Australian Government is giving a $500 rebate for installing a rainwater tank.

To help save water and more importantly your water bill, the federal government has introduced the National Rainwater and Greywater Initiative to give you a $500 rebate on the purchase of a new rain water tank. Apply before the 31st of March 2014.

Save on your monthly water bill
We all know that cost of water is getting out of hand, one way you can help save on your water bill is to store  your own water in a rainwater tank. Not only will you save money you can help save the environment by drinking one of the best sources of water going around, rainwater.

National rainwater and greywater initiative
The national rainwater and greywater initiative was created by the Federal Government to help ease the pressures of low water supply in Australia along with helping Australian’s through tough economic times.

In order to receive the grant you need meet to following criteria

1. Be the owner of the dwelling where the rainwater tank/s or greywater system has been installed;
2. Be the purchaser of the rainwater tank/s or greywater system; and
3. Submit the completed Application Form and a copy of the proof of purchase (please see examples of acceptable proofs of purchase listed in the definitions section) within six (6) months of the date of purchase of the rainwater tank/s or greywater system.
4. The dwelling where the rainwater tank/s or greywater system has been installed will only be eligible for one (1) rebate payment over the life of the program and must:
5. Be an existing dwelling at the time of installation (not under construction or significant renovation);
6. Not have had a rebate claimed through this program before;
7. Be a principal place of residence that is not owned by a government authority; and be connected to mains water supply (as defined in definitions section).

The rainwater tank/s or greywater system must:

1. Be installed by a licensed plumber;
2. Be brand new (i.e. not second hand) and purchased after 30 January 2009;
3. Be plumbed in;
4. Meet relevant standards and government requirements such as local building restrictions and regulations;
5. Be fully operational;
6. Greywater systems need to be a greywater treatment system; and
7. Rainwater tank/s must have a minimum capacity of 2,000 litres.

Advantages of installing a rainwater tank

1. Help save the environment by using your own water supply created by the rain clouds
2. Drink clean fresh rainwater, some may argue that it is the best source of drinking water in the world
3. Get satisfaction in knowing that you have created something the not only saves you money but saves the environment
4. Consumer revenge on your local water company, breathe a little easier the next time you open up your water bill
5. Recycle greywater for the washing or toilet.

In summary
Installing a rainwater or greywater tank will give you peace of mind,  knowing that are doing something to help the Australian environment, and ease the burden of a hefty water bill. We understand that a rainwater or greywater tank is not for every Australian, however if  you are one of those lucky Australians that owns their own property, why not give it a good old fashioned Australian go.

References

Ferederal Government of Australia

Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts

FIZONE – We Are Money