Drought: City Asks To Extend Washer Rebate Program

If the Sacramento City Council approves, the City will agree to spend more than $600,000 on rebates for people who purchase energy-and-water-efficient machines. 

Terrance Davis is the City's Sustainability Manager.

"The average family uses about 300 loads of laundry each year. And so with the energy-efficient clothes washer, they can achieve 20-percent energy savings and 35-percent water savings on those particular units."

Any washer that rates a Tier 3 by the Consortium for Energy Efficiency qualifies for a rebate.

"That's approximately 500 units we anticipate each year would be eligible under the program on a year-to-year basis. Of course, that's all subject to budget availability."

The Sacramento Municipal Utility District administers the program. SMUD's website says the City of Sacramento Water District is currently out of rebate funds.

The City says it could release its August water conservation numbers as early as this week.