SLV Water launches expanded rebate program

The San Lorenzo Valley Water District launched a comprehensive water rebate program that will benefit district customers who buy devices and equipment that use less water.
“We hope these options can help reduce water (use) in areas where that is critical,” said Fred McPherson, the board’s president.
The southern part of the system — Graham Hill Road from Felton into Scotts Valley — primarily uses water drawn from aquifers, and the district hopes the new rebate program will especially help decrease water use there, McPherson said.
District customers can earn credits on their water bill of up to $750 by installing new devices. The credits will be given out until the remaining $24,000 kitty set aside in this year’s budget is used up.
“It’s on a first-come, first-served basis,” environmental analyst Betsy Herbert said. “They will go to those people that are quick to pick up on these rebates.”
Customers must pick up or request an application through the district office.
The program updates the district’s previous program with a variety of rebates, which cover items from washing machines to toilets to synthetic grass to drip irrigation.
Previously, the district offered only toilet and washing machine credits.
Herbert said the district decided to expand the program because of the success with high-efficiency washing machines.
“The two rebates that we had were very popular, especially the clothes washer — that’s why we kept it,” Herbert said.
McPherson said he is pleased the district enacted the rebates despite the challenge of needing to sell water to customers to balance the district’s books.
“I love to see people using water and using it wisely,” he said.
At a glance
New first-come, first-served credits
aim to encourage San Lorenzo Valley customers to conserve water:
*Replace 3-gallon-per-flush toilet with a new high-efficiency toilet: Up to $150 credit
*Install a high-efficiency clothes washer: Up to $100 credit
*Replace a lawn with water-wise grass or synthetic grass: Up to $750 credit
*Convert a sprinkler system to drip irrigation: Up to $500 credit
*Install a weather-based irrigation controller: Up to $125 credit
For information: 338-2153 or www.slvwd.com