Honestly, I’m right there with you on the rebate fatigue. We just finished building and the stack of forms for every “eco” upgrade nearly made me bail. By the time you factor in the upfront costs, it’s not always worth it—especially when you’re already bleeding money on other reno stuff. If cities really want us to save water, make it easy and obvious, not a scavenger hunt. I’d way rather see a lower bill each month than a maybe-someday rebate check.
If cities really want us to save water, make it easy and obvious, not a scavenger hunt.
That’s exactly it. I’ve renovated several properties, and the hoops for rebates are always a headache. I’d much rather see a direct reduction on my water bill for using less, rather than chasing paperwork. The incentive needs to be immediate and visible, not buried in bureaucracy.
WHAT IF YOUR CITY PAID YOU TO USE LESS WATER?
Honestly, I just want to see the savings right there on my bill—like, “Congrats, you used 30% less water, here’s $15 off.” No forms, no receipts, no waiting for some check in the mail that never shows up. I mean, if Netflix can charge me instantly, why can’t the city credit me instantly?
WHAT IF YOUR CITY PAID YOU TO USE LESS WATER?
I get where you’re coming from—instant rewards feel way more motivating than a rebate that shows up six months later, if ever. In my last place, we had a “smart” irrigation system that tracked water use, but the city’s rebate process was a paperwork nightmare. Made me wonder if they actually want us to save water or just want to say they tried. But here’s something I’ve always wondered: if you live in a bigger house with more landscaping, should the incentive be higher, or does that just reward people who already use a ton?
if you live in a bigger house with more landscaping, should the incentive be higher, or does that just reward people who already use a ton?
Here’s the thing—if we only give bigger incentives to folks with huge lawns, it kinda feels like we’re encouraging them to keep those thirsty landscapes. Why not flip it? Reward creative solutions instead. Like, tiered bonuses for converting turf to native plants or installing rainwater systems, regardless of property size. That way, it’s less about how much you used before and more about real change. Otherwise, the biggest users just get paid for cutting back from excess... doesn’t seem fair.
