Water Conservation Rebates

The Galiano Conservancy Association set out between 2020 and 2022 to understand the island’s Ecological Footprint and Biocapacity through the One Island, One Earth project, and found that estimates of water usage on Galiano and other Gulf Islands are based on proxy models, and actual water use remains a major uncertainty in estimates of water availability. Sparked by this gap in our local knowledge, we approached the Vancouver Foundation, who generously agreed to support an initiative to collect anonymized water usage data to understand community water consumption throughout the year.

Installing a water meter is a simple way to monitor water usage. Households & businesses willing to provide water meter readings on an ongoing basis for a minimum of two years can receive a $250 rebate for purchasing and installing a water meter. All data collected will be confidential, and any results share will be averaged.

Application Process:

1. Complete the Water Meter Rebate Pre-Screening Form
2. If your pre-screening application is approved, we will reserve funds for your rebate for 60 days. You will be notified by email, typically within 2 weeks.
3. Once notified, eligible participants have 60 days to purchase, install, and complete the full rebate application form (which will be sent with your notification).
4. Submit the full application form, providing both proof of payment (itemized paid invoice or receipt detailing the items purchased and labour costs of installation) and a photo of the operational water meter.
5. Submit your first water meter reading via an online form or emailed photo.
6. Receive your rebate within 30 days.

We are accepting applications from community members who have recently installed a water meter dating back to March 2023 — payment receipts must be dated after March 1st 2023 to qualify for the rebate.

You must have already purchased and installed a water meter to submit a full application and receive a rebate. If waiting to receive the rebate is a barrier for you, please email water@galianoconservancy.ca to discuss how we can make this program as accessible as possible for you.

Program Requirements

• The claimed expenses for water meter purchase and/or installation are dated between March 1, 2023 and August 31, 2024, inclusive.
• The water meter is installed at a Galiano residence or business and measures the total volume of water used in that household or business.
• You agree to provide a water meter reading to the Galiano Conservancy Association on a monthly basis for at least two years via an online form or legible photo.
• You agree to hold Galiano Conservancy Association harmless from any liability that may arise from installing or subsequently monitoring your water meter.

Allowable Expenses Include:

• Water meter purchase
• Professional installation

The Galiano Conservancy Association has partnered with Transition Salt Spring to provide the Galiano community with rebates on rainwater cistern purchases and their installation. We are offering rebates of $250 for 520-1040-gallon cisterns and $500 for cisterns that are 1040-gallons and over.

Rainwater harvesting is a great way to extend the benefits of the rainy season by capturing and storing water for use in the home or landscape during the dry season. This rebate only supports non-potable water systems.

Program and rebate details can be found on Transition Salt Spring’s website.

If you have any questions about the rebate or water conservation, please get in touch with water@galianoconservancy.ca