As temperatures rise during the Arizona summer months, so does water use for amenities such as pools and yards.

Conserving thisresource has never been more important as long-term drought worsens in the Southwest. The city of Glendale provides water conservation rebates that allow residents and businesses to become more sustainable and save money.

There are many ways people can save money in Glendale when they permanently reduce the amount of water used at their single-family residential properties. The water rebate program has expanded to serve more residents and provide higher dollar amounts per eligible rebate project in the last few years.

Those who receive water service from the city of Glendale and are in good standing (no outstanding debt owed to the city) are eligible for a residential landscape conversion rebate. The purpose of the residential landscape conversion rebate is to encourage permanent water savings through the conversion of unwanted grass to xeriscape.

Residents in existing homes can receive up to $3,000 for xeriscape conversions ($1 per square foot) and up to $250 for artificial grass (25 cents per square foot). Residents in new homes can also receive up to $500 for xeriscape (50 cents per square foot) and up to $250 for artificial grass (25 cents per square foot).

Glendale water customers, including multi-family and commercial properties, along with homeowners’ associations and schools, also can benefit from the water conservation program. They are eligible to apply for rebates when they install WaterSense toilets and irrigation controllers, as well as when they undergo landscape conversions and use water-efficient cooling tower technology.

Glendale provides a rebate of up to $100 to replace older, tank toilets and up to $250 to replace older, flushometer valve toilets with water-efficient Environmental Protection Agency WaterSense-labeled toilets. To qualify, the old toilet being replaced must use 1.6 gallons of water or more per flush and the new toilet must use 1.28 gallons or less per flush and be listed on the EPA WaterSense Product Search.

In order to qualify, the new clothes washer must be listed on the current ENERGY STAR Product Search list, and have an Integrated Water Factor (IWF) of 3.2 or less.

The Glendale Water Services Department has been able to expand its water rebate program thanks to a $450,000 grant from the Water Infrastructure Finance Authority Glendale has demonstrated its commitment to sustainability by offering a water conservation rebate program since 1986.

“We all need to make smart choices every day to use water wisely, and we are grateful to WIFA for allowing us to create more opportunities for Glendale water users to take sustainable steps in their homes and businesses.” Glendale Environmental Programs Administrator Joanne Toms stated in a press release.

To apply for  a water conservation rebate, visit www.glendaleaz.com/rebates. For information, email greenliving@glendaleaz.com or call 623-930-3596.