The City of Chandler has taken steps to further its water conservation efforts, revising rebate programs that encourage the removal of grass and the installation of water-efficient technologies. According to an announcement by the city, these programs will see changes in their funding and rebate amounts starting January 1, 2026. These amendments are designed to sustain participation in the program and manage the available funding more effectively.
Effective with the new year, the rebates for grass removal for single-family homes will see a decrease from $2.00 to $1.50 per square foot, and the maximum rebate will cap at $2,000, stepping down from the previous $3,000. The large landscape rebate maxes out at $20,000, substantially reduced from $75,000, supporting larger-scale conservation efforts albeit with a tightened purse. Finally, the water efficient technology rebate now includes installation costs, but the overall funding has been dialed down to $600,000 via adjustment in the city's agreement with the Water Infrastructure Finance Authority of Arizona.
Chandler's water conservation programs saw a significance in uptake after enhancements in October 2023, which aimed to better the city's drought preparedness plans. The single-family grass removal rebate, which experienced 120% increase in participation after the minimum area for removal was cut down to 500 square feet and the rebate was amplified, removed over 133,000 square feet of grass netting participants a hefty $240,000 in rebates post the adjustments. Comparatively, before these changes, the program in 2022-2023, with a lower rebate rate, had aided in the removal of 132,000 square feet of grass for $25,000 in rebates.
In the realm of larger landscapes, participating Homeowners Associations (HOAs) witnessed a 260% jump in interest, paralleled by a 300% increase in grass removal. The program's previous terms provided a 25% cost coverage up to $75,000. Since the 2023 modifications, and been 371,000 square feet of grass removal with an impressive $770,000 in rebates, while the preceding year saw only 94,000 square feet eliminated for $15,000 in rebates.
The city's newer water-efficient technology rebate, also launched in October 2023, offers a 50% reimbursement up to $10,000 for advanced water-saving technology with real-time monitoring. Targeted outreach was carried out to ensure Chandler businesses, including those managing commercial plazas and HOA communities, were well-informed of the potential savings and environmental benefits. This proactive approach has rewarded thirteen customers with rebates totaling $171,000 since the program's inception.
For additional information on the amended rebates and water conservation initiatives, Chandler officials have made resources available online. Residents and business owners can find further details on how to participate in these conservation efforts and benefit from the city's rebates through their official website.
