TWEED residents can claim up to $70 from the council for installing water efficient taps and showerheads in their homes following the launch of a new rebate scheme today.

Mayor Kevin Skinner announced the new Water Saving Rebate scheme which he said was Tweed Shire Council’s latest initiative to curb residential water consumption.

From Friday until June 30 next year, residents can claim back half the cost of replacing old shower roses, tap aerators and spouts with more water efficient alternatives. But the rebate is limited to a maximum $70.

“This covers the purchase and installation costs and is an important step in our shire-wide effort to conserve water,” Cr Skinner said.

“The water saving rebate is a key element of the demand management strategy implementation plan which was adopted by council earlier this year.”

Cr Skinner said showerheads and aerators had to be three-star WELS (Water Efficiency and Standards scheme) rated and replacement spouts four-star WELS rated for homeowners to be able to claim the rebate.

“Any combination of showerheads, aerators and spouts is eligible for the rebate but each household can only claim one rebate,” he said.

“The rebate can be claimed for a maximum of two of any individual products,” he said.