Water Conservation

Cal Water 

The City of San Mateo's water supply is provided by California Water Service (Cal Water), a private water supplier that provides water to 21 districts in California. Cal Water is responsible for developing and enforcing the compliance plan to meet state regulations. 

To help meet current and future regulations, Cal Water has a number of water conservation initiatives. Customers should visit the Cal Water Conservation Page for rebates, resources, and program information. a full list of water use restrictions can be found on the Prohibited Uses of Water page. Customers can also read a Fact Sheet on the State's May 2018 legislation.

City of San Mateo and BAWSCA Rain Barrel Rebate 

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Prepare for the rainy season by installing a rain barrel!  Rebates of up to $100 are now available 

Prepare for the rainy season by installing a rain barrel and receive a $100 rebate!
Join the movement to protect our community from pollution while conserving water.
1,000 square feet of roof surface can capture 625 gallons of water for every 1 inch of rainfall, that's over 11,000 gallons from one home per year!

Harvesting rainwater with the help of a rain barrel is one of the simplest ways to lighten your water footprint, fight pollution, and prevent flooding. City of San Mateo residents who buy and install qualifying rain barrels can collect rebates of $100 per barrel. 

Find out more and apply for your rebate

Cal Water Rebates and Services

To help customers reduce their water use, consistent with the State's order, Cal Water is offering a multitude of rebates and services to Cal Water customers. Residential users have the ability to participate in the following residential programs: 

  • Complementary sprinkler nozzles
  • High-efficiency toilet rebates and delivery program
  • High-efficiency clothes washer rebates
  • Smart Irrigation Controller rebates
  • Water Use Efficiency Evaluation program
  • Home water use reports
  • Conservation kits

Likewise, commercial customers of Cal Water have access to the following conservation commercial programs: 

  • High-efficiency sprinkler nozzle rebate
  • High-efficiency toilet and urinal rebates
  • Smart Irrigation Controller rebates
  • Rotating nozzle rebates
  • Spray Body with Integrated Pressure Regulation and Check Valve rebates


PACE

Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) programs, available to residents and businesses in San Mateo, allow for both energy efficient and water reducing projects to become financially viable. Reference the Property Assessed Clean Energy Financing for Residents and Businesses section on our Energy page for information on providers within the city.

More information about available conservation programs is available at the Cal Water Conservation website.