Incentives to promote reclaimed water use

Removing Barriers Sub-task ForceMarch 27, 2008Eugene Radcliff

Incentives Discuss incentives Prioritize them Recommend

Why we are here

Drivers

Reclaimed Water Use Act RCW 90.46

2007 Legislation (E2SSB 6117)

● Financial support

● Non-financial incentives

Materials for review

ELI - Report on Incentives for Reclaimed Water

2003 Water Reuse Workshop Report

Other Sources● Internet ● Trade journals● Television

Reclaimed water questionnaire

What would it take to get your organization to join a reclaimed water alliance?

• Regulatory requirements• Funding availability• Growth or new development• Decreasing supply of potable water• Other

Incentives identified in the ELI report

1. Mandates2. Development/regulatory3. Fees and taxes4. Insurance5. Regulatory simplification6. Watershed-based ecosystem service

districts

ELI Report - 1. Mandates

“Incentivize”Require: RW for non-potable applications Regional planners promote RW New growth to include purple pipe Time limit to cross-over to RW

ELI Report – 2. Development and regulatory tools

Five sub sections:A. Planning – Water Use Efficiency B. Site development approval C. Zoning D. Planning and siting – in statuteE. Building and Health Codes

ELI Report – 3. Fees and taxes

• Lower rates

• Exemptions

• Credits

• 2001 Water Bill example

ELI Report – 4. Insurance

Use as incentive to developers Protects investment Sources - SRF

ELI Report – 5. Regulatory Simplification

• Master permits

• Removal of reporting requirements

• Will it work for Washington?

ELI Report – 6. Watershed-based ecosystem service districts

• Utility financed• Social Marketing• Integrated• Sustainable• Green

Workshop report

Solutions: Develop state policy instruments Provide pollution credits Permitting or regulatory credits Discount programs for RW users Integrate purple pipe into DOT

transportation project ranking Provide preferential sites

Other ideas

• Fee elimination

• Local policy & subsidized rates

• Rebates for RW conversions

• Other?

Discuss incentives Prioritize them Recommend

Facilitator time