Page 76 - Yucaipa Valley Water District - Board Workshop
P. 76
Workshop Memorandum 19-033
Date: January 29, 2019
From: Jennifer Ares, Water Resource Manager
Subject: Overview of the Yucaipa Valley Water District’s Water Conservation Rebate Program
Yucaipa Valley Water District has made great strides toward reducing residential water
consumption since the passing of SB X7-7 which requires water retailers to reduce their water
consumption 20% by 2020. New state law, AB 1668 and SB 606 requires additional long-term
conservation measures that will require cooperation from District customers. Through the
legislation, the Department of Water Resources (DWR) has prepared, Making Water Conservation
A California Way of Life which gives DWR and the State Water Resources Control Board the ability
to define conservation measures for water retailers.
The District will meet the requirements of the State through several steps such as recycled water,
leak detection and rebate opportunities. For several years, the District has offered residential and
commercial rebates. Weather-based irrigation controllers, sprinkler nozzles and high efficiency
toilets are the current water efficient rebates offered. At the January 15, 2019 Board of Directors
meeting, District staff was instructed to obtain more information regarding a potential rain barrel
rebate for its customers. Analysis of the current rebate program and application is also included
for Board review for the upcoming year.
Rain Barrel Rebate Program
Rain barrels collect rain water from a residential roof and hold it for use on lawns, gardens or indoor
plants when needed. Capturing roof runoff in rain barrels reduces the amount of water that flows
away from houses, allowing for the homeowner to reduce their outdoor water expense and use.
District staff is proposing a rain barrel rebate for water customers of the Yucaipa Valley Water
District to maintain our water conservation outreach during the winter months. This rebate program
will provide up to $50 per rain barrel purchased for a maximum rebate of $100 per water customer.
In addition, San Bernardino Valley Municipal Water District supports the water retailer’s rebate
programs by providing a 25% match. District staff is proposing an initial budget of $20,000 toward
the rain barrel rebate program.
Partner agencies in Metropolitan Water District of Southern California’s service area participate in
a rain barrel program. Research on the individual agencies resulted in rebates from $35 - $75. In
order to qualify for a rain barrel rebate, the following parameters must be met by the customer.
1. Property must have existing gutters throughout the entire perimeter of the roof for adequate
water collection and also existing downspouts. In the case of a partially flat roof, gutters
and downspouts must be throughout all pitched areas in order to qualify.
2. Minimum size: 50 gallons, Maximum size: 199 gallons
3. Rain barrel must be designed for the intended purpose of rain capture
4. Must have a cover to prevent mosquitos, rodents and debris from entering barrel
Yucaipa Valley Water District - January 29, 2019 - Page 75 of 100
