WATER CONSERVATION REBATE PROGRAMS- RESERVATIONS NOW REQUIRED

by William Granger

Water Conservation Manager

In June of 2008, the Otay Water District’s Board of Directors revised its Drought Response Conservation Program and the district declared a Level 1 voluntary “Drought Watch.” Under a Level 1 Drought Watch, all customers are strongly urged to voluntarily reduce water consumption by 10%.

Historic dry conditions in California and in the Colorado River watershed make it essential for residents and businesses to increase their conservation efforts this year. The State of California recently announced that they would only be able to deliver 20% of the water from the State Water Project, which normally accounts for 40% of the District’s imported water supply.  

Due to the enormous success of the water conservation incentive programs, SoCal Water$mart changed from a standard mail-in rebate application process to a new online and phone-in rebate reservation system. The new system will better enable you to stay informed of rebate availability and assist you with planning your water-saving product purchases.

As of April 1, 2009, customers seeking rebates for smart irrigation controllers, rotating sprinkler heads nozzles, high efficiency clothes washers, high efficiency toilets, and synthetic turf are asked to contact SoCal Water$mart first and receive a reservation number prior to purchasing any of these devices. Rebates will not be offered for qualifying products purchased without a reservation.

Please call 1-888-376-3314 for a rebate reservation number.

There are a number of things you can do this spring, that while quick and straightforward, will help reduce daily water usage by at least 20 gallons per person. The following are a few tips and programs to reduce your water usage and maintain a beautiful landscape. Click here to take the 20 Gallon Challenge.

Check your sprinkler system for leaks, breaks, and obstructions

The biggest water user at your home is your landscape, as the average household applies approximately 60% of their water on their landscape. If you have an automatic sprinkler system, leaks and breaks can go undetected for months.  Inefficiencies such as obstructed or misaligned sprinkler heads may not be obvious until you see your sprinklers running.

Take a few minutes to turn on your sprinklers and walk around to see if they are aligned correctly. Look for overspray onto your sidewalks, driveway, patio, and adjacent plant material. Ideally, water from one lawn sprinkler should reach the adjacent sprinklers, often referred to as head-to-head coverage.  If you have a drip system, make sure that the emitters are still connected, not clogged, and periodically flush the filter.

Regularly Adjust your Watering Schedule

Adjust your irrigation schedule monthly at a minimum. Typically, plants need up to 30% less water in the spring months as compared to July and August.

Develop your own watering schedule by using the sprinkler calculator, or sprinkler index. Also consider installing a weather “smart” irrigation controller and let it make the necessary adjustments for you. See contact information below for more information on our $350 rebate for weather “smart” irrigation controllers, or the $4.00 rebate per rotating sprinkler nozzle program. Reservations are now required. Please call 1-888-376-3314.

Visit the Water Conservation Garden and see mature examples of water-wise plants

The Water Conservation Garden located on the campus of Cuyamaca College is dedicated to saving water in our landscaping.  The Garden has more than 400 varieties of water-wise plants on 5 beautifully landscaped acres.  It is located at 12122 Cuyamaca College Drive West, in El Cajon, adjacent to Cuyamaca College, and is open daily 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. 

Take a Class in Water Wise Landscaping

Classes cover topics such as turfgrass replacement, landscape design, water-wise plant choices, and efficient irrigation systems. Visit www.thegarden.org for more details or call the Garden at 619-660-0614.

Replace your older clothes washer with a high efficiency model 

You will save 20 or more gallons per load (9,000 gallons per year for the average family), and use 55% less energy.  Rebates are available for purchasing a qualified high efficiency washer. Reservations are now required. Please call 1-888-376-3314.

Check your Toilets for Leaks and Repair them Immediately.