Scottsdale Water enhanced its citywide efforts to encourage residents and businesses to achieve long-term water savings by boosting rebates that support customers in optimizing their irrigation systems, combating wasteful leaks, and upgrading their landscape. The goal is to incentivize customers to choose Arizona-friendly landscape and prioritize water efficiency.
Improvements to the rebate program include:
• Increased residential grass removal rebates from $1 per square foot to $2, up to a total of $5,000 per property. Grass must be replaced with approved Arizona-friendly landscape.
• A bonus of up to $10,000 for multifamily, HOA common area, and commercial businesses when the grass removal rebate includes strips of grass less than eight feet wide and borders a city right-of-way or path.
• New water efficiency technology rebates for both residents and commercial businesses.
• An enhanced rebate for in-ground pool and/or spa removal to $400 plus $1 per square foot of water surface area.
In August 2021, Scottsdale entered Stage One of the city’s Drought Management Plan, due to dropping reservoir levels and a call to action to the basin states to conserve. The city’s goal is a 5% reduction of its water use at city-run facilities. Officials are asking residents and commercial businesses to do the same, siting the rebate program as a great resource to help accomplish this goal.
Reducing water use is not just about conservation; it creates benefits for both the customer and the city. Inefficiencies, especially leaks, can cause infrastructure damage that can be difficult and pricey to repair. Non-functional grass like strip areas, side yards, irregularly shaped areas, and/or front yards can be beautifully converted to desert landscape and create water savings. By focusing on these key areas, the city not only incentivizes maximum conservation, but helps customers save water and money.
To view rebate offerings and requirements, visit ScottsdaleAZ.gov, search “rebates.” All removal rebates must receive a pre-inspection to qualify.
Customers can also sign up for WaterSmart, an online platform, to view water use data, utilize the leak assistance tool and learn helpful water saving tips; leak notifications are available in some areas. For more information and to sign up, visit ScottsdaleAZ.gov, search “WaterSmart.”
