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City Council approves expanded 2025 water-conservation rebate program
Summary
The Wichita City Council approved a $150,000 2025 Water Conservation Rebate Program that restores indoor rebates, expands free showerhead/aerator distribution and splits $110,000 for residential customers between indoor and outdoor measures; council voted 7-0.
Wichita City Council on Tuesday approved the 2025 Water Conservation Rebate Program, restoring indoor rebates, funding free showerheads and aerators for residents and allocating $150,000 to the program.
The program, presented by Gary Janssen of Public Works and Utilities, will be effective Feb. 19, 2025 (retroactive to Jan. 1) if approved, and is funded through the utility operations and maintenance budget. Janssen told council, “This program assists the city in achieving annual our annual conservation goal of 0.35% or roughly 80,000,000 gallons per year,” and said staff plans to distribute free showerheads and aerators at City Hall, neighborhood resource centers and libraries while supplies last.
Why it matters: Wichita remains in drought-stage restrictions and city officials said both indoor and outdoor measures are necessary to reduce peak-season demand and protect business operations. The council restored indoor device rebates after a 2024 focus on outdoor measures drew a weaker-than-expected response.
Program details and background: Staff requested $150,000 in total: $110,000 for City of Wichita residential customers (proposed to be split 50/50 between outdoor and indoor conservation with flexibility to shift as needed), $30,000 for 11 wholesale customers to administer their own programs, and $10,000 for free showerheads and aerators. Eligible rebate items include rain barrels, rain-sensor shutoffs, irrigation and smart-controller devices (up to $100), dual-flush kits ($50), toilet repair kits ($35), and rebates of up to $100 for dishwashers, toilets and washing machines. Janssen said historical uptake used full funding in earlier years and staff will use social media, printed materials at retail outlets and events to promote participation.
Questions from council: Councilmember Glasscock asked about unique participants and whether staff can supply devices at town halls; Janssen said staff will provide devices at multiple locations. Councilmember Ho Heisel asked whether new home builds are eligible; Janssen said there are no restrictions and qualifying devices are eligible if funding remains. Councilmembers requested data on the number of unique residential participants; staff agreed to provide that to council.
Vote and next steps: Councilmember Maggie Ballard moved approval; the motion passed 7-0. Staff will implement the program, make devices available at community locations and report participation data to council.
Ending: Information and application details will be posted at savewichitawater.com and staff said they will include program promotion on water bills and at community events.
