Water conservation will save your money | San Antonio

Stage II water restrictions aren't fun, but they are a necessary tool for drought management.

And if the restrictions have put the region's crucial water supply issue on your radar screen, it is a good time to consider long-term conservation measures.

The San Antonio Water System is a national leader in conservation measures, and the utility's long-term programs, including some that feature rebates, remain under way during this drought-management period.

“Our customers are participating in record numbers in conservation management,” said Karen Guz, SAWS conservation director.

The conservation programs include a landscape rebate of as much as $525 for using new low-water plants and as many as two free water-efficient toilets if you have water-wasting toilets and your house was built prior to 1992.

Others include a $100 rebate for purchasing a water- and energy-efficient washing machine and a $150 rebate for a system that provides hot water on demand and avoids wasting water while waiting for it to get hot.

Full details on eligibility requirements and other specifics of these programs are available online at www.saws.org, or you can call 704-SAVE.

Additionally, Guz said SAWS officials are preparing some drought-recovery programs for the fall that will be unveiled later this month. Those programs likely will include a rebate and free mulch delivery for residents who are reducing the amount of grass in their lawns.

Check the SAWS Web site for details toward the end of the month.

The utility's conservation programs are a winning proposition for ratepayers. Bills will decrease along with the amount of water being used, and reduced pressure on officials to find new water supplies will also help control water costs.

via mysanantonio.com