Funding is now available from Rous Water for community groups that wish to undertake water saving and water efficiency projects.

Rous Water promotes the efficient use of potable water and provides financial assistance to community not-for-profit groups that undertake water saving and water efficiency projects. The Community Program is targeting those community groups with club houses, amenities blocks, sporting fields, gardens, etc which use water. Any project that reduces the demand for water from the Rous Water regional water supply system is eligible for financial assistance.

This includes:

• any project that results in the use of reclaimed wastewater, rainwater and/or greywater, as a permanent substitute for potable water
• any project which installs water saving devices such as 4 star dual flush toilets, auto turn off (spring loaded or timed) taps, water efficient showerheads or water efficient taps;
• other projects which will result in a reduction of the demand for water from the Rous Water regional water supply.

Please don't feel limited by the list above, if you have an innovative or new project, it will be considered. 

Click here for a program flyer.

How much can we get?

Funding is based on each individual project.

Rebates for the installation of actual volume of potable water saved per year and the cost of the works done to achieve that reduction. Projects will be rebated according to the work done. For example, there will be consideration of the estimated water savings and the cost of the project. Up to $5000 will be available for any single project.

We can help with an audit of your premises

Rous Water will assist with an audit of your premises to identify potential water saving activities. The audit can identify activities and the potential cost of those activities and is free to eligible groups.

What are the Conditions?

The project must be undertaken between 1 July 2011 to 30 June 2012 and reduce the water use from the Rous Water supply in the local government areas of Ballina, Byron, Lismore, Richmond Valley or Rous Water Councils.  

The project must be authorised, in writing, by the owner of the premises and the community group/s using the premises. 

The group must be not-for-profit and be a community group.

The project must incorporate promotion of water efficiency within its members.

The rebates are capped at $5000 per group. 

The project must reduce water use from the town water supply system, for example:

• Replace inefficient appliances with water efficient appliances such as 4 star toilets, 3 star showerheads, auto turn off taps/bubblers, or
• install a rainwater tank to supply water for toilets, gardens or sporting fields, or
• repair leaks, or
• install a water efficient garden irrigation system to replace an existing inefficient system.

Other water saving projects will also be considered.

The be eligible, the applicant must obtain 2 quotes for the project prior to commencement and demonstrate an ongoing commitment to maintain the work.

If replacing town water, the wastewater, rainwater and/or grey water must be treated to a standard that is suitable for the purpose and meet all current guidelines and legislative requirements.

The project and planning process must be cost–effective with clear, sustainable outcomes and directly related to the efficient use of potable water.

Your organisation must have adequate resources allocated to the project, to ensure that the ongoing and long–term goals of the project are achieved.

You agree to monitor your water use and report back to Rous Water after 1 year.

How to Apply

If you and your community group wish to take up this offer and participate in Rous Water’s efforts to promote water saving and efficiency, click here for an application form or contact the Demand Management Coordinator on (02) 6621 8055 or via email at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .