Water and Sewerage

What is the rebate?

The annual water and sewerage rebate is up to $260 a year on the fixed service charge component of water bills.

What properties are eligible?

To be eligible, the property must be 'predominantly used' for one of the following purposes:

• By a charitable organisation for charitable purposes.
• By a not-for-profit organisation providing or promoting outdoor sporting, recreational, cultural or other similar outdoor activities for such purposes.
• By a war veterans’ organisation.
• By a public statutory body, such as for a public open space or park.

'Predominantly used' means that, with permission from the property owner, an eligible organisation uses more than 50% of the property, or uses the property for more than 50% of the time, to pursue their objectives.

A rebate may apply even if your organisation doesn't own the property. Individuals can also receive the rebate if they own a property predominantly used by an eligible organisation.

Your organisation is responsible for notifying your water authority if the predominant activity on the property changes. Periodic checks are made to ensure continuing eligibility.

What is a charitable purpose?

Eligible charitable purposes include services provided in the following fields:

• youth,
• education,
• religious activities,
• community,
• animal welfare,
• hospital care, and
• aged care.

Rebates for not-for-profits

Only properties used by not-for-profit organisations that provide or promote outdoor sporting, cultural or recreational activities for a charitable purpose are eligible for the rebate.

Organisations involved in horse, pony or harness racing are not eligible.

Apply for the rebate

Your organisation can apply for the rebate by completing the application form and lodging it with your relevant water authority.

Your water authority reviews your rebate application form, provides you with important information and handles any changes to your eligibility status.

Once approved, the rebate will be factored into your organisation’s water account. Please contact your water authority if you have any questions about the rebate.

Our support role

We assist water authorities in deciding your organisation’s eligibility for the rebate. Water authorities seeking assistance from us should quote their unique water authority number in all correspondence.

Renewing the rebate

Once your organisation has been approved, the rebate will be applied each year. It is not necessary to re-apply.