Get tanked - save on water bills

Reported by Susan Healy
Friday, December 31, 2010

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By Susan Hely,
Money Magazine, December 2010: Hot summer weather means big water bills. One way to cut bills is to install rainwater tanks which can save up to 40,000 litres per household per year. If rainfall is unreliable, why not consider a greywater system?

Greywater is the used water from your shower, bath, washing machine (usually the rinse cycle) and laundry sink. This water can be used to keep your garden alive and flush toilets.

You can qualify for generous federal government rebates of up to $500 for new rainwater tanks or greywater systems. In addition there are state government rebates from some governments. Some state rebates are double or triple the federal rebate, depending on the state.

Victoria and South Australia offer a maximum rebate of $1000 while NSW offers $1500. It’s based on the size of the tank - the bigger it is the larger the rebate.

Eligibility requirements specify that the tank must be connected to the toilet and/or laundry facilities by a licensed plumber. For federal rebates check up on the eligibility criteria at www.environment.gov.au and state government websites.

For more ways to boost your cash, see Money Best of the Best 2011. Money Magazine's Best of the Best 2011 issue is out now. Subscribe now.

23/05/2012 06:14Sydney, Australia. 23 May,2012
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