The Utah Division of Water Resources is accepting applications for a new Transparent Water Billing Grant Program. Applications for the one-time funds are available to retail water providers in Utah that have a current water conservation plan filed with the Utah Division of Water Resources.
The grant program aims to implement water billing practices that inform customers about their water use in an easy-to-understand manner, engage customers in water conservation practices, and increase transparency, as well as public access to water use data.
The Utah Division of Water Resources says water providers that utilize innovative ways of showing information and sharing water use data publicly and in customer billing statements have reported water use reductions of 5% to 18%. Strategies may include providing the customer with comparisons of current use to past use, a clear breakdown of charges, and an online bill calculator that allows customers to determine how their bill could be reduced by implementing various conservation measures.
Funds must be used to create or expand education and outreach on water use through customer billing, increase customer engagement in water conservation practices through billing and other applications, and increase transparency and public accessibility to water use data.
Transparent Water Billing Grant Program Eligibility Requirements:
- Minimum of 15% cost share from project applicant(s).
- Provide baseline water use data (three years prior to start of project and throughout the duration of the project).
- Outline of methods used to track water use data.
- Outdoor irrigation is a required component of the three-year pilot projects.
- Final report must include summary of program effectiveness and lessons learned.
To apply, fill out the application and email it to Josh Zimmerman, Water Conservation Coordinator, or mail it to the following address: Division of Water Resources, PO Box 146201, Salt Lake City, UT 84114. To access additional information about the grant opportunity, visit the Division of Water Resources website.