Ipswich City Council

Home WaterWise Initiatives

The State Government recognises our region is currently experiencing the worst drought on record with dams at historic lows. For this reason, the Queensland Government has introduced a number of incentives to make water efficiency affordable for Queenslanders, ensuring we all play our part in ensuring a sustainable water future.

There are three such incentives available to eligible persons:

The Home WaterWise Service;
The Home WaterWise Rebate Scheme; and
The Home Garden WaterWise Rebate Scheme.

The Home Waterwise Service

Save Water, Save Money - Try the subsidised Home WaterWise Service now.

Ipswich Water, in conjunction with the Queensland Government and other local councils in South East Queensland (SEQ) has introduced the Home WaterWise Service to help fight the drought and ensure water conservation around the home is both easy and affordable.

The Home WaterWise Service is a subsidised service that sees a licensed plumber visiting your home to install a range of water efficient devices and provide advice on water saving strategies.

What can you receive?

If you live in one of the Home WaterWise Service's participating areas, you can receive:

a comprehensive water audit of your home and advice on how to save more water;
one new '3 Star' rated water-saving showerhead supplied and installed;
water efficient aerators on bathroom and kitchen taps supplied and installed;
up to three leaking taps fixed; and
additional information and advice on how to make your home more water efficient.

How much?

Normally, calling a plumber to install these devices would cost around $150, but the Home WaterWise Service costs just $20. Plus, there are further savings to be made. If you have more than one shower you want to update, under the Home WaterWise Service, each additional water efficient showerhead (up to an extra two) will cost only $30.

Installation of water efficient showerheads not only saves water but will significantly reduce hot water energy consumption. Residents could potentially save around $80 off their energy bills and reduce CO2 emissions by around 755kg per year.

The implementation of the Home WaterWise Service is aimed at saving South East Queenslanders approximately 21,000 litres per home per year.

Where can I find out more?

For more information, visit the Home WaterWise Service website or call the Home WaterWise Service on 1300 968 728.

The Home Waterwise Rebate Scheme

The Home WaterWise Rebate Scheme is one of Queensland Government's incentive packages designed to assist Queensland householders make their homes more water efficient - every drop is precious!

The scheme offers residents cash rebates for the purchase of water saving products, such as water efficient shower heads, dual flush toilets, washing machines, and rainwater tanks.

Under this scheme, SEQ residents can claim rebates for the following products purchased on or after 13 June 2006. Residents in the remainder of the State can claim rebates on products purchased on or after 16 August 2006:

$1000 for new rainwater tanks, including installation, pumps, diverters and slab;
$200 for a new 4-star (or better) water-rated clothes washing machine (one machine per household over lifetime of scheme);
$150 per suite for new dual-flush toilet suites, replacing existing single-flush toilets (max. 2);
50 per cent of purchase cost up to $200 (above-ground) or up to $500 (below-ground) to install a greywater system;
50 per cent of purchase price up to $30 per showerhead for a new 3-star (or better) showerhead (max. 3); and
$200 for a swimming pool cover and/or rollers (min. size applies).

You can claim a rebate from the Home WaterWise Rebate Scheme in addition to rebates offered by Council. However, the total rebate received for any item from both sources cannot exceed the combined purchase price and installation cost. In the case of swimming pool covers and/or rollers, the rebate cannot exceed 80 per cent of the total purchase price and cost of installation.

For more information, visit the WaterWise Rebate Schemes website, or call the Queensland Government Water Hotline on 1800 243 585.

The Home Garden Waterwise Rebate Scheme

The Home Garden WaterWise Rebate Scheme offers all Queensland householders rebates for defined garden products purchased on or between 18 December 2006 and 17 December 2008.

The Queensland Government is providing one-off 50 per cent rebates on the cost of approved plants and garden products, up to a $50 maximum.

Plants and products to qualify for the rebate include:

native and drought resistant plants lasting over one year (excludes annuals, seeds, vegetables, fruit trees, edible herbs and turf);
soils - for use in top dressing gardens;
organic and inorganic mulches (i.e. bark chips, sugar cane, small pebbles between 2mm-20mm in size);
kits or devices specifically designed for generating compost (i.e. compost bins and worm farms); and
water crystals and soil wetting agents for increasing soil water retention.

For more information, including eligibility and terms and conditions, visit the WaterWise Rebate Schemes website or call Queensland Government's Water Hotline on 1800 243 585.

How Do I Claim Home Waterwise Rebates?

For information on how to claim a Waterwise Rebate simply call the Queensland Government Water Hotline on 1800 243 585.

Alternatively, you can visit the Department of Natural Resources and Water (DNRW) website where you can download a number of fact sheets, terms and conditions as well as application forms.

Last Updated 23 Apr 2008 |

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