Eligibility

Are the rebates available to businesses?
No, the rebates are available to residential properties only.

I am not on SA Water mains supply, can I still get a rebate?
Yes, even if you are not an SA Water customer you are still eligible for the rebates.

I am renting the property I live in, am I eligible for the rebates?
Rebates are available to both homeowners and tenants. However, for showerheads, dual flush toilets, rainwater tank plumbing rebates, hot water re-circulators, pool/spa covers or Home Water Audits, tenants need to provide a written letter of permission from their landlord with their application.

I am not a South Australian resident, am I eligible to apply for the rebates?
The rebate scheme relates only to South Australian properties and residents of South Australian properties. If you own a property in South Australia but do not reside in SA, you can only claim for those items that are fixed in the property [eg Toilet Suites and shower heads].

Can I apply for the rebates for my holiday home?
Yes, but check the terms and conditions. In most cases, rebates are available per property or person.

How many times can I claim the rebate?
You will need to check the terms and conditions for each rebate.

Here’s a snapshot:-

• Up to 3 showerhead rebates per property [lifetime of rebate scheme – 3 years]
• Up to 3 dual flush toilet rebates per property [lifetime of rebate scheme – 3 years]
• Only 1 washing machine rebate per person
• Only 1 garden good rebate per property per financial year
• Once off Home water audit rebate per property
• Only 1 pool/spa cover and roller rebate per property
• Only 1 hot water re-circulator rebate per property

Can not-for-profit and charitable organisations apply for a rebate?
Organisations registered as not-for-profit organisations under the South Australian Associations Incorporated Act 1985 may be eligible for rebates on washing machines, dual flush toilets, low flow shower heads or hot water re-circulators. There is no limit on the number of allowable items that can be installed and claimed for at a property used by a not for profit organisation.

To qualify organisations will need to provide to SA Water evidence that they are incorporated under the provisions of the Associations Incorporation Act 1985. This will require a copy of the certificate of incorporation provided by the Office of Consumer and Business Affairs at the time of incorporation. Alternatively, a duplicate certificate can be obtained from the Office of Consumer and Business Affairs for a nominal fee. Customers should attach this evidence with their rebate application form.

Can developers or agents access rebates on homeowner’s behalf?
No. Rebates are not available to strata companies or managing agents, commercial home builders or land developers. The homeowner or resident must be the applicant.

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Application

Where can I get an application form?
Application forms are available on the SA Water website or in some instances forms may be available where products can be purchased. Alternatively one can be posted, emailed or faxed to you.

How do I apply for a rebate?
Simply fill out the application form, attach original receipts and any other requirements (eg plumbing certificates) and mail to SA Water Rebates GPO Box 1751, ADELAIDE 5001. SA Water does not accept certified receipts (signed by a Justice of the Peace) in lieu of original receipts.

I have lost the original receipt, am I still eligible to apply?
SA Water requires proof of purchase to process any applications. Please call the Water Rebates Hotline on 1800 130 952 to discuss alternative arrangements.

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Claims

How will I receive my rebate?
You can choose to have your rebate amount credited to your SA Water account or a cheque or EFT payment can be arranged. See application forms for more details.

How long will it take to receive my rebate? 
If you have completed all necessary requirements for the application, in most cases processing takes approximately 30 days for EFT or cheque payments [up to 60 days for rainwater tank rebates]. If you choose to have the rebate credited to your account you should see the credit amount on your next quarterly SA Water account.

I do not have an SA Water account, how will the rebate be issued?
An EFT payment or cheque may be arranged.

I purchased the item before 1 November 2007, can I get a rebate?
No, rebates are only available for items purchased on or after 1 November 2007 except for rainwater tanks (see rainwater tank date eligibility).

Rebates are now available on hot water re-circulators and pool/spa covers purchased on or after 28 September 2009.


I have purchased the product using lay-by, am I eligible to apply for a rebate?
For products purchased through lay-by the rebate is available only if the final payment has been made on or after 1 November 2007. In the case of hot water re-circulators or pool/spa covers the final payment must have been made on or after 28 September 2009. 

To be eligible for a rebate, does the product need to be new?
Rebates are not available for rented, leased or hired products. Second-hand washing machines may be eligible for a rebate if all the terms and conditions shown on the application form are met.

Can I claim a rebate if the purchase is part of an insurance claim? (eg new washing machine)
No. Products that form part or all of an insurance claim are not eligible for rebates.

If I provide SA Water with the original receipt, do I get it back?
No. It is the applicant’s responsibility to make their own copy for personal records, as original receipts will not be returned.


How does SA Water know if I have installed items such as showerheads?
SA Water reserves the right to conduct field inspections to verify your claim. In the event an applicant is found to be in breach of these terms and conditions, the rebate amount will need to be repaid to SA Water.

What does SA Water use the information in the forms for?
Information provided on application forms may be used to measure and monitor the success of the scheme. When you sign a rebate application form, you consent to and recognise that SA Water may contact them to conduct research about the products purchased.

Applicants personal information will only be used or disclosed for purposes relating to the H2OME Rebate Scheme in accordance with the State Government Information Privacy Principles. If you wish to update or access the information that we hold about you, please contact us.

General

Which products do I need to use a plumber for?
A licensed plumber is required to plumb rainwater tanks and dual flush toilets and hot water re-circulators. A licensed plumber is also required to be engaged when completing a Home Water Audit.

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Showerheads

How many showerhead rebates can I claim?
SA Water will pay rebates for up to three replacement showerheads in a residential property to a maximum of $30 for each showerhead over the lifetime of the rebate scheme [3 years]

When buying a showerhead, what information needs to be on the receipt?
The original tax invoice or receipt, stating the date and place of purchase, make and model of showerhead purchased, receipt number and store ABN, and showing payment in full, is required to receive the rebate.

What kind of showerhead do I need to purchase to claim the rebate?
The showerhead must feature a WELS rating of at least 3 stars or more to be eligible for the rebate. WELS is Australia’s national mandatory water efficiency labelling scheme. For more information about the WELS scheme visit www.waterrating.gov.au

The showerhead must also carry a WaterMark approval. All plumbing products that are installed and connected to SA Water supply must carry a WaterMark approval. The WaterMark certifies that the product complies with Australian Standards and it helps consumers to be confident that the product they are buying is of a high standard. To find out more visit www.watermark.standards.org.au.

The low-flow showerhead doesn’t work very well. What should I do?
The applicant must ensure advice has been taken to ensure suitability of the showerhead for their purposes. Low-flow showerheads can not be used with all plumbing systems. This is because these showerheads rely on mains water pressure to work, some instantaneous type and gravity-fed hot water systems are low pressure systems. If you have a low pressure hot water system you do not need a water efficient shower head as your hot water system is already water efficient.

Is there a minimum cost for showerheads? What if it costs less than $30?
There is no minimum cost. A rebate of up to $30 is allowed. If the purchase price is less than $30 a rebate of the actual purchase price will be issued.

Will my original receipt be returned?
No SA Water is unable to return origianl receipts. If is best to make a copy of the original receipt for your own records.

I am building a new house. Can I apply for the showerhead rebate?

Yes.

Does it matter if it is a wall mounted showerhead, or one on an arm?
No. As long as it meets the WELS 3 star rating. WELS is Australia’s national mandatory water efficiency and labelling standards. For more information about the WELS scheme visit www.waterrating.gov.au

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Dual Flush Toilets

Can I just replace the cistern and receive a rebate?
No, the rebate is for complete toilet suites which refers to the pan and cistern combination. Rebates are not available for replacement of the cistern only.

Why aren’t rebates available for cisterns only?
Some old style toilet pans are not suitable for use with 3 star rated cisterns and may not operate effectively

Why aren’t rebates available for just replacing the pan?
Replacing the pan only will not save water as you would still be using the same amount of water from the old single-flush cistern.

How many toilet rebates can I claim?
SA Water will pay up to three rebates over the life of the rebate scheme [3 years] per replacement toilet suite in a residential property to a maximum of $150 per replaced toilet suite.

I am renovating and adding a new ensuite, can I claim the toilet rebate?
This is a retrofitting rebate. To be eligible the applicant must be replacing an existing toilet suite with either a single flush or a flushing capacity greater than 6 litre full flush and 3 litre half flush. A detailed plumber’s invoice must be provided including details of the toilet suite which was replaced.

What does the toilet rebate cover and does it include plumbing costs?
The rebate covers cost of the toilet suite and plumbing costs for installation. The toilet suite must be installed by a licensed plumber and the application must be submitted with a SA Water Certificate of Compliance attached.

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Washing Machines

How many washing machine rebates can I apply for?
SA Water will only pay one rebate per person to a maximum of $200

Which washing machines does SA Water recommend?
SA Water does not provide a list of recommended products. You should check the Water Efficiency Labelling (WELS) and ensure it has a minimum of 4.5 stars. It is your responsibility to seek advice on which washing machine best suits your needs.

Does it have to be a frontloading washing machine to get a rebate?
As long as it has a minimum 4.5 star WELS rating it can be either a top or front loading machine.

Can I get a rebate for a washer/condenser dryer combination machine?
Yes, if the machine has a minimum 4.5 star WELS rating. 


Why was the WELS rating increased from 4 to 4.5 stars?
As part of Water for Good - the State government plan to secure our water supply until 2050, the decision was made to increase the WELS rating from 4 to 4.5 stars.

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Garden Goods

What goods are eligible for a garden goods rebate?

• Organic mulch or compost
• Soil wetting agents
• Soil moisture sensors or rain sensors
• Compost bins
• Tap timers
• Electronic watering system controllers
• Smart Approved WaterMark products designed to concentrate water at the root base for plants and trees (such as the GreenWell product).
• Drip irrigation systems and components (including hoses, connectors, fittings and outlets required for making up the system). Outlets must not exceed the maximum flow rate of 0.5 litre/minute
• Rainwater diverters

Drip System definition

Drip-feed irrigation system – an irrigation system (including a micro-spray system) that delivers water to plants in drops or other small quantities by means of underground or surface pipes or tubes.
Micro-jet system – an irrigation system that delivers water through water-misting spray heads at a flow rate of not more than 0.5 litres of water per minute per outlet.

SA Water considers that drip irrigation systems include:

• Irrigation systems using drippers which efficiently deliver a measured quantity of water for each plant
• Buried micro-porous soaker hoses
• Micromist sprays (please use in sheltered areas only).

(Please note: - above ground soaker hoses with punched holes are considered as long sprinklers and are not considered as a dripper).

Rainwater diverters - enables household use of rainwater that would otherwise be lost to stormwater. Rainwater diverters can be installed on the outlet of a rainwater tank or downpipes around the home that are not connect to the rainwater tank system.

Can the cost of installation of garden goods [such as a dripper system] be claimed as part of the rebate?
Yes, as long as the receipt is itemised and the goods being installed meet all eligibility criteria.

How often can I claim the garden goods rebate?
One garden goods rebate per property per financial year.

Do I have to spend a minimum or maximum amount in one transaction?
No, simply collect your receipts for up to two years. A minimum of $150 must be spent on the purchase of eligible garden good and a rebate of 40% will be paid on the overall expenditure. A maximum of rebate of $100 will be paid. Receipts can be collected over two years however, you cannot use receipts from a previous financial year in which you have been paid a rebate.

Are decorative rocks included as a type of mulch?
No, decorative rocks, stones or scoria are not included. These will retain heat and can have a drying effect on the soil.

Can I claim irrigation components as part of the garden goods rebate?
From 1/2/08 drip systems and allowable components and electronic watering system controllers may be claimed. Soil moisture sensors and rain sensors are included. These are switching devices which can be attached to an automatic system.

What is a soil moisture or rain sensor?
A device attached to your garden irrigation system to sense rain and or soil moisture. It automatically stops the system from operating in wet or rainy conditions. Hand held moisture sensors that can be stuck in the ground and indicate moisture levels but are not connected to the watering system cannot be claimed as part of this rebate scheme.

What is mulch?
Mulch is a garden insulator that retains water and includes organic material. Common types of mulch include pea straw, hay or bark chip.

What is a soil wetting agent?
Crystals or liquid that are mixed with soil to retain its water content.

Which types of soil wetting agents are eligible for a rebate?
Soil wetting agents can include crystals, liquid or granules.

If I have a water efficient product that needs to be watered in (eg with a hose), can I go ahead and do this?
Eligible garden goods must always be used in conjunction the current water restrictions for your area.

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Home Water Audits

How do I organise a home water audit?
Phone the SA Water Rebates Hotline on 1800 130 952, answer a few simple questions and wait for your information pack to arrive in the post along with the showerheads. Phone your local plumber to request a quote and arrange an audit. Once the audit is complete fill in and return your rebate application (enclosed with your information pack).

Can you recommend a plumber?
SA Water cannot recommend individual plumbers. The Plumbing Industry Association however does have an up to date list of plumbers who specialise in water efficiency work. They refer to these specialists as “Eco Smart Plumbers”. For more visit the Plumbing Industry Association SA Inc website at http://www.piasa.com.au/


My plumber doesn't know anything about the audit. Who can do it?
The Home Water Audit is new to South Australian plumbers, and for many plumbers the audit checklist and process will be new. However, most plumbers will be able to undertake these tasks easily. Please ask your plumber to contact SA Water for more information.

Can I engage the plumber to do other work while doing the audit?
To receive the rebate, the plumber must include an itemised receipt. Any work undertaken by the plumber before, during, or after the audit is at your discretion. The rebate covers the cost of the audit only.

If a dual flush toilet is being retrofitted in addition to the audit, this amount can also be claimed. The itemised receipt will need to be provided in accordance with the terms and conditions for the dual flush toilet rebate.

How much water will I save?
Potential water savings can be made depending on your property and the water efficiency of your current plumbing. Generally there are quite significant savings which can be made in older houses if plumbing checks haven’t been undertaken for some period. Newer houses will often have more up to date fixtures in terms of water efficiency.

Predicted water savings from installing a low-flow showerhead can amount to 122 304L per year, if you replace a 30 litre per minute showerhead with a 9 litre per minute, and the average shower time is 8 minutes (based on an estimated 14 showers per week).

What is included in the audit?

• A report on the condition and water efficiency of your plumbing
• The convenience of using any licensed plumber of your choice
• Up to 2 free (3 star WELS rated) low-flow showerheads or flow limiting devices supplied and installed

How much might this service cost?
Please request a quote from your plumber prior to arranging an audit. An estimated cost for this service is between $150 and $200 depending on the size of your property.

How long will the audit take?
Depending on the size of your property and the devices being installed, the audit should take between 1-2 hours.

How do I receive the rebate?
The plumber will fill out a checklist during the audit and leave this for you to keep for your records. Alternately the plumber may wish to take this document away with them and they will return a copy to you in the mail.

You now need to fill in and return your rebate application to SA Water, ensure that the plumber signs their section of this form and includes their licence number and contact details. Please ensure that the original plumber’s invoice is also attached and a letter from the property owner if you are renting.

You can choose to have your rebate amount credited to your SA Water account, or a cheque or EFT payment can be arranged. Once your application has been processed you will receive your $100 rebate ($110 for regional areas).

Why do regional areas receive $10 more for home water audits?
This extra $10 recognises that it can be harder to access plumbing services in regional areas (eg increased call out fees due to distance).

I live just outside the metropolitan area, do I get $100 or $110?
When processing your rebate, SA Water uses its regional boundaries to determine which rebate fee applies.

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Swimming Pool/Spa Cover and Rollers

Can I claim a rebate on pool or spa goods that will help to conserve water?
A rebate of $200 is available for the purchase of a pool or swimming pool cover or cover roller.


How many pool/spa rebates can I claim?
You can claim one pool/spa rebate of $200 per property.


What documentation does SA Water require as proof of when my pool/spa were constructed?
You must attached a copy of the approval from your local council or from the company that installed your pool/spa to the rebate application form.


What types of pool/spa covers are applicable for a rebate?
The pool/spa cover must be a Smart Approved WaterMark product and be a minimum 400 micron, UV stabilised.  


How will SA Water know if I have installed and using my pool/spa cover?
SA Water reserves the right to conduct random audits on properties that have been paid a rebate to verify claims. If an applicant is discovered to be in breach of the terms and conditions of the rebate, the rebate paid must be repaid to SA Water.


Are second hand or pre-owned pool/spa covers eligible for the rebate?
No rebates are not available for rented, leased or hired products.


What size of pool/spa cover is eligible for a rebate?
The cover must be equal to or greater than the area of the pool/spa to be eligible for a rebate. If a spa is attached to the pool, both the pool and spa must have a cover.


Can I apply for a rebate for an inflatable or non-permanent pool/spa?
No, rebates are only available for fixed pools and spas.


Can I get a rebate if my pool/spa was constructed after 23 October 2006?
Pool/spa covers became compulsory under level 2 water restrictions in South Australia from 23 October 2006. A permit to fill a pool/spa would not have been granted unless a proof of purchase of a pool/spa cover had been purchased.


Why aren't liquid pool/spa covers eligible for a rebate?
The pool/spa cover must be a Smart Approved WaterMark product and be a minimum 400 micron, UV stabilised.  

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Hot Water Re-Circulator

What is a hot water re-circulator?
A hot water re-circulator is a device that saves cold water in the hot pipes by diverting the water back into the hot water system or cold water plumbing. A re-circulator reduces water wastage by allowing the water to be used within the home.


Where does the hot water re-circulator need to be fitted?
Hot water re-circulators must be connected to the entire heated water system inside your home.


How many hot water re-circulators can I claim?
On one hot water re-circulator per property is eligible for a rebate.


What does the rebate cover?
A rebate of up to $150 per property is available to cover the cost of a hot water recirculator. The rebate does not include the cost of installation by a licensed plumber.


Can tenants apply for this rebate?
Tenants must supply written permission from their landlord with an application to be eligible for this rebate.


Why can't I claim a rebate if a hot water re-circulator is connected externally?
Greater water savings are achieved if the water is re-used within the home.

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