The Australian Government’s National Rainwater and Greywater Initiative household rebates are no longer available for rainwater tanks or greywater systems purchased after 10 May 2011 and the scheme will cease altogether in November.

The Government says number of applications for the rebate has decreased significantly since its introduction in 2009.

Households can still apply for a rebate for rainwater tanks or greywater systems that were purchased on or before 10 May 2011.

All applications must still meet the eligibility criteria and must be received by the Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities by 10 November 2011. Applications received after 10 November 2011 will not be eligible.

Parliamentary Secretary for Sustainability and Urban Water, Senator Don Farrell, said the rebate had supplied householders with up to $500 towards the cost of having a rainwater tank or greywater system plumbed in to their home.

“I encourage all eligible Australian households that purchased a rainwater tank or greywater system on or before 10 May 2011 to make sure that they apply in time to obtain the rebate,” Senator Farrell said.

The government says the termination of the National Rainwater and Greywater Initiative is a reflection of its commitment to return the budget to surplus in 2012-13.

The National Rainwater and Greywater Initiative household rebate guidelines and application form are available from www.environment.gov.au/water/programs/nrgi/index.html or can be obtained by calling 1800 218 478.