The URL can be used to link to this page

Home My WebLink AboutF-4. Water Conservation Program UpdateUB-312 APPROVED UTILITY BOARD 09/24/2018 program is administered by Electric & Gas Industries (EGIA) along with the other MWD rebate programs through the SoCalWater$mart.com website. Due to limited participation, the Azusa Turf Removal Program was administered in-house, and has continued even when MWD terminated their Turf Removal Program in July 2015 due to lack of funds. Beginning July 9, 2018, MWD is offering the Landscape Transformation Program in place of the former Turf Removal Program. Again, ALW is mirroring MWD’s program with the Azusa Landscape Transformation Program. On September 1, 2018 ALW made minor changes to the Turf Removal Program as follows: •Raise the total residential rebate from $1,000 to $1,500 •Decrease the $2.00 per square foot (SF) to $1.00 per SF •Removal of synthetic turf from program eligibility •Elimination of bare dirt eligibility •Instituted a five drought tolerant plant per 100 SF requirement •Other slight programmatic changes to mirror the MWD program The Azusa Landscape Transformation Program will also be administered in-house, thus keeping the program cost effective and flexible. Water Device Rebate Program In November 2015, the Utility Board approved ALW participation in MWD’s existing online rebate program for ALW customers located within Four Cities’ territory to make the rebate programs similar with the other water supply territories. The rebate program is administered by Electric & Gas Industries (EGIA), MWD’s rebate program administrator, through the SoCalWater$mart.com website. The SoCalWater$mart Rebate application is submitted online and the back-up documents including the online application confirmation page, recent water bill, and receipt showing the product was paid in full must be submitted within 60 days of online application. Device rebates for electric and water conservation programs are advertised concurrently every year. Applications received for both programs normally increase after the mailing of the Living Greener calendar. However, Staff noted a significant drop in water rebate applications since 2015 when ALW began offering the program through SoCalWater$mart and having Electric & Gas Industries (EGIA) as administrator. With the decreased number of water rebate applications, it is no longer cost-effective to pay EGIA a monthly administration fee of $500. Staff plans to bring back water rebate processing in-house and provide customers with added benefits such as: •Submitting applications up to 6 months after product purchase compared to 3 months with EGIA. •Local contact for questions and assistance combined with the ability to submit applications in person. Customers outside the city limits will still go through SoCalWater$mart due to MWD funding appropriations. The following water conservation measures (devices) will continue to be available to Azusa customers at the same levels as the current SoCalWater$mart program: UB-313 Residential Residential Devices Total Incentive* 1 High Efficiency Clothes Washers (HECW) Requires a water factor of 3.7 or less $85/HECW 2 High Efficiency Toilets (HETs) 1.1 gallon or less [single family dwellings] $40/HET 3 Rotating Nozzles Minimum 30 per application $2/ nozzle 4 Weather Based Irrigation Controller (WBIC) Less than one irrigated acre $80/WBIC 5 Weather Based Irrigation Controller (WBIC) One irrigated acre or larger $35/station 6 Soil Moisture Sensor System (SMSS) Less than one irrigated acre $80/SMSS 7 Soil Moisture Sensor System (SMSS) One irrigated acre or larger $35/station 8 Rain Barrel Cisterns (200-500 gallons) (501-999 gallons) (1,000+ gallons) $35/barrel (max. 2) Per cistern (max. 1) $250 $300 $350 Commercial Commercial/Industrial/Institutional Devices Total Incentive* 1 Premium High-Efficiency Toilets $40/HET 2 Ultra Low & Zero Water Urinal (ULWU) $200/ULWU 3 Plumbing Flow Control Valve Minimum 10 required $5/valve 4 Irrigation Controllers $35/station 5 Rotating Nozzles for Pop-up Spray Heads Minimum 30 required $2/nozzle 6 Large Rotary Nozzles Minimum 8 sets $13/set 7 In-Stem Flow Regulator Minimum 25 units per site $1/regulator 8 Soil Moisture Sensor Systems $35/station 9 Connectionless Food Steamers $485/compartment 10 Air-cooled Ice-Making Machines $1,000 11 Cooling Tower Conductivity Controller (CTCC) $625/CTCC 12 Cooling Tower ph Controller (pH-CTC) $1,750/pH-CTC 13 Dry Vacuum Pump Maximum 2 Horsepower (HP) motor $125/0.5 HP 14 Laminar Flow Restrictors Minimum 10 $10/restrictor * Incentives are limited to the cost of the device when applicable UB-314 Pool/Spa Cover Rebate Program This program is available to customers within city limits only and provides rebate of $50 or 50% of the purchase price of a manual pool/spa cover; or $200 or 50% of the purchase of a permanent mechanical pool cover, whichever is less. The pool/spa cover rebate will be incorporated into the Water Device Rebate Program. Rebate Processing Residential rebates for devices and pool/spa cover will be applied as a bill credit to the water utility account. Commercial devices and Landscape Transformation rebates will be processed as a check. Program Marketing and Outreach Staff will actively advertise the changes through multiple media platforms and will continue to explore other water conservation program opportunities. FISCAL IMPACT: Sufficient funds for water conservation rebate programs have been allocated for FY 2018-2019 in amount of $225,000 under Account Number 32-40-721-791-6633. Prepared by: Reviewed and Approved by: Paul Reid Manny Robledo Utility Programs Specialist Director of Utilities Liza Sagun Util. Comm. & Envt. Programs Specialist Reviewed and Approved by: Sergio Gonzalez City Manager Attachments: 1) Modified Azusa Landscape Transformation Application Form 2) Water Device Rebate Program Application Form UB-315 Azusa Landscape Transformation Program Application Form In order to get your rebate check from Azusa Light & Water, you must fill out, sign and date this form and submit proof of eligibility to: Azusa Light & Water 729 N. Azusa Avenue Azusa, CA 91702 Tel: (626) 812-5225 * FAX: (626) 812-5125 Attention: Landscape Transformation Rebate Processor Applicant Name: ________________________ Tax Payer ID/SS Number: _______________________ Address: ____________________________________________________________, Azusa, CA 91702 Day Time Telephone: ______________________________ E-mail: ______________________________ Azusa Light & Water Account Number: Removal Date: _________ Square footage (SF) of turf removed: ______________ Requested Rebate Amount: ______________ (Rebate based on $1.00 per SF of turf removed; Not to exceed $1,500 for residential or $5,000 for Commercial/Industrial/Institutional customers) APPLICANT ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS/COMMITMENTS • I understand that I must have grass/turf in the proposed project area. • I understand that I must comply with all applicable rules of the City of Azusa municipal codes, laws, ordinances and other restrictions. • I understand that all projects must: o Have a minimum of 250 SF of turf removed, or all turf removed if less than 250 SF o Not include live turf or turf looking plants or invasive plants o The project includes at least five drought tolerant or California native plants per 100 SF o Be permeable to water/air, include 3” depth of mulch around plants and no bare soil o Be a sustainable rainwater capture design • I understand that synthetic turf is not eligible for the rebate. • I understand that I have a maximum of 180 days after approval to complete my project or it may be cancelled without further notice. • I understand wi ll be issued as a rebate check, and that this rebate will be mailed 6-8 weeks after the complete application package has been received by Azusa Light & Water. • I understand that Azusa Light & Water reserves the right to deny any rebate application if the applicant does not comply with the program qualifications, procedures, and specifications. • I understand that my rebate will not exceed the rebate amounts set forth in this rebate program application package. • I understand that the applicant must be within the City of Azusa and be an Azusa Light & Water customer for at least 6 months prior to applying for this program. • I understand that random spot checks may be made to verify adherence to program guidelines in order to deter fraud and to ensure that anticipated savings are achieved. • I understand that I am only eligible for one Azusa Landscape Transformation Rebate per fiscal year. • I understand that the rebate check will become void 90 days after being issued. NOTE: If your rebate amount is $600 or more you will receive a 1099 form to comply with Internal Revenue Service requirements. The determination of whether your rebate is taxable or not may depend on several variables. You are recommended to contact your tax professional. Applicant Signature: ___________________________________ Date: ______________ Azusa Light & Water Approval to Progress: _______________ Date: ______________ UB-316 Azusa Landscape Transformation Program Guidelines INSTRUCTIONS Step 1: Project Start Approval • Before you begin removing any turf, you must apply for and receive project start approval. • The approval will specify the square feet your project has been approved for and your reserved rebate amount. (Important note: Your final rebate cannot be larger than your reserved amount, even if you remove additional square footage. It is important that you estimate and measure your project area correctly.) • Submit the Azusa Landscape Transformation Program Application along with: o At least 5 color “Before” photos of the areas where you plan to remove turf. Turf must be grass to qualify for a rebate. o Submit at least one photo of each area you plan to remove turf (front yard, side yard, back yard, etc.). o Read PHOTO GUIDELINES to see what type of photos are required. o Include a simple landscape plan for the project o Provide a copy of your recent water bill. • Wait approximately two weeks for approval to start your project. o A copy of your approved application will be returned to you. o Once you receive approval, you have 180 days to complete your project. • After completing your project, you are ready to request the rebate by completing “Step 2: Project completion Rebate Application”. Step 2: Project Completion Rebate Application • Re-submit the approved Azusa Landscape Transformation Program Application along with: o At least eight (8) color “After” photos of your completed project areas, showing:  The required plant coverage  The sustainable landscape approach selected (i.e. Rain Garden, Rock Garden, Rain Barrel, River Bed, Swale, Berm, Grade, etc.)  Each area where turf was transformed  The overall irrigation system • Your rebate application will be reviewed, an inspection may be required and upon final approval you will receive your rebate check within 6-8 weeks. PHOTO GUIDELINES UB-317 1. Photos must be in color. 2. Cannot be up-close shots of grass or plants. It is recommended that you stand back far enough to include your home, street, or fence as a reference point. 3. Cannot be an online image such as Google street view Photos that follow guidelines: UB-318 UB-319 Photos that do not meet guidelines: UB-320 UB-321 How to measure the square footage of your project area To measure your project area, gather the following tools and follow the steps below. There are also online satellite imagery websites that may be able to help you measure your lawn’s square footage. One example is Google Earth. Tools you will need: • Measuring tape or measuring wheel • Graph paper or free templates available online Steps for measuring your lawn: • Utilize the graph paper to make a drawing of your home and the borders of your yard. Write in any descriptions of nearby items such as driveways, fences, or sidewalks. This will help you orient yourself. UB-322 • Divide the project area into easily measured shapes such as rectangles, squares, triangles and circles. A list of formulas to find the square feet of these shapes is included below. • Take measurements to find out the square footage of each shape in your yard. Then add up the square footage of each shape for total square footage. UB-323 Helpful formulas to find square footage There are many online “area calculator tools” that will calculate the square footage of common shapes after you enter in the required measurements. Click here for one example. Squares, rectangles, and triangles will be the most common shapes in your yard. The formulas for finding their square footage are below. If you have more unusual shapes, you can find out how to calculate their square footage here on many websites such as this one. Square or Rectangle Height multiplied by Width = Square Footage Triangle Height multiplied by Width and divided by 2 = Square Footage UB-324 LANDSCAPE TRANSFORMATION PROGRAM OVERVIEW Azusa Light & Water’s Landscape Transformation program is being offered as a program designed to promote water use reduction and sustainability for City of Azusa customers that are not eligible for the Metropolitan Water District Landscape Transformation Program. The Landscape Transformation Program aims to combine elements of grass removal, irrigation modification and water retention or filtration to support reuse or soil absorption of rainwater. The Landscape Transformation Program takes a multi-pronged approach to maximize water utilization and conservation. Removing turf grass is one of the most water conscious adjustments a business, organization or homeowner can make to reduce their water usage and associated costs. Converting irrigation systems to drip, hand-watering or installing modified sprinkler heads or systems ensures that water used is only exactly what is needed. Finally, the addition of a sustainable approach in the new landscape plan works to reduce or prevent wasteful runoff through the use of a rainwater capture or filtration system. General Program Information The Landscape Transformation program is a two-part application process. In order to receive a rebate, you must apply to reserve rebate funds prior to starting your project. After the reservation, you will have 180 days to complete the project and submit your request for a rebate or the application will be canceled. Azusa Light & Water is offering a rebate of $1.00 per square foot up to 1,500 square feet of converted residential yard per year and up to 5,000 square feet of converted Commercial, Industrial and Institutional turf grass area per year. Depending on the conversion methods used in your landscape transformation project, you may be eligible for additional rebates on devices such as weather based irrigation controllers, soil moisture sensors, rotating nozzles, rain barrels or cisterns. For information on available outdoor device rebates, please visit the outdoor device page on the SoCalWaterSmart.com web page. UB-325 Please carefully review the program requirements and instructional materials for information on how to apply for the Landscape Transformation Program. Rebate Eligibility • To receive a reservation for a landscape transformation rebate, you must have existing turf. If your project has already been started or completed, you are not eligible for the rebate. • All landscape transformation projects must be within the City of Azusa and not within Metropolitan Water District’s service area in order to qualify for a rebate. • Before you begin your project or remove any turf, you must apply for and receive an approval to proceed, which is a reservation of funds. • If you begin or complete your project prior to receiving a reservation, you are not eligible for a rebate. To Claim a Rebate (if all of the above conditions have been met), your completed project must: • Have a minimum of 250 square feet of turf removed, or if the entire front yard has less than 250 square feet of turf grass, all present turf must be removed. • Not include any live turf, or turf-looking grasses. • Include at least five plants per 100 square feet in the project area. Please visit http://calscape.org/ for native plant lists specific to your area. o Please note that turf, turf-looking grasses, or invasive plants do not qualify even if they are drought-tolerant or California natives. You can view a list of invasive plants by visiting http://www.cal- ipc.org/solutions/prevention/landscaping/dpp/?region=socal • Be permeable to air and water to reduce surface area runoff. Areas with concrete, structures or other surfaces that air and water cannot move through will be disqualified. o Note: Turf areas replaced with structures or any impermeable surfaces will not be eligible for a rebate. Exclude these turf areas from your measurements to avoid program disqualification and processing delays. Some examples of built structures include: raised patios, decks and garages. o Pathways with broken concrete (spaced concrete), flagstone or other like materials may be used, but cannot be grouted with cement or concrete. Approved filler typically used for these materials is loose sand. • Be designed to capture rainfall through infiltration or on-site storage for reuse. Eligible techniques can include: rain gardens, rock gardens, dry river beds, swales, berms, grades, rain barrels and cisterns. • Include three (3) inches depth of mulch surrounding all plants. Mulch, rock, or decomposed granite must cover any bare spaces within project area (No bare soil allowed). The use of organic materials is recommended. • Include irrigation modification or conversion; this is required for all projects: o Convert over-head sprays to drip, micro-spray, bubblers, or rotating nozzles; whichever is applicable; or o Cap sprinkler heads or remove irrigation equipment and hand-water • No synthetic turf is allowed UB-326 • Consumers are responsible for complying with all applicable laws, codes, policies, covenants, conditions and restrictions. Using a Sustainable Approach in Your Landscape Conversion The Landscape Transformation Program requires the inclusion of a rainwater capture or filtration system integrated into the landscape project. This sustainable approach integrated into the overall landscape design serves to reduce rainwater runoff onto sidewalks and streets and capture rainwater for reuse. The following are details of some eligible methods to meet this participation requirement. UB-327 Rain Gardens A rain garden is a planted depression or hole that allows rainwater runoff from impervious urban areas like roofs, driveways, walkways, parking lots, and compacted lawn areas to be absorbed. Storm water is soaked into the ground rather than flowing into storm drains and surface waters. Installation of a rain garden within your landscape project can reduce erosion, pollution, flooding and diminished groundwater. UB-328 UB-329 Rock Gardens A rock garden is a garden laid out among rocks or decorated with rocks and adapted for the growth of particular kinds of plants. A rock garden is designed to allow plants to grow between the rocks. UB-330 Dry River Beds A dry river bed or dry stream is an area designed to slow heavy flows of water from rainfall and correct erosion problems. It is made up of a shallow swale (see section on swales) lined with stone substantial enough to withstand a serious downpour. Large chunks of stone are used to slow the speed of storm water and prevent erosion. In a garden, the careful placement of water-worn stone or river slicks along a swale can be a UB-331 beautiful design that also provides an ideal place for plants. The swale should be fed by an underground pipe that is fed by a catchment. UB-332 Swales A swale is a shallow ditch that has gently sloping sides. A swale relies on gravity to move water and is designed to direct the water where you want it to go, such as flower or vegetable gardens. A swale also limits surface runoff while trapping silt and pollutants. UB-333 Berms Berms are mounds of earth with sloping sides that are located between areas of approximately the same elevation. Berms are designed to direct or redirect in order to keep water from flowing off the property. Grades Grades are surface grading of an area so that water collects and flows to a lower elevation away from the water collection site. Regardless of surface characteristics, when planning to add a grade for surface drainage, slope is the most important consideration. For efficient drainage, paved surfaces should have a minimum 1 percent slope. Turf or landscaped areas should have a minimum of 2 percent slope. UB-334 Rain Barrels/Cisterns Rain barrels and cisterns are storage tanks that capture runoff water from a catchment area such as a rooftop. Cisterns are a larger version of rain barrels, with a larger capacity for rainwater collection and storage. Rain barrels and cisterns must both be connected properly to installed rain gutters and downspouts. The property must have existing gutters around the full perimeter of the roof and existing downspouts for adequate water collection. Installed rain barrels must meet all local and regional requirements. Newly purchased rain barrels may qualify for an additional rebate. Please visit the residential devices page for qualifications. Existing rain barrels and cisterns will qualify provided that they have been properly installed. UB-335 Water Device Rebate Application Name _______________________ Azusa Light & Water Account # _______________ Service Address ___________________________________________, Azusa CA 91702 Mailing Address ______________________________________ (if different from above) Phone # ________________________ Email Address ____________________________ Please Check Each to Complete: Must have original or copy of sales receipt or paid invoice showing date of purchase within the last 6 months, model number, actual purchase price (excluding taxes and recycling fees) and quantity Under no circumstances shall the rebate exceed the cost of the product All applicable section(s) on rebate form are completed Signature and date on last page of this application For a list of qualified products, to go www.azusalw.com Residential Residential Devices Maximum Total Incentive* Quantity Cost Purchase Date Rebate 1 High Efficiency Clothes Washers (HECW) Requires a water factor of 3.7 or less $85/HECW 2 High Efficiency Toilets (HETs) 4 liters/1.1 gallon or less $40/HET 3 Rotating Nozzles Minimum 30 per application $2/ nozzle 4 Weather Based Irrigation Controller (WBIC) Less than one irrigated acre (Must be EPA Water Sense certified) $80/WBIC 5 Weather Based Irrigation Controller (WBIC) One irrigated acre or larger (Must be EPA Water Sense certified) $35/station UB-336 6 Soil Moisture Sensor System (SMSS) Less than one irrigated acre $80/SMSS 7 Soil Moisture Sensor System (SMSS) One irrigated acre or larger $35/station 8 Rain Barrel Cisterns (200-500 gallons) (501-999 gallons) (1,000+ gallons) $35/barrel (max. 2) Per cistern (max. 1) $250 $300 $350 9 Pool/Spa Cover *Cover must conform with size & shape of pool/spa & covers 85% of water surface *Liquid pool/spa covers do not qualify *New pool/spa covers only *Rebate limit every 3 years 50% of product cost, whichever is less $50 (manual) $200 (mechanical) TOTAL RESIDENTIAL REBATE * List of qualified products and incentives are subject to change without prior notice and limited to the cost of the device when applicable. Commercial/Industrial/Institutional Commercial Devices Maximum Total Incentive* Quantity Cost Purchase Date Rebate 1 Premium High-Efficiency Toilets $40/HET 2 Ultra Low & Zero Water Urinal (ULWU) $200/ULWU 3 Plumbing Flow Control Valve Minimum 10 required $5/valve 4 Irrigation Controllers $35/station 5 Rotating Nozzles for Pop-up Spray Heads Minimum 30 required $2/nozzle 6 Large Rotary Nozzles Minimum 8 sets $13/set 7 In-Stem Flow Regulator Minimum 25 units per site $1/regulator 8 Soil Moisture Sensor Systems $35/station 9 Connectionless Food Steamers $485/compartment 10 Air-cooled Ice-Making Machines $1,000 11 Cooling Tower Conductivity Controller (CTCC) $625/CTCC 12 Cooling Tower ph Controller (pH-CTC) $1,750/pH-CTC 13 Dry Vacuum Pump Maximum 2 Horsepower (HP) motor $125/0.5 HP 14 Laminar Flow Restrictors Minimum 10 $10/restrictor TOTAL COMMERCIAL/INDUSTRIAL/INSTITUTIONAL REBATE * List of qualified products and incentives are subject to change without prior notice and limited to the cost of the device when applicable. UB-337 Participant Agreement The water-efficient product(s) marked above have been installed at the Azusa location indicated. I have attached a copy of the itemized proof of purchase sales or paid invoice other required documentation. I understand that falsifying information may lead to my disqualification from this incentive program and that Azusa Light & Water will take appropriate actions to recover the rebate amount. Funding is limited and this program is subject to change or cancellation without prior notice. I have read and agree to these terms and to verification of installation by an Azusa Light & Water representative, or contracted third party, as necessary. I further understand that all residential rebates will be applied as a credit to my water utility account on or after the next billing cycle. Commercial/Industrial/Institutional rebates will be issued as a check. NOTE: If your rebate amount is $600 or more you will receive a 1099 form to comply with Internal Revenue Service requirements. The determination of whether your rebate is taxable or not may depend on several variables. You are recommended to contact your tax professional. Customer Signature ______________________________ Date ____________________ If you have any questions, call us at 626-812-5225 or check our website at azusalw.com for up-to-date rebate requirements and qualifications. Mail or Hand Deliver Application to: Azusa Light & Water 729 N. Azusa Avenue, Azusa, CA 91702 Attention: Water Rebate Program Note: City of Azusa permits may be required for work done in the City of Azusa. Permits may be obtained from the Building Division. You may contact them at 626-812-5234 for related questions. (Modified: 09-01-18) UB-338