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Farmers Branch committee launches water dashboard, weighs expanding rebate program to hot-water systems
Summary
Staff announced a new water dashboard on the Farmers Branch website and reported 148 toilet replacements and 20 irrigation-checkup approvals; committee members discussed using the existing rebate fund for new measures, including hot-water recirculating pumps or inline heaters, and a member announced she is leaving for law school.
The Farmers Branch Sustainability Committee heard a staff report on a newly launched water dashboard and discussed expanding the city’s water-conservation rebate program to cover hot-water recirculation or inline-heater options.
Staff member introduced the update by saying, “Big news is the launch of the water dashboard,” and explained the dashboard is on the front page of the city website and will appear in the next water bill to help residents monitor hourly use and identify leaks.
Why it matters: The committee’s rebate program has already funded measures the city considers visible and cost-effective — staff reported 148 toilet replacements and 20 approved irrigation checkup applications — and members argued that demonstrating measurable savings helps make the case for adding new rebate-eligible technologies.
In discussion, a committee member who has researched hot-water recirculating technology described the equipment and expected benefits: “The technology is there — it’s a big container like this put on top of the water heater... it pushes hot water through the system even when it’s closed,” and said such systems can reduce the water wasted while waiting for water to heat at showers. Staff replied that any new program would draw from “that same funding pool” used for existing rebates and that staff would use committee input to develop the program design if the next budget permits.
Members also highlighted program metrics to support expansion: a committee member noted, “We’ve done 148 replacements. It’s cost us $22,000,” and said the toilet replacement program launched in 2023 has saved thousands of gallons. Staff emphasized they aim to keep participation easy — preferring quick installs or simple inspections rather than large renovation projects that require permits — to maximize resident uptake and program impact.
During the meeting, committee member Ashley announced she will be leaving the committee to attend South Texas College of Law — Houston; colleagues congratulated her and confirmed this was her final meeting.
Next steps: Staff said they would take committee feedback as a starting point for program development and review whether the budget can accommodate adding hot-water recirculation or inline-heater rebates in the coming fiscal year.
