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Rainwater Tank Rebate Program

By capturing rainwater run-off from your roof, rainwater tanks can provide a valuable water source to flush toilets, wash clothes, water gardens and wash cars. Using rainwater can save you money and help the environment.


Sydney Water offers a rebate of up to $1,500 to residential, commercial and industrial customers who install a rainwater tank.

You can get a rebate of up to $1,500 depending on:

A special Rainwater Tanks in Schools Rebate Program is available for schools.


How much is the rebate?

There are two parts to the rebate:

  1. A tank capacity rebate - for the size of your rainwater tank
  2. An internal connection rebate - for connecting your rainwater tank to a toilet(s) and/or washing machine.

Tank(s) capacity Rebate
2,000 - 3,999 litres $150
4,000 - 6,999 litres $400
7,000 litres and above $500
Internal connections  
Rainwater tank connected by a plumber to toilet(s) Additional $500
Rainwater tank connected by a plumber to a washing machine Additional $500

Note - The total rebate cannot be more than the total cost of the tank and installation.


How do I qualify for a rebate?

To qualify for the rebate you must be able to answer 'yes' to all the questions below.

Checklist a (Yes)
Are you a Sydney Water customer?  
Was the tank(s) paid for in full and installed between 1 July 2007 and 30 June 2009?**  
The property has not received a Rainwater Tank Rebate in the past?  
Does the tank(s) have a minimum total capacity of 2,000 litres?  
Where there are multiple tanks installed, they are they located on the same property?  
The tank(s) is used solely for the collection and storage of rainwater for use on the site (rainwater is water collected from roof guttering and downpipes)? Refer to Installation Requirements.  
Does the tank(s) meet all relevant standards, building codes, backflow prevention, Sydney Water and local council requirements?  
Is the tank(s) is covered by a minimum 12 month warranty?  
Has all the associated plumbing work has been completed by a licensed plumber?  
There has been no requirement by BASIX to install a rainwater tank?  

Read the full set of terms and conditions (PDF - 48KB) .


How do I apply for the rebate?

Once your rainwater tank has been installed and any plumbing work completed by your licensed plumber, you are ready to apply for your rebate:

Step 1 - Read the terms and conditions (PDF - 48KB) of the rebate offer.

Step 2 - Complete an Application for a Rainwater Tank Rebate (PDF - 64KB) . Please phone 13 20 92 if you need a form sent to you.

If you have had plumbing work done, your plumber will need to fill in section 3 of the application form.

Step 3 - Attach all original receipts for the tank and any installation and plumbing work to the application form.

Step 4 - Send your completed application form and original receipts to:

Sydney Water Rainwater Tank Rebate Program
PO Box 17
Wollongong NSW 2520

How long is the rebate available for?

The rebate is available until 30 June 2010.

**If you bought and installed a rainwater tank between 20 October 2002 and 30 June 2007, you are eligible for the previous rebate amount of up to $800.

On 1 July 2007, the amount for internal connections increased.

Applicants who installed a rainwater tank before 1 July 2007 and connected their tank(s) to a washing machine and/or toilet may be entitled to the previous rebate.

Provided you have met all other terms and conditions of the rebate program, you are eligible for the following rebate amounts: (Note that the tank capacity rebate is still the same)

Purchase date Connection Rebate amount
20/10/2002 to 18/10/2006 Toilet and/or Washing Machine $150.00
19/10/2006 to 30/06/2007 Toilet and/or Washing Machine $300.00

When will I get my rebate?

Sydney Water will send your rebate cheque within 60 days of receiving the completed application form and receipt(s) for the tank and installation. We will need to verify your application details first.


Will Sydney Water charge me for having a rainwater tank?

No. Sydney Water will not charge you now, or in the future, for the use of your rainwater tank.