Town offers conservation incentive
News
Posted By By Alyssa Burnham Times Reporter
Posted 1 month ago
The Town of High River has adopted a policy that will reimburse ratepayers for the efforts they take to conserve water.
At town council's direction, administration drafted the Low Flow Toilet Replacement Policy and Procedures. The policy encourages water conservation by providing conditional rebates to High River residents and business owners who purchase and install low flow (six litres or less) or dual-flush toilets.
"I like the policy," said councillor Emile Blokland. "It's long overdue."
New construction does not qualify for the rebate, and the new toilets must be a replacement for a toilet that is at least 13 litres or more. Rebates will be issued for a maximum of three toilets per home or business.
Successful applicants will receive a rebate of $65 per low flush toilet and $90 per dual flush toilet, said Public Works Manager Dean Downey, estimating that the policy will cost the Town between $20,000 and $40,000 for the first few years. The applicants will receive the rebate as a credit on their municipal utility bill.
Downey said it is difficult to nail down a more exact price tag because it is hard to know how many people will take advantage of the rebates. The number of applicants is expected to be highest in the first couple of years and then drop off, he said.
"I'm sure that we (the Town of High River) could do many other things to encourage water conservation," councillor Don Moore said. "This is just the first."
