SAN DIEGO, CA, March 7, 2014 -- In light of California's drought conditions, over 120 communities across the state are preparing to enable local property owners to reduce their water usage through cost-efficient upgrades financed by the Home Energy Renovation Opportunity (HERO) program. HERO is a project allowing these individuals to pay for these renovations through their property tax bills.
By utilizing HERO financing, property owners can install a wide variety of water and energy-efficiency systems including rainwater catchment, drip irrigation, smart sprinklers, weather smart irrigation, gray water recycling, and wastewater management. High-efficiency toilet installations are also eligible under the program.
Estimates predict that an average family could save 16,000 gallons of water each year by installing high-efficiency toilets alone. Participants can increase those water savings by adding other water efficiency systems that can result in an average one-third reduction in total water used -- a savings of more than 50,000 gallons per home annually.
"Homeowners are ready to chip in and be part of the solution when it comes to water conservation. It's up to cities and counties to give them the tools to effectively cut down on water use during these drought-ridden times," said JP McNeill, CEO of Renovate America, providers of the HERO Program. "Best of all, an investment in water conservation systems leads to lower water bills right away, so homeowners can see their investment paying off in real-time."
In order to provide the HERO Program to local residents, municipal governments merely need to pass a resolution to offer the program. Because financing is provided through a private partner, the HERO program is revenue-neutral for participating municipalities. Swift action can have the HERO PACE program operating in a community ahead of summer's warmer temperatures and dry conditions.
See also:
"CA declares drought state of emergency, water agencies stable, research shows"
"CA voters consider improving local water supplies as top solution to drought"
"CA water district adopts resolution declaring Drought Alert"
About the HERO Program
The HERO Program is a private-public partnership (PPP) that enables any city or county to offer property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) financing to property owners within their community. The Program is privately funded and requires no cost outlays by the participating communities. HERO has been adopted by more than 120 cities in California, funded more than $165 million in energy and water efficiency projects, and created more than 2100 jobs to date. For more information, visit www.heroprogram.com
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