Politics & Government
Palo Alto Water-Efficiency Rebates Are Now Highest in Bay Area
Find out how to take advantage through September.
In the war against the drought, people can now double down on efficiency and save a bundle---never has doing the right thing paid so well, say city officials.
Through September, Palo Alto residents and businesses can capitalize on the best water-saving rebates in the region for taking actions ranging from lawn replacement to irrigation equipment to graywater systems and more.
Here’s the scoop:
- Countywide Rebates Jump--the Santa Clara Valley Water District (SCVWD), who partners with water utilities like us, has temporarily increased funding for water efficiency rebate programs. Some rebates have doubled, including those aimed at more water-intensive practices such as landscape irrigation.
- Palo Alto Ups the Ante---The City is matching the SCVWD turf grass replacement rebate of $2 per square foot for a total rebate to Palo Alto customers of $4 per square foot. This is the highest rebate offered in all the Bay Area!
With the Governor announcing a second drought declaration last week, dry conditions forecasted through the rest of this year and the City’s water supplier, the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission (SFPUC) continuing its call for a voluntary 10% reduction in water use, Palo Alto Utilities is calling on residents and businesses to focus on ways they can use water as efficiently as possible.
[Previous: California's Drought: Brown Issues 2nd Executive Order.]
In addition to the actions eligible for rebates, folks are encouraged to reap big water savings with simple steps like repairing leaks, being sure sprinkler timers are set for early morning or late afternoon only and getting rid of old water-guzzling appliances.
The City is putting its money where its mouth is, looking for all possible ways its facilities can reduce water use. So far a number of public landscape areas have been converted to sustainable demonstrations of native plant, climate-appropriate gardens. And most water-using fixtures in City facility bathrooms and kitchens have been upgraded to high-efficiency models.
Free workshops are offered throughout the year to assist residents and property managers better understand how to landscape in a water-wise way, including home composting, irrigation basics or graywater use. (www.cityofpaloalto.org/workshops )
Regular updates on Palo Alto’s water supply situation as well as information on City Utilities and SCVWD water efficiency programs are always available at www.cityofpaloalto.org/water
-- Information provided by City of Palo Alto.
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