Water Conservation Is Essential For Life
Water is an essential component of life itself. In order to ensure its availability, while saving you money at the same time, it is crucial that everyone practice good water conservation, especially in times of drought. Charlottesville Water encourages every citizen to follow the money-saving tips provided here.
Drought Status: Currently, the City is not in a Drought status. There are no mandatory restrictions in effect. However, practicing good conservation habits now will protect our resources all year.
 New Water Calculators Available!
The City of Charlottesville now has a residential water use calculator available! This calculator will help to determine where your water goes, which can help you find the best ways to conserve. You will be able to compare your usage to the average in our community. In addition, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has a calculator to help you determine how low flow devices (such as these free and rebated items) can permanently save your water. |
IT'S TIME TO BEAT THE PEAK! July, August and September are the months of highest water usage in our community. In summer 2008 we used 26% more water than in the winter! All this extra water is entirely discretionary - it's primarily used for lawns, pools, and fountains. We can all reduce our peak water use - and utility bills - by watering only as needed, washing full loads of laundry and using more efficient plumbing fixtures. Visit our tips page to see a large range of ideas that you can use in your home to beat the peak. If you're a City water customer you can pick up free low flow fixtures at the Utility Billing Office inside City Hall Learn how to keep your yard on a water diet by reading more on our Water-Wise Landscaping page! |
 The Rain Barrel Rebate Is Now Available
City residents may apply for a $30 rain barrel rebate, up to (2) per water account. Barrels can be purchased from any vendor, though we encourage you to first check out local vendors, like the ones listed here. Learn more about the program by reading the Rain Barrel Rebate Brochure. Once you have purchased your barrel, use the Rebate Request Form to apply for your rebate. Have you also applied for the $100 toilet rebate? Replacing inefficient toilets is a proven method for long term water conservation. |
Final Rain Barrel Workshop of 2009
Our last scheduled workshop for 2009 will take place September 13.
Each workshop begins with an educational component about protecting our waterways, which is presented by the Thomas Jefferson Soil and Water Conservation District. Participants will then assemble their own barrel using barrels donated by Pepsi or Coke. There is a charge of $45 to cover the overhead and cost of parts.
There is a limit of ONE barrel per household at these workshops. Additional barrels can be purchased through commercial retailers (some of which are listed here), the Rivanna Conservation Society or you can build another using these instructions.
If you would like to be added to the rain barrel contact list, please email the City's Water Conservation Manager. You will then be notified by email of any changes to the rain barrel program.
Learn to Conserve Water and Maintain a Beautiful Landscape!  During fall planting season it's always good to keep Water-Wise landscaping in mind. The right plants in your yard, such as native species, will keep it beautiful for many seasons to come, no matter the rainfall. Native plants don't need herbicides, pesticides, fertilizers or extra water. Visit our Water Wise Landscaping page or the Irrigation Association to learn how to keep your yard beautiful without the waste.
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Read our list of Money-saving Water Conservation Tips
Learn painless ways to conserve water everyday!
$100 SPECIAL OFFER - ACT NOW!
Use of the toilet accounts for 30% of the average home's indoor water use. Toilets from before 1994 are especially wasteful; if replaced by an efficient model, a typical household can save 10,000 gallons per year! Make water conservation automatic - install a low-flow toilet. 
Make shopping for one easy - look for the WaterSense label, which indicates a product has met EPA standards for efficiency and performance. WaterSense products have been tested by a third party and are proven to be as effective as conventional products while using at least 20% less water! The City of Charlottesville is offering a $100 rebate for the purchase and installation of a low flow toilet.
Free Indoor Conservation Kits
A program in place since 2002, City residents may pick up a free kit from the Utility Billing office, located in City Hall. The low flow fixtures are easy to install, and will make daily conservation easy for the whole family!
Community Water Supply Plan Has New Webpage
Visit this page for information and updates.
For more information, contact: Charlottesville Water (434) 970-3800
or Email
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