Unexpected water leaks can cause your water bills to skyrocket. Thankfully, the Leak Allowance Programs from Water Corporation, Aqwest and Busselton Water offer rebates that can help ease the financial burden. In this article, we explain how these programs work, who’s eligible, and how Retic Smart can help you claim your allowance and repair hidden leaks fast.

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What is the Water Corporation Leak Allowance Program?

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Water Corporation’s Leak Allowance Program offers eligible customers a credit of up to 50% of water lost due to hidden leaks—defined as leaks that are not readily visible, such as those underground, beneath paving, or within walls.

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✅ To qualify:

• Your water use charge must exceed $250 or 150kL.

• The leak must be repaired within 60 days of receiving a leak notification or identifying the issue.

• A licensed plumber must repair internal plumbing leaks.

• A Waterwise Garden Irrigator (WGI) must repair irrigation leaks.

• You must submit your application within 6 months of the repair date.

• You must be living in or maintaining the property at the time.

 

❌ Not eligible:

• Visible leaks (e.g. dripping taps, leaking appliances)

• Pool, spa, pond, or water feature leaks

• Leaks on unoccupied or under-construction properties

 

Fun Fact: A small leak can waste up to 1,000 litres per day, so acting early can prevent hundreds of dollars in wasted water.

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Aqwest Leak Allowance Program: What You Need to Know

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Aqwest offers a similar program, also providing up to 50% credit on the cost of water lost due to genuine hidden leaks.

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✅ To qualify:

• The leak must result in a water loss costing over $250.

• The leak must be repaired by a licensed plumber or a Waterwise Garden Irrigator (WGI) for irrigation systems.

• Irrigation leaks must include a manual isolation valve and master solenoid to be eligible.

• The repair must be completed within one month of detection or notification.

• You must apply within three months of the leak being fixed.

 

❌ Not eligible:

• Visible or obvious leaks

• Properties under construction or vacant land

• Non-compliant plumbing installations (e.g. lacking shut-off valves)

 

💡 Note: Aqwest currently allows one claim per property every five years.

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Busselton Water Leak Allowance Program

 

Busselton Water also offers a leak allowance that credits up to 50% of the estimated water lost from a genuine hidden leak (capped at 1,000 kL).

✅ Repaired by a licensed plumber or Waterwise Garden Irrigator
✅ Claim within 3 months of the repair
✅ Leak must be hidden and beyond your control

 

❌ Not covered: visible leaks, pool/spa leaks, or non-compliant systems

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Signs You May Have a Hidden Leak

 

Hidden leaks are often silent and expensive. Here are warning signs to watch for:

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• Unusually high water bills

• Wet or soggy patches in your garden

• Cracked paving or concrete

• Areas of your lawn that are unusually green

• A water meter that continues spinning when no taps are on

• Hissing or rushing water sounds in walls or pipes

 

Why Choose Retic Smart for Leak Detection in Bunbury?

 

At Retic Smart, we can assist with detecting hidden leaks in irrigation systems throughout Bunbury and surrounding areas. As accredited Waterwise Garden Irrigators, we’re qualified to inspect, repair, and document irrigation leaks to help you successfully apply for your leak allowance—saving you water and money.

 

Early action matters. A cracked pipe can waste thousands of litres weekly—and the longer you wait, the less chance you have to claim.

 

Next Steps: Book Your Leak Inspection Today

 

If you’ve received a high water bill or suspect a leak in your reticulation system, don’t wait. Contact Retic Smart to schedule a fast, professional inspection and ensure your eligibility for available rebates.

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📞 Call: 0493 725 347
📧 Email: info@reticsmart.com.au

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