By Andrew de Souza

City considering extending water-saving programs

Jan 18, 2011 | 11:08 AM

City council is set to decide if it wants to extend two successful incentive programs for several years.

Both the Replacement of Homeowner’s Lead Service Connection Program and the Provincial Toilet Replacement program were programs that were set to run exclusively in 2010.

A report from the city showed the program ended, providing just under $7,000 of the planned $50,000 to be paid of the city’s water and sewer utility fund. But despite the low number of rebates applied, the report said there was enough interest.

“In the early week of 2011, there have already been numerous inquiries and considerable interest in an extension of the program,” said city manager of capital projects and planning, Scott Golding, in his report.

During the city’s executive committee meeting Monday, city manager Robert Cotterill said both programs were useful and it was the right move to continue the program. He suggested extending the programs for three years each.

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“They’re good programs, they’re good water conservation alternatives and we have a lead problem in our community and it’s not going away in one year,” Cotterill said.

Council will decide next week if they want to extend the program.

Under the toilet rebate program, homeowners are eligible for up to $75 in rebates if they purchase an efficient model. The lead pipe program provides up to $2,000 for homeowners who switch lead pipes that connect homes to city water services.

adsouza@panow.com