is in the ‘Basket of Goods’?

(Also refer to Special Basket Offer Rebate between 26 March and 30 June 2012)

The Basket of Goods is a variety of water saving products for the home and garden and may contain any combination of the following products for a $30 rebate when over $100 is spent on the items:

• Flow control valve/tap flow reduction devices (these are flow control devices)
• Mulch – extension of definition to include inorganic mulch (pebbles, scoria etc)
• Rainwater diverter
• Waterless carwash products
• Flow interrupter for toilets
• Shower timer
• Compost/mulch bin
• Wetting/moisture agent
• Moisture/rain sensor
• Trigger nozzle
• Drip water system/weep hose
• Garden tap timer
• Temporary Greywater Diverter

Only one $30 rebate on a basket of goods can be claimed each calendar year.  Once a claim has been made in a calendar year, no receipts from that year can be used in later years.

I am about to submit a claim for the basket of goods.  If the purchases are a combination of more than one calendar year, can I make a claim for the $30 rebate?

Yes and if a portion of the basket of goods is purchased in the previous year and you did not claim a rebate in the previous year you can use receipts from that year.  However, once a claim has been lodged in a calendar year, no further receipts from that year can be used for future claims.

How many basket offers can I claim?

Only one $30 rebate on a basket of goods can be claimed each calendar year.  Once a claim has been made in a calendar year, no receipts from that year can be used in later years.

(Also refer to Special Basket Offer Rebate between 26 March and 30 June 2012)

Special basket offer rebate

How many basket offers can I claim?

If you claim a special rebate offer between 26 March and 30 June 2012, you will be able to claim the special basket offer ($30 for a spend of $50) and the normal annual basket offer rebate ($30 for a spend of $100) during the 2012 calendar year.

You can claim one special rebate for purchases made between 26 March to 30 June 2012, inclusive. You can also claim the normal annual basket offer rebate in the 2012 calendar year, where you get $30 back when you spend $100 on eligible water saving products. That's one special basket offer rebate for purchases made during the offer period and one normal annual basket offer rebate for each property during 2012. So you could get two rebates in the 2012 calendar year only.

If I spend more than $50 during the “rebate special” period, can the expenditure over the $50 be used to claim the normal “basket offer” rebate?

If you make multiple purchases during the rebate special period, you need to include a minimum of $50 worth of receipts* (dated between 26 March and 30 June 2012) for eligible products to claim the special rebate.  Any receipts not used on the special rebate may go toward the normal "basket offer" where $100 or more must be spent on eligible products. 

* All items on a single receipt will be counted toward the rebate claim for which it is included.  A single receipt may NOT be used on more than one “basket offer” claim. 

Audits

Who does water conservation home audits?

The audits are performed by independent organisations that are a registered business.

Many plumbers and in particular, Green Plumbers can conduct the audits.  There are also professional organisations that specialise in water efficiency that may also perform the audits.  They are generally not done by the water corporations. 

Water audits can be either internal audits of a home or external audits that look at water use outside the home and in the garden.  Only one rebate may be claimed per eligible customer or household.

To claim the $50 rebate, customers need to send in a copy of the water audit report with their claim form and an original receipt from the professional who conducted the audit.