Rainwater Tank Rebate

What is it?

The ACT Government offers rebates for the installation of eligible rainwater tanks with a connection to plumbing inside the home (for example to the toilet or washing machine).

Where there is an existing rainwater tank, the ACT Government offers a rebate on the cost of connecting it to plumbing inside the home.

Who can apply?

ACT residential property owners can apply for a rebate on the supply, installation and internal plumbing connection of a rainwater tank at a residential property connected to ACTEW Corporation’s water supply network.

For the other conditions you will also need to satisfy before being eligible for a rebate, including planning, building and plumbing approvals, see the full rebate terms and conditions on the back of the application forms:

• Rainwater Tank Rebate application form  ( 148 kB)
• Internal Connection Rebate (for Existing Rainwater Tanks) application form  ( 135 kB)

Properties which are not eligible for rebates

Developments 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 are not eligible for rebates. 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.

How much is the ACT Government 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:

For installations 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 washing machine) is $600.

How do I access the ACT Government rebate?

Rainwater Tank with Internal Connection Rebate

Submit a completed application form  ( 148 kB), 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'. This Minor Works notice must be provided to you by the licensed plumbing contractor on completion of the plumbing.

Internal Connection (only) Rebate - for existing tanks

Submit a completed application form  ( 135 kB), with a copy of the official payment receipt for the installation and a copy of the 'Notification and Certificate of Compliance for Minor Works'. This Minor Works notice must be provided to you by the licensed plumbing contractor on completion of the plumbing.

Are there any Australian Government rebates?

On 10 May 2011, the Australian Government announced it will no longer be providing rebates for rainwater tanks or greywater systems under its National Rainwater and Greywater Initiative.

Find out more

It is important to consider the cost and benefits as they relate to your property before deciding to install a rainwater tank and internal plumbing. The ACT Government's Rainwater tank guidelines for residential properties in the ACT 
( 3.6 MB)  provides information to assist you.

For more information on the ACT Government's rainwater tank and internal connection rebates, call Canberra Connect on 13 22 81.