Title
Discuss the irrigation check-up program
Body
BACKGROUND:
The Committee received a presentation from the City of Dallas water utilities about their water conservation programs in October 2022. At that time funding had been allocated for a water rebate pilot for toilet replacement with high efficiency models. The toilet rebate program has helped replace 74 toilets since it started and has become a permanent program.
The water conservation subcommittee presented at the March 2023 meeting about the potential to pilot a water rebate program for irrigation audits to address outdoor water conservation. Funding was approved for the pilot program in the FY 23/24 budget.
Staff have worked to create the program and application. Most cities that operate similar programs either have licensed irrigators on staff or a contract with a specific irrigation company. The pilot program for Farmers Branch is proposing to allow homeowners the flexibility to have any licensed irrigator provide the audit. This model has the potential to allow the homeowner to have an irrigation audit conducted and have necessary repairs made at the same time. Other programs in the region, especially those conducted by city staff, do not allow staff to make repairs during the audit, meaning that there is often an extra step for homeowners if significant repairs are needed.
Staff requests feedback and discussion on the program.
ATTACHMENTS:
1. DRAFT Water Rebate (Irrigation Check-Up) Application