Australian households will be eligible for a rebate of up to $500 each for the purchase of a rainwater tank or a greywater system under a new Rudd Government program.

Minister for Climate Change and Water, Senator Penny Wong, joined the Member for Bennelong, Maxine McKew, in Eastwood New South Wales today to launch the National Rainwater and Greywater Initiative.

“The $250 million National Rainwater and Greywater Initiative delivers on an election commitment to help households save precious drinking water,” Senator Wong said.

“From today, Australian householders will be eligible for a rebate of up to $500 to help them save water at home.

“Through this initiative, households will receive financial support to install rainwater tanks or greywater systems, which will reduce the use of drinking water.”

Senator Wong said rainwater tanks were currently used by only a small minority of urban Australian households.

“The only exception is Adelaide where 40 per cent of households have rainwater tanks – but the average is less than 10 per cent for other capital cities.”

Ms McKew said the National Rainwater and Greywater Initiative formed part of the Australian Government’s $12.9 billion Water for the Future program which aims to secure our long-term water supplies.

“A key priority under Water for the Future is using water wisely and householders have a major part to play in improving water efficiency and adapting to climate change,” Ms McKew said.

“I encourage all householders in Bennelong and elsewhere who don’t yet have a rainwater tank or greywater system to consider this rebate and help conserve our precious water resources.”

Rebates are available for the purchase and installation of a new rainwater tank which is connected for internal re-use of the water for toilet and/or laundry use or the purchase and installation of a permanent greywater treatment system.

A $400 rebate is available for a 2,000-3,999 litre tank and a $500 rebate is available for a tank greater than 4,000 litres.

The guidelines and application form for the National Rainwater and Greywater Initiative are available from www.environment.gov.au/water or by calling 1800 808 571.