The city of Steamboat Springs and the Mount Werner Water & Sanitation District have rolled out a new Outdoor Water Efficiency Rebate Program aimed at reducing water waste and promoting sustainable irrigation practices, according to a statement released on Tuesday. 

Outdoor irrigation accounts for roughly 30% of summer water use in the area, with nearly half of it wasted, according to Water Resource Manager Julie Baxter. The new program offers rebates to residential, multi-family and commercial property owners for upgrades that improve irrigation efficiency.

Eligible purchases include smart irrigation controllers, rain or soil moisture sensors and high-efficiency sprinkler nozzles. 

Customers can also receive incentives for irrigation evaluations conducted by WaterSense-certified professionals. Multi-family and commercial properties must complete an efficiency evaluation to qualify, while single-family homeowners are encouraged — but not required — to do so.

Rebates are available to active, non-delinquent water customers in both service areas and must be applied for within 90 days of purchase. Applications require receipts and, in some cases, before-and-after installation photos. 

Approved rebates, issued by check within 45 days, exclude taxes and labor costs. Amounts over $600 are subject to IRS reporting.

The program supports the city’s 2020 Water Conservation Plan, which targets a 10% per-household water use reduction by 2030 to improve resilience against climate change, wildfire threats and population growth.

For more information, visit tinyurl.com/5cxzjpxa or contact the Mount Werner Water & Sanitation District at 970-879-2424.