City Rebates Make Sense for Water Conservation Efforts

If you are thinking about upgrading your home with new appliances and fixtures, consider water efficient products. Today’s efficient models provide excellent performance at reasonable prices. There are many models of low‐flow toilets and urinals, ultra efficient washing machines and hot water recirculators that qualify for City of Prescott water conservation rebates. All City of Prescott water customers qualify.   

The city offers toilet rebates ranging from $100 to $150 for toilets using 1.28 gallons per flush or less. Qualifying ultra-high efficiency washing machines are eligible for a $200 rebate. Customers with septic systems qualify for an additional $50 for these two rebates. The city also offers free indoor water conservation items, such as shower flow regulators, toilet tank flush-less bags and flow diverters and lower flow sink aerators.

If you are thinking about landscaping, our water conservation specialist is available to help you identify strategies that work for your home or business, including tips and key questions to ask your landscaping company. Schedule a visit to pick up free sample items and to discuss affordable outdoor watering accessories, landscape strategies and rebates that will keep money in your pocket and reduce the summer burden on our water aquifer. Here are a few examples of available outdoor water conservation rebates:

If you install a rainwater harvesting system, you can receive a water conservation rebate of 50 cents to $1 per gallon of storage. Creating rain gardens are also subject to a maximum $500 rebate.

If you install a WaterSense labeled smart irrigation controller, you can receive a $75 rebate. Smart controllers adjust watering cycles based on local weather conditions, soils and plant types. Options start at around $50 and even include some that connect directly to your outdoor faucets.

I encourage you to take advantage of our turf replacement rebate. Receive $1 per square foot for eligible removal of actively irrigated turfgrass and replacement with permeable options such as drought tolerant plants. Replacing turf with drought tolerant plants can reduce the amount of water your landscape needs by 60%-80% of water as compared to irrigated turf.     

New this year, Prescott also offers free outdoor watering accessories for leak repairs to increase irrigation performance while reducing the amount of water used.

Be sure to visit www.PrescottWater.com or call 928-777-1130 for rules and guidelines before your start your rebate project and keep all receipts.

Finally, the City of Prescott is a Watersmart community, and outdoor watering habits make a big difference. Please remember that time of day watering restrictions are in effect through Nov, 1, so don’t forget to water your yard between 8 at night and 8 in the morning. This saves water and is the most efficient time to water your landscaping to avoid evaporation and maximize soil absorption.

The city is doing its part to enact sensible water choices and policies so that we can manage growth and responsible water use for years to come. As good citizens, it is up us to all of us to conserve our precious water resource. QCBN

By Phil Goode

Phil Goode is the mayor of Prescott.