Water Conservation Programs

BACKGROUND:

As of April 2026, the Big Wood River Basin is experiencing a significant drought, with snow water equivalent (SWE) peaking in late March, three weeks earlier than normal, at 8.1 inches, which is nearly 5 inches below the median peak. The black line in the USDA's Snow Water Equivalent Graph above shows the 2026 percent of the median SWE for the Big Wood basin. This low snowpack, combined with high temperatures, has prompted a statewide emergency drought declaration. For the City of Hailey, this means continued water conservation efforts as diminished aquifer recharge from low snowmelt threatens both municipal water supply and the flow of the Big Wood River, which is key for local ecology.

The City is offering three (3) separate water conservation programs for the 2026 irrigation season. The first focuses on reducing overall water consumption by a specific target goal (20%, 30% or 40%, the second program is targeting permanent irrigation reduction by removing water intensive plantings such as turf, the third program provides a $150 rebate for an irrigation audit. Expand the menu below to learn more about these programs.

2026 Irrigation Season Reduction Program

Customers wanting to participate in the program submit form stating the amount of water they will reduce goal and the month they will begin consecutive months (Meter Read Periods) of participation. Staff will inform interested party of their baseline usage. Goal percentage options are 20%, 30%, and 40%. Staff will consider reductions in excess of these percentages if proposed.

If participant achieves their goal when the total volume is calculated at end of season, they receive a reduction in their Metered User Fee for the same time period as a credit on their water bill. If 100% of goal is met, fee reduction is calculated as 50% of the goal percentage. If less than 100% of the goal is met, will still receive a credit, but only a portion. No credit will be given if participant accomplishes less than 50% of goal.

If desired, participating customers will receive “Water Warrior” yard signs from City.

Program is open to all users. Staff will directly target some high users for the program.

Credit amount cannot exceed the total Metered User Fee for the time period OR $500 total (will still have to pay base fee). Credit will be calculated and applied on water bill after season concludes.

End date for all program applicants will be October 22, 2026.

Example 1: Baseline usage is 180,000 gallons from June to October with a customer goal of 20%. Customer achieves 20% goal and receives the full 50% credit of their goal amount which is a 10% credit on their Metered User Fee from June to October. (Customer also saved 20% over prior year’s usage).

Example 2: Baseline usage is 200,000 gallons from May to October with a customer goal of 30%. Customer achieves 20%, which is not the full goal but is greater than ½ of the planned reduction. Customer receives a 25% credit for the 20% reduction they achieved (and has also saved 20% over prior year’s usage).

Permanent Irrigation Reductions

Eligible projects are primarily removal of turf and replacement with xeriscape or other non-irrigated areas.

15% irrigation reduction minimum for eligibility.

Cannot be additive to seasonal irrigation reduction credits.

Customers wanting to participate in the program submit a form similar to Water Smarty Program which declares reduction goals and infrastructure cost/details.

Staff will evaluate applicants and develop scoring matrix to ensure good return on $ investment per gallon reduced.

Staff calculates preceding 5 year average usage during irrigation season.

City may rebate 50% of project cost at a rate of $0.25 per gallon reduced, up to a $5000 maximum upon verified completion of project.

(Water Smarty used 3.4 gallons/month for 1.0 sf turf converted to hardscape with a rebate up to $3/sf. Calculated over a 7 month season this equates to 23.8 gallons. At $3 max rebate this is $0.126 per gallon. Rebate was capped at $2,000)

City calculates average usage after subsequent 5 years, and if average reduction is not achieved, City will bill customer water utility account for amount of rebate previously received.

If property is disposed of before subsequent 5 years, the annual prorated share of City Rebate is returned to City upon closing.

Irrigation Audit

Customers wanting to participate in the program submit a simple preapproval form to the City. After approved, customer contracts irrigation audit with their preferred licensed Contractor.

Audit will include calculations of existing irrigation demands and recommendations for potential reductions. City will create the form which will require both auditor and customer signature.

Customer submits expense receipt to City and is eligible for up to $150 direct rebate.