Rainwater Tank Rebate & Internal Connection (only) Rebate

The ACT Government offers rebates for the installation of eligible rainwater tanks with an internal plumbing connection to inside the home (for example to the toilet or washing machine) on properties connected to ACTEW Corporation's water supply network.

The program recognises that maximum benefits from installing a rainwater tank, in terms of water saving and stormwater protection, are generated when the tank water is used for internal purposes such as toilet flushing and clothes washing as well as for garden watering. This provides a way for tank water to replace mains water all year round - internally during cooler months when the garden doesn't need much water, and outside in the garden as well in warmer months - thereby increasing the amount of rainwater that can be harvested and used.

While there are no additional charges or taxes on the collection of rainwater, the ACT Government understands that initially there is a cost associated with plumbing the tank water to use inside the home, and that is why the rainwater tank rebate program specifically rewards those residents who are prepared to make that extra investment to maximise the water savings from the use of their tanks.

Properties which are not eligible rebates under the scheme
Development on blocks where rainwater tanks are proposed in order to satisfy lease and development conditions or requirements contained in the relevant Precinct, General or Development Codes (following the introduction of the new Territory Plan) are not eligible for rebates under this program. This generally includes all housing in new estates. Redeveloped blocks, extensions in excess of 50% of the original area and multi-unit developments where rainwater tanks are included in the development proposal for the dwelling or where they are proposed in order to satisfy a condition of development approval, do not qualify for a rebate.

You can obtain details of the lease and development conditions for your block from the ACT Planning and Land Authority's Lease and development conditions register search website , or by calling the Duty Planner on 6207 1923.

Rainwater Tank with Internal Connection Rebate

For installations completed on or after 1 February 2008, the rebate amounts applicable to new tanks with a plumbing connection to inside the home (e.g. to the toilet or washing machine) are as follows:

Total storage capacity	Rebate
2,000-3,999 litres	$  750
4,000-8,999 litres	$  900
9,000 litres or greater	$1000

To apply for a Rainwater Tank Rebate, submit a completed application form (   148KB), with a copy of the official payment receipt for the supply and installation of the tank(s) and a copy of the 'Notification and Certificate of Compliance for Minor Works', which must be provided to you by the licensed plumbing contractor on completion of the plumbing.

Internal Connection (only) Rebate - for existing tanks

For installation completed on or after 1 February 2008, the rebate for the installation of a plumbing connection (only) from an existing tank to inside the home (e.g. to the toilet or wasing machine) is $600.

To apply for the Internal Connection Rebate (for Existing Rainwater Tanks), submit a completed application form (  135KB), with a copy of the official payment receipt for the installation and a copy of the 'Notification and Certificate of Compliance for Minor Works', which must be provided to you by the licensed plumbing contractor on completion of the plumbing.

For more information about ACT Government rainwater tank rebates call 13 22 81.

Residents need to look at their particular circumstances when considering the cost and benefits of installing a rainwater tank and internal plumbing. The ACT Government's Rainwater tank guidelines for residential properties in the ACT    (  3.6MB) provides information to assist.