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City says rebate programs cut water consumption
Wednesday, November 26, 2008 by Austin Monitor
The City of
The city had set a goal of saving more than 1 million gallons during the peak usage period with those low-flow toilets, washing machines, and irrigation systems installed at homes and apartment complexes around
In 2007, about 26 percent of the Austin Water Utility’s customers took advantage of one of the conservation rebates available. In 2008, that grew to 39 percent. “We’re going to move forward in the new year with new programming and more staff, and hopefully getting more and more participation,” Stefaniw said.
Staffers also presented data to the task force tracking citywide water usage since Oct.1, when the city’s mandatory watering restrictions for single-family homeowners were lifted. While those restrictions will resume May 1, multi-family and commercial properties face restrictions year-round. Those properties are limited to watering on Tuesday and Friday.
Water Conservation Program Coordinator Dan Strub said it was apparent that mutli-family and commercial properties were continuing to adhere to those requirements, since Tuesday and Friday have consistently been the city’s peak water usage days this fall. “This is a trend in the right direction. Having peaks on those days is something we want to see this time of year,” he said. “It means those properties are watering just twice a week instead of every day,”
The Task Force also elected new officers at Monday night’s meeting. Current Chair Jennifer Walker will move to the position of Vice-Chair, and Susan Butler was elected as the new Chair.
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