MARIPOSA COUNTY — In case you weren’t able to purchase and install new water-saving appliances in time for the July 2018 rebate deadline, there is good news, say folks at the local conservation district. The grant funding the Countywide Water Efficiency Rebates has been extended for one year through July 2019. All Mariposa County residents and all customers of Lake Don Pedro Community Services District are eligible, even those with private wells.
Funded by a Department of Water Resources (DWR) grant to the Lake Don Pedro Community Services District, the rebates are administered by the Mariposa County Resource Conservation District (MCRCD). To date, residents have exceeded the grant goal of conserving 11 million gallons of water annually, and a one-year extension was granted by DWR to continue the program while funds last or until July 2019, whichever comes first.
From August 2017 through June 2018, the MCRCD provided 287 cash rebates worth over $53,000 for the purchase and installation of specific water-efficient products. Once installed, these new water efficient toilets, appliances, native plants and rain water capture systems will conserve an estimate 12.8 million gallons of water each year.
The MCRCD is pleased to be able to continue the rebate program, and encouraged by the high participation rate. Water conservation is a key element in preserving our environment and protecting our Sierra homes.
In order to participate, a resident must purchase products labeled WaterSense or on the approved lists, fill out an application, and mail it in to the MCRCD with the original receipt. And, because the state’s drought declaration occurred in January 2014, and many people purchased water-efficient products during the drought years, we are able to make the grant program retroactive for any approved products purchased after February 1, 2014, if an original receipt is provided.
The rebates cover the following items:
- Smart sprinkler controller – $200
- High-efficiency clothes washer – $200
- High-efficiency toilet – $200
- High-efficiency dishwasher – $200
- Rain barrel (limit 4) – $50
- Cistern – $250 – $350 depending on size
- *Native Plants (limit 10) – $10 each
Applications will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis while funds are available, but it’s not too late.
Visit the MCRCD website or stop by the office at 5039 Fairgrounds Rd for more information or an application. Purchase your product, install an eligible item, then fill out the application form. Attach the original, dated receipt and mail it to MCRCD to process. Once approved, you will receive your rebate check in the mail within 6 to 8 weeks. Applicants who would like their original receipts returned may include a stamped, self-addressed envelope and receipts will be mailed back once the program has ended.
For more information and lists of eligible products visit: http://www.mcrcd.net or leave a message at (209)742-2552 and they’ll call you back.
The mission of the Mariposa County Resource Conservation District is to encourage and facilitate cooperative solutions to local resource conservation issues. We provide technical, financial and educational resources to meet the needs of local land users.
