• Australia instituted Water for the Future to conserve water supplies.Western Australia image by Caroline Fahy from Fotolia.com
  
  The Australian government instituted the Water for the Future program to protect water supplies in the face of a drying climate and increased demand. There are several facets to this program, including handling climate change, securing future water supplies, conservation and healthy rivers. One specific component is a rebate and grant program for homeowners who purchase and install rainwater tanks. As part of the Water for the Future program, the National Rainwater and Greywater Initiative will grant $500 for rainwater tanks if certain conditions are met. Surf Life Saving Clubs were eligible for grants, but the application deadline for that component of the program has expired.
  
  

Household Rebates

• Households that purchase and install rainwater tanks are eligible for rebates of up to $500, depending upon the size and configuration of the system. The owners of existing principal residences who purchased tanks after 30 January 2009, are eligible; homes under construction are not.
  
  Tanks with a capacity of 2,000 to 3,999 litres of rainwater qualify for $400 rebates; tanks with 4,000 litres or more capacity qualify for $500 rebates. Homes must be connected to public water supplies. "Plumbing in," in which rainwater flows through internal plumbing pipes and is used for toilets and laundry, is required to improve yields. Studies have shown that tanks plumbed into homes yield 32% more rainwater than unconnected systems. Compliance with state and territory regulations is necessary. Applications are accepted until 31 March 2014.
  
  Household Rainwater/Greywater Rebate
  
  Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts
  
  GPO Box 787
  
  Canberra ACT 2601
  
  1800 218 478
  
  http://www.environment.gov.au/water/programs/nrgi/index.html#households
  
  

Surf Life Saving Club Rebates

• Surf Life Saving Clubs benefitted from rainwater tank grants.Life Guard House image by Shaelene Thompson from Fotolia.com
  
  Surf Life Saving Clubs were eligible for grants of up to $10,000 to install tanks and associated plumbing, guttering and down pipes to connect to the club to use for toilets and laundry. In 2009, the North Steyne Surf Life Saving Club's rainwater tanks decreased demand from the main water supply system by 24,000 litres.
  
  Household Rainwater/Greywater Rebate
  
  Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts
  
  GPO Box 787
  
  Canberra ACT 2601
  
  1800 218 478
  
  http://www.environment.gov.au/water/programs/nrgi/index.html#households
  
  

Greywater Treatment Systems

• Only homeowners can apply for principal residences; installers, renters and second homes are disqualified. However, installers and renters may encourage homeowners to apply for the rebates. One other type of rebate is also available for homeowners who purchase and install permanent greywater treatment systems, i.e., systems that collect wastewater from showers, baths, hand basins and laundries to treat with disinfectant for reuse in the same household system or for subsurface irrigation. Up to $500 is available for systems installed by licensed plumbers for principal residences.
  
  Household Rainwater/Greywater Rebate
  
  Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts
  
  GPO Box 787
  
  Canberra ACT 2601
  
  1800 218 478