Resource Conservation District (MCRCD) has provided 287 cash rebates worth over $53,000 for the purchase and installation of specific water-efficient products. Once installed, these new water efficient toilets, appliances, native plants and rain water capture systems will conserve an estimate 12.8 million gallons of water each year! Funded by a Department of Water Resources (DWR) grant to the Lake Don Pedro Community Services District, the rebates are administered by the MCRCD. To date, residents have exceeded the grant goal of conserving 11 million gallons of water annually, and we are requesting a one-year extension from DWR to continue the program while funds last. Rebates will be available through July 31, and the program will be reopened if the extension is granted.
“Participation has been excellent,” said David Mecchi, president of the MCRCD board of directors. “We are encouraged that people are taking the opportunity to improve their water efficiency because these savings will continue year after year and help us manage our precious water resources into the future, whether we have normal rainfall or drought. We hope people will apply for the rebates now, and we hope to extend the program as long as we can.”
In order to participate, a resident must purchase products labeled WaterSense or on the approved lists, fill out an application, and mail it in to the MCRCD with the original receipt. And, because the state’s drought declaration occurred in January 2014, and many people purchased water-efficient products during the drought years, we are able to make the grant program retroactive for any approved products purchased after February 1, 2014, if an original receipt is provided.
The rebates cover the following items: Smart sprinkler controller - $200 High-efficiency clothes washer - $200 High-efficiency toilet - $200 High-efficiency dishwasher - $200 Rain barrel (limit 4) - $50 Cistern - $250 - $350 depending on size *Native Plants (limit 10) - $10 each
Applications will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis while funds are available, but it’s not too late. Visit the MCRCD website or stop by the office on Fairgrounds Rd for more information or an application. Purchase your product, install an eligible item, then fill out the application form. Attach the original, dated receipt and mail it to MCRCD to process. Once approved, you will receive your rebate check in the mail within 4 to 6 weeks. Applicants who would like their original receipts returned may include a stamped, self-addressed envelope and receipts will be mailed back once the program has ended.
For more information and lists of eligible products visit: http://www.mcrcd.net or leave a message at (209)7422552 and we’ll call you back.
The mission of the Mariposa County Resource Conservation District is to encourage and facilitate cooperative solutions to local resource conservation issues. We provide technical, financial and educational resources to meet the needs of local land users.
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