Water scarcity has always been a huge problem in Australia. However, there are ways to help ease this problem for many Australians. Rainwater tanks have been used for a long time to manage water use by preserving rainwater that can be stored and later used for drinking and other home use. In addition, new advancements in greywater systems mean that homes can potentially recycle just over half of their total household water use, which is usually hundreds of litres of water a day.
As part of the $12.9 billion Water for the Future plan, the Government is delivering the $250 million National Rainwater and Greywater Initiative to help people use water wisely in their everyday lives.
The Australian Government is providing:
- Rebates of up to $500 for households to install rainwater tanks or greywater systems.
- Grants to surf life saving clubs of up to $10,000 to install a rainwater tank or undertake a larger water saving project.
The National Rainwater and Greywater Initiative offers household rebates of up to $500 for new rainwater tanks or greywater systems purchased after 30 January 2009. Applications for rebates will only be accepted from 1 March 2009. For more information check out www.environment.gov.au.