Scotts Valley Water District doubles the lawn replacement rebate, introduces a weekend pop-up info station, reopens Recycled Water Fill Station and relaunches Water Saving Challenge
The Scotts Valley Water District (SVWD) has launched an array of programs to help customers to be more water-efficient, as the region and state grapple with another critically dry year.
“Being good stewards of our water resources — especially as we address increasing concern about drought conditions this year — is a priority for the District,” SVWD Manager Piret Harmon said. “Our customers have done a great job being efficient and we continue to seek ways to support and encourage their efforts.”
Rainfall totals in the Scotts Valley area this year are less than two-thirds of normal, and the past two years also have seen lower than normal rainfall in the region. While SVWD is supplied by groundwater and recycled water, years of low rainfall have impacts on water use and future water levels in the aquifers that supply SVWD.
TURF’S UP REBATE
SVWD has increased and expanded its rebate program. Turf’s Up, a successful short-term initiative in 2021, returns. It doubles the lawn replacement rebate to $2 per square foot. Customers are encouraged to replace irrigated lawn areas with low-water-use plants and/or permeable landscape materials such as mulch, decomposed granite, permeable pavers or artificial turf to reduce water use. Outdoor irrigation accounts for approximately third of the water used by SVWD customers.
Pool covers are required in Scotts Valley Water District service area, and rebates are offered to offset the cost of installing these. See details and apply online, www.svwd.org/rebates.
WEEKEND POP-UP STATION
For the first time, there will be a Pop-Up Station to offer the customers and community at large another alternative to connect in-person with SVWD staff. Customers can obtain free water-saving devices, enroll in WaterSmart (SVWD’s free program that enables customers to track their own water usage through an online portal) and more. The Pop-Up Station also will be serving cold, refreshing water for free, so bring a water bottle for a refill! The Pop-Up Station will be on Kings Village Road from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays this summer.
RECYCLED WATER FILL STATION
The Recycled Water Fill Station will provide free recycled water for irrigation purposes to Scotts Valley Water District customers and also City of Scotts Valley residents who are not served by SVWD. Station visitors can get up to 250 gallons of recycled water per day. The Recycled Water Fill Station is adjacent to the Pop-Up Station on Kings Village Road and will be open this summer on Saturdays, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
WATER SAVING CHALLENGE
The Water Saving Challenge returns this year to incentivize efficient water use. The four-month-long program encourages potable water customers who have had an account with the District for at least one year to reduce water use by a minimum of 15% from the same period last year. There will be a monthly raffle for eligible customers who achieve the reduction target. Log into WaterSmart to participate: svwd.watersmart.com.
“Because we cannot predict future rainfall, we must prepare now and slow our water use to preserve our water supply,” added Harmon.
ABOUT SCOTTS VALLEY WATER DISTRICT
Scotts Valley Water District is a community-owned public agency that delivers a sustainable, reliable high-quality water service in an environmentally responsible and financially sound manner. The District provides water service to approximately 4,000 connections over six square miles including most of the City of Scotts Valley and a portion of the unincorporated area north of the city limits. Like the community it serves, Scotts Valley Water District places a high value on livability, innovation and adaptability. Through partnership with the community, strategic investment in resources and pursuit of new ideas, Scotts Valley Water District is redefining its historic role in order to meet future challenges and turn them into opportunities. Learn more at www.svwd.org, and Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.