05 September 2025

Why Australia’s Smart Water Advice Program Is a Model for NZ and the US

Water is one of the most critical resources in the world, yet it is increasingly under pressure. Climate change, population growth, and urbanisation are driving higher demand for water while placing existing supplies at risk. According to the UN World Water Development Report, more than 2 billion people live in countries experiencing water scarcity, and poor water management is a major contributor to water wastage globally.

In this context, the Australian Smart Water Advice Program has emerged as a leading initiative, helping households, businesses, and local authorities improve water efficiency and reduce wastage. Its combination of rebates, technical guidance, and behaviour-change campaigns has proven effective in encouraging adoption of water-saving technologies. For countries like New Zealand and the United States, which face their own water scarcity and conservation challenges, the program provides a valuable blueprint.

What Is the Smart Water Advice Program?

Launched in Australia, the Smart Water Advice Program provides consumers and businesses with expert guidance on water efficiency and conservation. The program offers practical advice, tools, and incentives to help reduce water consumption without compromising quality of life.

Key features include:

• Comprehensive advice on water-saving devices: including low-flow showerheads, dual-flush toilets, and smart irrigation systems.
• Rebate programs: households and businesses can claim partial reimbursement when purchasing approved water-efficient products.
• Educational campaigns: to increase awareness about water conservation, wastage reduction, and responsible usage.
• Monitoring and reporting: tracking outcomes to ensure measurable reductions in water consumption.

The program’s structure is designed to address both technological and behavioural aspects of water efficiency, making it more effective than initiatives that rely solely on equipment subsidies.

The Role of Rebates and Incentives

One of the most compelling aspects of the Smart Water Advice Program is its rebate system for water-efficient devices. This mechanism encourages households and businesses to upgrade fixtures, appliances, and irrigation systems without facing the full upfront cost.

Australia’s Approach

In Australia, rebates cover products such as:

• Low-flow showerheads and taps – can reduce household water use by 15–30% (Alliance for Water Efficiency).
• Dual-flush toilets – save up to 67% of water per flush compared with older models.
• Smart irrigation controllers – optimise outdoor watering schedules to prevent overwatering and wastage.

The government-backed rebate system ensures that cost is no longer a barrier to water efficiency. According to the World Water Council, incentive-based programs are far more effective at changing consumer behaviour than voluntary advice alone.

Comparison With New Zealand

New Zealand has some regional water efficiency programs, primarily run by councils and local authorities. For example, Auckland Council provides guidance on rainwater harvesting and encourages the installation of low-flow devices, but rebate schemes are less comprehensive.

The Smart Water Advice Program shows that a nationally coordinated rebate system can achieve far wider adoption and measurable reductions in water usage. By providing financial support for efficient devices, households are more likely to implement changes immediately rather than delaying action due to cost concerns.

Lessons for the United States

In the United States, water efficiency incentives vary by state and municipality. For example:

• California offers rebates for high-efficiency toilets, washing machines, and irrigation equipment (California Department of Water Resources).
• Many utilities provide rebates for smart irrigation systems and low-flow fixtures.

However, uptake is inconsistent, and program fragmentation reduces the overall impact. The Australian model demonstrates the benefits of centralised guidance coupled with incentives, which could help US utilities increase water efficiency adoption nationwide.

Measuring Water Efficiency

A central principle of the Smart Water Advice Program is data-driven decision-making. Water efficiency is measured not just by installed products but by actual consumption reduction.

• Level monitoring and flow meters: Devices such as water tank level indicators (Smart Water solutions) can track usage and alert property owners to inefficiencies.
• Behaviour tracking: Smart meters help identify peak water usage and target behavioural changes.
• Outcome evaluation: The program collects data on water savings, allowing policymakers to refine strategies and maximise impact.

According to the Alliance for Water Efficiency, combining technical upgrades with monitoring can reduce household water use by up to 40%. Programs without robust measurement often fail to realise these gains.

Addressing Water Scarcity and Wastage

Water scarcity and wastage are increasingly pressing issues globally:

• In New Zealand, droughts in 2020–2023 affected multiple regions, highlighting vulnerabilities in the water supply (NIWA).
• In the US, cities such as Los Angeles, Phoenix, and Denver face chronic water stress (EPA WaterSense).

The Smart Water Advice Program is designed to tackle these challenges head-on by promoting both water efficiency and water conservation practices. Rebates for low-flow devices, smart irrigation systems, and other efficiency measures ensure that every drop is used wisely, reducing wastage and improving long-term resilience.

Why This Program Stands Out

Several aspects make the Smart Water Advice Program unique:

1. Integrated Approach – It combines technology, financial incentives, and education. Many programs focus on one element but miss the holistic approach.
2. National Coordination – Centralised administration ensures consistent messaging and measurement across regions.
3. Evidence-Based Impact – Tracking, reporting, and ongoing evaluation ensure that the program delivers measurable water savings.
4. Scalability – Both households and businesses can participate, making it adaptable to different property types and sizes.
5. Behavioural Focus – Beyond technical upgrades, the program encourages long-term changes in water use behaviour.

Implications for NZ and the US

For New Zealand and the United States, adopting a similar model could yield substantial benefits:

• Increased adoption of water-efficient devices – Rebates reduce upfront cost barriers.
• Lower overall water consumption – Real-time monitoring and measurement help households and businesses identify inefficiencies.
• Enhanced climate resilience – Efficient water use reduces vulnerability to drought and extreme weather.
• Stronger environmental stewardship – Programs raise awareness and encourage responsible water use.

While both countries have existing water efficiency initiatives, they could benefit from:

• National coordination rather than fragmented local programs.
• Integration of smart monitoring technologies to track usage in real time.
• Clear, consistent incentives tied to measurable water savings.

Related Reading From Smart Water

To learn more about practical tools for water efficiency, see these resources:

• Smart Water Solutions for Businesses and Farmers
• Effortless Efficiency with Remote Monitoring of Rainwater Tanks
• Commercial Water Conservation: The Role of Water Tank Level Indicators

These posts highlight how technology and strategic incentives can work together to maximise water conservation outcomes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What devices qualify for rebates under the Smart Water Advice Program?

Low-flow showerheads, dual-flush toilets, smart irrigation controllers, and certain water-efficient appliances qualify. Check the Smart Water Advice Program website for current eligibility.

Can businesses as well as households participate?

Yes. The program is designed to support both residential and commercial water users.

How much water can I realistically save?

Water savings vary by device and household behaviour, but studies indicate reductions of 15–40% are achievable when combining efficiency upgrades with smart monitoring (Alliance for Water Efficiency).

Is this model applicable outside Australia?

Yes. With proper local adaptation, NZ and US utilities could replicate the rebate and monitoring approach to achieve measurable water efficiency gains.

Are there tax incentives in the US for water-efficient devices?

Yes. Some states offer rebates and tax credits for water-saving equipment, though programs are fragmented. Centralised guidance like Australia’s program could improve uptake.

How does the program help with water scarcity?

By encouraging reduced consumption and promoting efficient devices it lowers overall demand and reduces strain on limited water resources.