A small home upgrade could come with a welcome bonus for eligible Melbourne water customers. In an October 1 announcement, the city highlighted $50 rebates for qualifying rain barrels and high-efficiency toilet replacements.

Residential water customers who live within Melbourne city limits can qualify for one $50 rebate for installing a new rain barrel with a capacity of at least 40 gallons. Collecting rainwater provides water for outdoor use while helping reduce runoff entering the stormwater system.

A separate $50 rebate is available to residential customers who receive their water bill directly from the city. To qualify, customers must replace a toilet installed before 1994 with a WaterSense-certified high-efficiency model using 1.28 gallons or less per flush.

For current homeowners—and future residents planning improvements—these programs offer a practical way to make a home more water-efficient. Review the city’s eligibility and application requirements before making a purchase.

AI-generated photo illustration of a rain barrel at a Florida home.