Water wise: Concessions - Department of Human Services

Water wise is a State Government initiative aimed at reducing your water bill by providing you with a free water audit and repair or replacement of inefficient water fittings. Water wise is a joint initiative between the Department of Human Services and your local water corporation.

Eligibility

You must hold at least one of the following concession cards:

Pensioner Concession Card; Health Care Card; DVA Gold Card; DVA White Card

To be eligible for the Water wise program you must meet the following criteria:

Reside at the property to receive Water wise assistance;
Be financially responsible for the payment of your water account;
Have not received Water wise assistance at your current property AND

Fall into any one of the following customer groups:

those with an increase in water usage;
large families;
high water users; and
those who will benefit from a water audit and water retrofit.

In addition, you must sign a consent form agreeing to the sharing of information collected as part of the Water wise program, including your name, address, eligibility for the program, and water usage information. This information will be only provided to the Department of Human Services for program evaluation purposes.

How to apply

Contact your local water corporation if you meet the eligibility criteria and they will make an appointment to conduct a water audit of your home.

More information

For information contact the Concessions Information Line on 1800 658 521.

Frequently asked questions

What is Water Wise?
Water Wise is a State government initiative aimed at reducing water usage of low income households by providing a free water usage audit and, if required, repairing or replacing inefficient water fittings.

This helps the household to reduce water usage and therefore improve the customer’s capacity to pay ongoing water costs.

Who is eligible?

Assistance is available to all eligible concession customers who fall into any one of the following low income customer groups:
- Those with an increase in water usage
- Large families
- High water users
- Those customers who will benefit from a water audit and water retrofit
How do I apply for a Water Wise audit?

Water corporations will invite eligible customers to participate in the Water Wise program. If you think you are eligible, contact your local water corporation.
Can tenants apply?

Yes, if they receive a water account.

DHS Public Housing tenants have an automatic consent from Office of Housing. Private tenants are required to complete a Landlords Consent Form.
If I am eligible what happens next?

You will receive a letter inviting you to participate in the Water Wise program from your water corporation.
Can I find my own plumber?

No. Your water corporation will arrange for a registered or licensed plumber to undertake any suggested repairs or replacement of faulty water fittings as a result of the water audit. You will be required to sign acceptance for the suggested works to be carried out before any work commences.
What does a water audit and retrofit cost?

There is no cost to the customer. The Water Wise program is funded by DHS.
What happens during the water audit?

A water conservation auditor or licensed plumber representing your local water retailer will walk through your home identifying areas that could benefit from repair or replacement. Water conservation advice will be given on how to save water. Recommendations for retrofitting will be provided.
What type of work will be done?
The type of work to be undertaken may include:
- Replacement of faulty washers
- Installation of flow control valves or aerators to reduce water flow
- Installation of 3 star rated shower rose
- Repairing a leaking toilet cistern
- Replacing a single flush cistern with a dual flush cistern
- Minor adjustments to hot water service
- Replacing faulty trigger nozzles
- Providing water conservation products
What happens during the water retrofit?

The customer will be required to sign acceptance to carry out the recommended water retrofit as identified on the water auditor’s checklist. A licensed or registered plumber will then carry out the recommended work.
What information is shared with DHS and why?
In order to evaluate the effectiveness of the program DHS need to gather data regarding each grant. The data that is required is:
- customer name, address and concession card number
- target customer group
- water audit and water retrofit details
- cost of each grant
- water usage data 12 months before water retrofit
How long does it take?

Water audit and/or retrofit will usually be completed within 30 days of application. The water audit and any retrofit work could take up to 2 hours.
What water savings can I expect?
Small changes to your water use and the water fittings in your home can save thousands of litres of water each year and reduce your water bill.
- A slowly leaking tap can waste 20,000 litres of water a year.
- 3 star rated showerheads use no more than 9 litres of water per minute, while old style showerheads use up to 20 litres per minute. Based on a six-minute shower, a water efficient showerhead can save up to 20,000 litres of water per person per year.
- A new dual flush toilet uses between 4.5 and 6 litres for a full flush and 3 litres for a half flush, saving a family of four up to 35,000 litres per year.
As a result of your household’s increased water efficiency, you may notice, for example, a reduction in water flow in the shower, and a reduction of water when using the half flush on a dual flush toilet.
How do I find out who my water supplier is?

Have a look at your latest water bill and the water retailers details are listed on the bill. Usually contact numbers are listed at the top of your bill.
Where can I get more information?

Your water corporation can provide you with further information or you can contact the Department of Human Services Concessions Information Line on 1800 658 521.