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 (linked here) shows the current 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 the 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. Program participants will be enrolled on a rolling basis based on the order in which applications are received. Participants are only enrolled upon confirmation from City Staff, submitting an interest form alone does not qualify as program enrollment.
- 2026 Irrigation Season Reduction Program: focuses on reducing overall water consumption by a specific target goal (20%, 30%, or 40%),
- Permanent Irrigation Reduction: targets permanent irrigation reduction by removing water-intensive plantings such as turf,
- Irrigation Audit: $150 rebate for an irrigation audit.
Expand the menu below to learn more about these programs.
Customers interested in participating submit a form stating the percent reduction in water consumption they aim to achieve and the month they will begin reducing their consumption. Once they begin, they must continue in the program through October 22nd. Staff will inform the interested party of their baseline upon receipt of the interest form. Water conservation reduction goal options are: 20%, 30%, and 40%. Staff will consider reductions in excess of these percentages if proposed.
- If the participant achieves their water conservation goal when the total volume of consumed water is calculated at the end of the season, the City will issue a credit on their water bill equivalent to twice the amount they would have paid for that goal amount. If only ½ or more of the goal is achieved, the City will issue ½ of the possible credit. An example of how the City will calculate the credit is shown below:
- If desired, participating customers can receive a “Water Warrior” yard sign.
- 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 to the water bill after the season concludes.
- End date for all program participants will be October 22, 2026.
For more information, fill out the form here: 2026 Irrigation Season Water Reduction Program
- Eligible projects are primarily removal of turf and replacement with xeriscape or other permeable, non-irrigated areas.
- 15% irrigation reduction minimum for eligibility.
- Staff will evaluate applicants and develop a scoring matrix to ensure a good return on investment per gallon reduced.
- City may rebate the lesser of either 50% of the total project cost or $0.25 per gallon reduced, up to a $5,000 maximum upon verified completion of project.
- Projects must be completed between May 1st, 2026 through October 22nd, 2026.
- Staff calculates baseline from the 2025 irrigation season.
- Once project is complete, City calculates average usage over the subsequent 3 years, and if the anticipated reduction in water use is not achieved, City will bill the customer's water utility account for the amount of rebate received.
- If the property is sold before the subsequent 3 years, the annual prorated share of City Rebate is returned to City upon closing.
For more information, fill out the form here: Permanent Irrigation Reduction Program
- Customers interested in participating in the program submit a simple preapproval form to the City. After approval, the customer conducts an irrigation audit with their preferred licensed Contractor.
- Audit will include calculations of existing irrigation demands and recommendations for reductions.
- Customer submits expense receipt, and audit information with both customer's and contractor's signature to the City, and receives up to $150 direct rebate.
For more information, fill out the interest form here: Irrigation Audit Form
WATER CONSERVATION PROGRAM INTEREST FORMS:
