Cash In on Rebates from MWD and Montecito GSA

Reservoirs are full, hillsides are green, and gardens are glorious all around town. So why are we still talking about water use efficiency? Well, if history is any predictor, we know the next drought is coming. What we don’t know is when, or for how long. But the District plans to be ready and has incentives to encourage water consumers to be ready, too. 

Whether the next drought is near or far, summer is definitely coming! “High heat days” are forecast to increase in number and severity annually as temperatures rise. Around here, most water use is outdoors, and more hot days means more demand for water. If you’re feeling ahead of the game after a rainy winter, how can you keep water use in line when things heat up?

Montecito Water District is currently offering customers cash rebates in six categories; all are focused on supporting actions that will result in greater water efficiency for the long term:

– Mulch (up to $500 per property per year)

– Drip Irrigation (up to $450 per property)

– Smart Irrigation Controller ($300-600 per property)

– Landscape Conversion / grass lawn removal ($5,000 to $10,000 per property) 

– Indoor Appliances ($500-2000 per property)

– High Efficiency Toilets ($200-300, some properties eligible for multiple rebates)

Introduced in 2023, these rebates improved in 2024 with greater dollar amounts based on program data and customer input. 

For complete details and to apply, visit www.montecitowater.com/rebates

Montecito GSA (Groundwater Sustainability Agency) recently launched a rebate program with amounts up to $3,000 for projects that promote groundwater infiltration, including:

– Rain Gardens (designed to capture runoff)

– Conversion from impervious to permeable surfaces (for example replacing buildings, patios, or driveways with landscaping and permeable pavers) 

The Groundwater Sustainability Plan adopted in May 2023, includes rebate programs to raise community awareness about the importance of groundwater and encourage public involvement in the stewardship of the Montecito Groundwater Basin. 

Details and the rebate application form can be found at www.montecitogsa.com/rebates