SPECIAL TO THE STAR
BOERNE — The arrival of warmer weather, Daylight Savings Time and Spring Break are indicators of pending water use increase throughout the city, as residents turn their focus to lawns, gardens and landscaping.
Boerne Utilities reminds water customers of three rebates available to its customers, aimed at helping them save water while reducing utility bills.
Rebate amounts differ according to the plan — rainwater harvesting, irrigation system consultation, and irrigation system rain-freeze sensor installation — but offer water customers between $100-$150 to be applied as a credit on future utility bills.
“These rebates not only promote water conservation but also help residents and ratepayers save money, two major priorities for City Council,” Mayor Frank Ritchie said last year, when the rebates were first introduced.
“Water conservation is a collective effort, and we’re excited to partner with our customers to make a difference. This truly is a win-win for both our natural resources but also the community,” he said.
Since the rebates were created in June 2024, nearly 50 customers have taken advantage of the rebates. Customers could have up to $400 credited to their account if they took advantage of all three rebates.
In March 2024, Ryan Bass, city environmental program manager, previewed the rebate programs during a meeting on the benefits of rainwater harvesting.
“Since March 2022, we went into the extreme drought category and have not gotten out of it. Most of that is in the ‘exceptional’ drought category,” Bass said.
“That’s where this rainwater component can come in,” he said, “to help you supplement your irrigation needs at your house, and not have to be dependent on your utility water or your well.”
The three rebate programs are: 1. Rainwater Harvesting Rebate The rainwater harvesting rebate offers customers a $150 incentive for purchasing and installing a rainwater storage tank. This innovative approach allows individuals to capture rainwater, providing a sustainable water source for various household needs.
To qualify for the rebate, customers must ensure their project includes a minimum of 50 gallons of storage capacity and submit proof of purchase along with photo documentation of the installed tank.
2. Irrigation System Consultation Rebate
For those with sprinkler systems, the irrigation system consultation rebate presents a significant opportunity for water savings. By completing a consultation with a licensed professional, customers can receive an additional $150 rebate.
“This program is designed to help customers optimize their irrigation systems for efficiency,” Bass said. “By ensuring that landscapes receive the right amount of water at the right time and on the right day, we can reduce waste and lower water bills.”
3. Irrigation System Rain/ Freeze Sensor Rebate To further enhance water conservation efforts, Boerne Utilities is offering a $100 rebate for the purchase and installation of a compatible rain/freeze sensor for irrigation systems.
These sensors help prevent unnecessary watering during rain or freezing conditions, ultimately saving water and money.
“All of these rebates are geared toward empowering our customers to make environmentally conscious choices,” Ritchie said. “By taking advantage of these incentives, together, we can make a significant impact on water conservation in our community.”
These rebate programs are open to all Boerne Utilities water customers and are applied as a credit on future utility bills.
The application process can be found on the Water Conservation Rebate Program webpage. Questions can be addressed to Ryan Bass at 830-331-9707 or by email, to: [email protected].
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