It comes as manufacturers report a rush from people in the past few weeks to buy water tanks as they battle tough water restrictions and the continuing drought.

Orange City Council figures show even less people claimed the rebate the previous financial year.

In the past 18 months the total paid out in rebates was more than $4000.

Rebates start at $100 for people who install a smaller (2000-4999 litre) tank rising to $250 for larger tanks over 5000 litres in size.

An extra $500 is available for people who have their tank connected internally for use including toilets and washing machines.

Orange mayor Cr Reg Kidd urged people to get water tanks installed and claim the rebate.

"Take advantage of this. Don't just think about now, think about the future," he said.

Cr Kidd said tanks should gain water from even small rain storms which would be vital for later use.

"You'd be surprised how much you would have got off the storm the other [early Tuesday morning] night," he said.

"I'd be encouraging people to ask council about tank rebates."

Bushmans tanks NSW state manager Ray Agland said they were flat-out keeping up with demand from people wanting to buy water tanks.

"We couldn't be any busier. We've got a major backlog," he said.

"We're getting 15-20 walk-ins a day at our Orange manufacturing plant."

Mr Agland said the Orange plant was working 24 hours a day and was getting supplies in from an interstate plant to help out.

"There's 200 tanks in the yard. They could have sold three times over," he said.

"We'll get them out there as quickly as we can."

He said there was a three-four week turnaround from confirming orders to supply.

"It depends on the tanks and the size of the tanks," he said.

Mr Agland said the smaller slimline tanks were popular with people with little room at their houses while other people with larger yards were seeking 5000-10,000 litre round tanks.

To apply for the water tank money you need to fill out a rebate form which can be found on the council's website.