- Rebates for smart irrigation controllers now $100.
- Water-efficient toilet rebates increased to $150.
- State Facility Water Tracker shows 20% water use reduction.
- Residents can apply for rebates at UtahWaterSavers.com.
- State facilities aim for 25% outdoor water use reduction by 2026.
October 24, 2024 — Earlier this month, the Utah Division of Water Resources announced increased rebates for water-saving devices
and introduced a new tool to monitor water use at state facilities. These efforts aim to encourage both residents and state institutions to conserve water amid growing concerns over drought and population growth.
Increased Rebates for Water-Saving Devices.
On October 15, rebates for smart irrigation controllers increased from $75 to $100, and rebates for water-efficient toilets rose from $100 to $150. These rebates are available statewide through UtahWaterSavers.com.
“Water conservation is a year-round effort in Utah,” said Candice Hasenyager, director of the Division of Water Resources. “By increasing these rebate amounts, we hope to encourage more Utahns to take proactive steps in using water wisely. Every drop saved today helps us increase our resiliency to drought.”
Smart irrigation controllers automatically adjust watering schedules based on weather conditions, reducing unnecessary water use. Replacing inefficient toilets in homes built before 1994 with WaterSense-labeled models can save thousands of gallons of water per household each year.
“These rebates make it easier for Utahns to invest in water-saving technologies,” added Shelby Cooley, the division’s conservation section manager. “As the population grows and our climate remains unpredictable, we must all do our part to be better stewards of our water resources.”
Launch of the State Facility Water Tracker.
On October 21, the Utah Division of Water Resources and the Utah Division of Facilities Construction and Management (DFCM) introduced the State Facility Water Tracker. This new tool displays data related to water use at state facilities, helping visualize and understand conservation efforts.
Preliminary numbers show that Utah state facilities have achieved a 20% reduction in water use since 2020.
“State government is showing it’s serious about water conservation,” said Hasenyager. “This tool highlights how state facilities are doing their part and where improvements can be made.”
Under HB 121 (2022), state facilities have specific water conservation requirements:
- Any state government facility built or reconstructed on or after May 4, 2022, may not have more than 20% of the grounds covered in lawn or turf.
- Existing facilities must reduce outdoor water use by at least 5% by the end of fiscal year 2023.
- A further reduction of at least 25% is required by the end of fiscal year 2026.
“State facility managers have been working hard to achieve the goals set forth by the legislature,” said Christopher Cox, DFCM Building Performance Program Manager. “This tool provides managers with information on how close they are to achieving their goals.”
How to Participate.
Residents interested in taking advantage of the increased rebates can visit UtahWaterSavers.com for more information and to apply. Those who have already received a smart controller rebate are eligible for a new rebate after five years.
By increasing rebates and introducing tools like the State Facility Water Tracker, Utah is taking significant steps to promote water conservation. As the state’s population grows and climate conditions remain unpredictable, these efforts are crucial in ensuring sustainable water resources for the future.
Image:
Utah Welcome Sign on the Utah-Wyoming State line
, by Staplegunther, June 2010. Licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported license.
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