Not necessarily those who vote for the Greens political party, but who are increasingly water- or sustainability-conscious.

If you install a new rainwater tank, so my friendly Bushman tank supplier, Paul, informs me, one can get Government rebates that almost cover the cost of installation and plumbing – minimum size 2000 litres.

Very few people know about it.

For example, up to $500 on the purchase price and an additional $500 for the connection to a toilet, and $500 for the connection to a washing machine, from the NSW Government until 2011.

And above and beyond these rebates, there is an additional $500 federal rebate for same.

You can have a tap to use for the garden as well.

Helps organic gardens when no chlorine or other chemicals, that kill off or restrict all the friendly little soil micro-organisms that help your plants flourish, are added.

Armidale water, although healthy to drink, is also very alkaline.

That doesn’t help some plants which prefer an acid soil.

Why do you think your plants grow better when it rains?

Grey water systems are another option and rebates are available there, too.

Pat Lightfoot

Armidale