The City of Wichita is ending its annual water conservation rebate program after a year of providing energy-efficient appliances to customers.
In the program's fourth year, more than 800 of Wichita’s water customers received about $100,000 in rebates for purchasing energy-efficient washing machines, dishwashers, toilets, rain barrels and irrigation systems. Penny Feist with Wichita Public Works and Utilities says new appliances have a big impact on water conservation.
“Just over 11 million gallons we estimate we can save on an annual basis. So, as far as securing water for when we need it, it’s obviously a win," she says.
The city has exhausted its annual funding for the program and will no longer be accepting applications. Customers who participated received rebates of up to $100 for buying items off of an approved list. The city started the program after a prolonged drought threatened long-term water supplies.
