August 2025
Save water and money with our Water Efficiency Rebate Program
A new, more water-efficient dishwasher could qualify you for a $150 rebate.
If you’d like to save water and money, East Gippsland Water’s Water Efficiency Rebate Program can help. Running until 30 June 2028, the program offers East Gippsland Water residential and small-business customers rebates of up to $1,500 on eligible water-saving products and upgrades. For example, if you’re upgrading to a more water-efficient washing machine or dishwasher, you could be eligible for a $150 rebate. And if you’re planning to install a water tank, you could get a rebate of up to $1,500. To learn how to take control of your water usage and reduce your water bill with our Water Efficiency Rebate Program, go to the Rebates page on our website or call us on 1800 671 841.
Why ‘flushable’ wet wipes should go in the bin and not down the drain
Even wet wipes that are labelled as ‘flushable’ can clog sewer pipes and cause costly damage to water treatment and filtration systems, because they simply don’t break down like toilet paper. Instead, wet wipes – including the ‘flushable’ ones – are made from durable, non-woven fabrics that contain plastic fibres like polypropylene and polyester, which do not break down or disintegrate in water. In fact, these strong, intact wipes accumulate in sewer systems, forming large blockages known as ‘fatbergs’, damaging pipes, pumps, and the environment. So, if you use any kind of wet wipes (including the ‘flushable’ ones) please don’t flush them, bin them!
Even so-called ‘flushable’ wet wipes regularly cause serious pipe blockages.
Ways to use stored rainwater can include toilet flushing, clothes washing and,
of course, garden watering. Photo: smartwateradvice.org
Saving for a (non) rainy day
Although we’ve had some good rain recently, it’s important to remember that water is a limited resource, so it’s best to use it wisely. One way to conserve water – especially with summer approaching – is to install a rainwater tank, which will catch and store water that would have otherwise run down the stormwater drain.
Using stored rainwater will also reduce water volume charges on your water bill Before you buy, we suggest talking to a plumber to get the right advice about tank and pump options and costs, and the various ways you might be able to use your stored rainwater, including garden watering, toilet flushing and in the laundry.
(Note that rainwater is not recommended for drinking, if mains drinking water is available).
Also, be sure to talk to our Customer Team before you buy a tank, to check eligibility for our Water Efficiency Rebate Program (see first article) – with potential rebates of up to $1,500 available on eligible water tank.
In this month’s podcast: our annual National Water Week poster competition
In this month’s Talking Water podcast, our host Damian Pratt talks with East Gippsland Water’s Communications and Engagement Advisor, Byron Smith, about East Gippsland Water’s annual National Water Week Poster Competition, which is open to pre-school and primary school kids across East Gippsland. To find out what it’s all about, the prizes on offer, how to enter and much more, click here to listen. To enter the competition or find out more, go to our competition website for details, and get drawing!
Not in Bairnsdale? East Gippsland Water is coming to a town near you…
Financial support is always available
Financial support is just a phone call away.
We’re here to support you during challenging times, with a range of payment and support options, including flexible payment plans and financial assistance programs. To find out how we can help you: visit egwater.vic.gov.au, call us on 1800 671 841 or chat to us in person at 133 Macleod Street, Bairnsdale or at one of our Customer Connect visits across East Gippsland (see above). We’re here to help!