Cal Water Offers New Water-Saving Landscaping Programs

Rhea-AI Summary

California Water Service (CWT) has launched two new water conservation programs: lawn-to-garden and spray-to-drip rebates, aimed at helping customers save water amid ongoing drought conditions. Customers can receive $3 per square foot for removing lawns, requiring at least 50% conversion to drought-tolerant landscaping. The drip irrigation program offers $0.50 per square foot for converting from standard spray systems, promoting water efficiency. Both incentives are available to residential and commercial clients. Additional conservation initiatives include rebates on high-efficiency appliances and educational resources.

Positive

• Launch of lawn-to-garden rebate program offering $3 per square foot.
• Introduction of spray-to-drip program providing $0.50 per square foot rebate.
• Programs available for residential and commercial customers, enhancing customer engagement.
• Additional conservation initiatives like high-efficiency appliance rebates and free conservation kits.

Negative

• None.

Incentives Now Available for Garden Conversions and Drip Irrigation

SAN JOSE, Calif., Sept. 02, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Water conservation is increasingly important as the drought continues, and California Water Service (Cal Water) is expanding its efforts to help customers save water every day. The utility announced today the launch of its lawn-to-garden and spray-to-drip rebates, two new programs that offer incentives for Cal Water customers to make their landscaping and irrigation systems as efficient as possible.

Cal Water’s lawn-to-garden program offers a rebate of $3 per square foot of lawn removed. At least 50 percent of the grass removed must be converted to landscaping utilizing California-friendly, drought-tolerant plant material. Artificial/synthetic turf, lawn that is already dead, or grass previously removed do not qualify for the rebate.

The spray-to-drip program provides a rebate of $0.50 per square foot of landscaping converted from a standard spray irrigation system to a drip system, as drip irrigation uses 20 to 50 percent less water compared to sprinklers. Drip equipment must be on Cal Water’s Qualified Product List to be eligible for the incentive.

Both programs are available to single-family residential, multi-family residential, and commercial customers. Cal Water customers can visit calwater.com/conservation for detailed information on these programs and to apply.

“Our customers have already been taking smart steps to conserve water during the drought, and we want to provide additional ways to help them use water wisely,” said Martin A. Kropelnicki, President and CEO. “These new programs will make it even easier for Cal Water customers to beautify their landscapes while simultaneously reducing water use and saving money, all reflective of our commitment to deliver quality, service, and value.”

Additionally, Cal Water encourages customers to utilize its other industry-leading conservation programs to help conserve water. The utility offers:

• Rebates on high-efficiency appliances and devices, with certain rebate amounts recently doubled;
• A free conservation kit that includes a garden hose nozzle with shutoff valve, high-efficiency shower heads, faucet aerators, and more;
• Educational resources; and
• A smart landscape tune-up program that includes an irrigation system evaluation along with installation of efficient devices and repair of irrigation leaks at no cost to customers.

Cal Water also reminds residents and businesses to continue observing the prohibited uses of water in effect. Water-wasting activities include, in part, using water on outdoor landscaping that causes runoff onto adjacent properties or paved areas; irrigating outdoors between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m., unless local ordinances state otherwise; using a hose to wash vehicles unless the hose has a shutoff nozzle or similar device; and not repairing leaks within five days of notification.

Cal Water customers can visit calwater.com/conservation for information on all conservation programs along with a full list of prohibited uses of water.

California Water Service serves about 2 million people through 492,600 service connections in California. The utility has provided water service in the state since 1926. Additional information may be obtained online at www.calwater.com.

Contact: Yvonne Kingman, 310-257-1434

FAQ

What are the new conservation programs announced by California Water Service (CWT)?

California Water Service introduced lawn-to-garden and spray-to-drip rebate programs to help customers save water.

How much can customers earn from the lawn-to-garden program offered by CWT?

Customers can receive $3 per square foot for removing lawns under the lawn-to-garden program.

What is the rebate amount for converting spray irrigation to drip systems with CWT?

The spray-to-drip program provides a rebate of $0.50 per square foot for conversion.

Who is eligible for CWT's new rebate programs?

Both residential and commercial customers can apply for the lawn-to-garden and spray-to-drip rebate programs.

Where can customers find more information about CWT's conservation programs?

Customers can visit calwater.com/conservation for detailed information about all conservation programs.