ShowerStar Program
It’s your turn to make every drop count
The water that flows from your tap does more than fill a glass or power a shower. It is the foundation of the lifestyle we love across the Coffs Coast – from rainforests and waterways to our homes and gardens.
By making a few small changes at home, you can help protect our environment, reduce your household bills and make every drop go further.
The City of Coffs Harbour is helping residents save water and money through the ShowerStar program.
Residents connected to the City of Coffs Harbour town water supply can buy a ShowerStar (RRP $76.95) for the subsidised price of $25 (this subsidised price is for a limited time).
Why get a ShowerStar?
Looking for a quick way to save water and reduce household costs?
The ShowerStar is an easy-to-install shower timer that helps you keep track of your shower time and encourages you to reduce water and energy use.
A ShowerStar can help you:
- Save water every day
- Reduce hot water and energy costs
- Build water-wise habits for the whole household
- Track your progress through the optional app
- Help protect our local rivers and waterways
A shorter shower might not seem like much but reducing it by just a few minutes can save water, energy and money over time.
Using simple traffic-light reminders, it encourages shorter showers without interrupting your routine.
How it works
1. Apply through the application form below
2. Once your application is approved, your ShowerStar can be collected from the Customer Service Desk at Yarrila Place during opening hours (Monday to Friday, 9am–3.30pm). A postal delivery option is also available for an additional fee.
3. Install and go
The ShowerStar easily attaches to your shower and starts working as soon as water begins to flow.
4. Follow the lights
The timer uses simple traffic-light prompts:
- Green – shower has started
- Yellow – two minutes have passed
- Red – four minutes have passed
It's a friendly reminder to wrap things up and save water.
5. Track your savings
The ShowerStar works automatically, but you can also connect it to the optional ShowerStar app to customise settings, monitor shower times and see how much water and energy you're saving.
Ready to make a ripple?
Apply for your ShowerStar today.
Apply Now
Terms and conditions.(PDF, 276KB)
Frequently asked questions
Does the ShowerStar control the flow of water to my shower?
No. The ShowerStar does not control, restrict or turn off the water supply. It simply provides visual reminders to help you manage your shower time.
Does the ShowerStar collect or share data?
The ShowerStar can connect to the optional ShowerStar app via Bluetooth. If you choose to use the app, information such as shower duration may be transferred to the app so you can track your water and energy savings.
For devices purchased through the City's rebate program, anonymous usage data may also be included in an aggregated dashboard. This information cannot be linked to individual households and is used only to assess overall program effectiveness, such as whether average shower times are decreasing across the community.
I'm on tank water. Can I apply for the rebate?
The rebate is currently only available to residents connected to the City of Coffs Harbour town water supply.
Do I need to download the ShowerStar app for the device to work?
No. The app is completely optional. Once installed the ShowerStar will operate automatically using the standard settings. The device, however, can only be calibrated by downloading the app. Calibration helps to prevent the device from flashing when it picks up surrounding vibrations.
How often does the ShowerStar need to be charged?
The battery typically lasts around six months between charges, depending on usage.
How many ShowerStars can I apply for?
Eligible households can apply for up to two devices per residential property.
Everything the Orara gives us
The water we use every day comes from local rivers that support our community, environment and way of life.
Coffs Harbour's water supply comes from the Orara and Nymboida Rivers. These waterways provide water for our homes, businesses, parks and gardens, while also supporting important ecosystems and wildlife, including vulnerable species such as the Eastern Freshwater Cod.
By using water wisely at home, we can help reduce the amount of water that needs to be taken from our rivers, leaving more water in the environment and supporting healthier waterways for future generations.
Saving water also helps reduce energy use. Water needs to be collected, treated, transported to homes and businesses, and then treated and pumped again after it goes down the drain. Using less water means less energy is required throughout this process, helping to reduce costs and lower carbon emissions.
A shorter shower might seem like a small change, but when our community works together, those small actions can create big ripples for our rivers, our environment and the future of the Coffs Coast.