Residential water rebates

An old, unrated shower can use 15 to 20 litres of water a minute. The 3-star WELS-rated showerhead eligible for the rebate uses 7.5 to 9 litres of water a minute. This is a reduction of 50 to 60 per cent. For the average household, replacing a showerhead will save around 15,000 litres of water a year. 

4-star WELS rated spouts, mixers, aerators and flow controllers can halve the amount of water you use in basins and sinks. A running tap typically uses 12 to 15 litres of water a minute. The 4-star WELS rated spouts, mixers and flow regulating devices use 6 to 7.5 litres of water a minute.

Based on current water consumption charges, the average household can save up to $50 a year by replacing a  shower-head with a water-efficient one. Households using an electric hot water system can save about $100 a year in water heating costs by installing water-efficient products on all showers, basins and sinks. These estimates are based on a two-person household.

No. All Council and State/Federal government rebates on dual-flush toilets have ended. Council offered a rebate for dual-flush toilets in 2012. Then, more than 2500 toilets in 1623 homes were upgraded in the shire. Council might repeat this rebate offer at some stage so it is worth continuing to check this website. Rebate offers are also promoted in the Tweed Link

Using less hot water means lower energy costs as well. Savings will vary depending on the number of people in your household, the time of year and the type of hot water system you have. For the average household with an electric hot water system, replacing the shower alone will result in a 40 per cent saving on water heating costs each year.

WELS is the Australian Government’s Water Efficiency Labelling and Standards Scheme. The WELS Scheme rates a range of products depending on their water efficiency to help Australian households save water and money.

Products such as showerheads, tapware, flow controllers, toilets, urinals, washing machines and dishwashers are independently tested and given a star rating depending on their water usage. The more stars a product receives, the greater its water efficiency. For more information about the WELS ratings of specific products, visit the WELS website