.jpg.aspx?lang=en-US&width=350&height=233 "Reducing water use can potentially reduce the need for new water supply wells in the future.")
In May, the Met Council awarded a total of $1.4 million in grants to 43 cities and townships to help reduce water use. The grants fund rebates to residents and businesses that replace old and inefficient appliances and accessories with more efficient WaterSense and Energy Star-labeled products. Local governments design their own rebate programs to address local needs.
“The increase in water demand caused by a growing population is placing greater stress on aquifers that provide potable water to 75% of the region’s residents,” said Judy Sventek, manager of Water Resources for the Met Council. “Reducing our water use will potentially reduce the number of new water supply wells needed in the future. It will also help ensure future generations can enjoy the same plentiful water that we do today.”
The Met Council awarded the first water efficiency grants in 2016. Efforts across the lifespan of this program have resulted in a cumulative estimated 260 million gallons of reduced water use annually.
Grant awards for 2026-2028 range from $6,000 to $68,000. Municipalities applied for a total of $1,683,575 in funding with only $1.4 million available. The Met Council provides 80% of the program cost; municipalities must provide the remaining 20%.
Approved grant activities include the replacement of specific water-using devices with more efficient alternatives, irrigation system audits, and the conversion of turfgrass to low-input, drought-tolerant landscapes at municipal properties. Additionally, municipalities operating a residential-facing rebate or grant program may elect to include a low-income cost assistance option in their program.
Funding for the program comes from the Clean Water, Land and Legacy Amendment approved by the voters of Minnesota.
Presentation about this year’s awards.