Overview

In March 2008, Cary Town Council approved new water conservation incentives to address the increasing need for water supply and demand management due to more regional pressure on the Town's water resources, increased use of water for irrigation by newer homes, and the occurrence of two severe droughts in the past 6 years.

The Town of Cary has a comprehensive Water Conservation Program aimed at reducing per capita use of potable water and associated capital facilities' needs over the long term.

Build Your Own Rain Barrel

Similar to the current rain barrel program, the Town of Cary is offering citizens the opportunity to purchase barrels and/or conversion kits to build their own rain barrel. The conversion kit is $16 and barrels are $15. Price of rain barrel products are guaranteed July 1, 2011 through June 30, 2012 while supplies last.  Availability of rain barrel products is subject to change at any time.  All sales are final.  Citizens are encouraged to call ahead for price and availability.  Contact Jeff Hall, Water Conservation Program Specialist, at (919) 380-2147 or jeff.hall@townofcary.org.

High Efficiency Toilet Retrofit Rebate

This program will provide a rebate of $100 per toilet to residential and business water customers who replace older toilets that use 3.5 gallons or more per flush with a WaterSense-certified high efficiency toilet (HET) that use 1.28 gallons per flush. Rebates will be issued on a first come, first served basis between July 1, 2011 and June 30, 2012 or until funds are expended. The Town will issue a maximum of 790 rebates this year. Cary is a partner in EPA's WaterSense program.

Fact Sheet
Residential application (html)
Non-residential application (html)

Turf Buy Back

Unfortunately, the success of this program has led to all of our budgeted funds being expended through June 30, 2012. While we are not accepting TBB applications, we’d like to add your name and address to a list of citizens who have inquired about the program so we can get back to you with any updates. Please contact Jeff M. Hall, Water Conservation Technician, at (919) 380-2147 or jeff.hall@townofcary.org.

The Turf Buy Back program offers property owners a $500 incentive to replace a minimum of 1,000 square feet of turf with either a natural area or a warm season grass. Studies comparing traditionally landscaped areas with naturally landscaped areas found water savings of 25-33 percent. Warm season grasses reportedly require 21 percent less water during the spring and summer.

Program guidelines
Fact sheet

Contact

For more information on these programs, contact:

Jeff M. Hall
Water Conservation Technician
(919) 380-2147
jeff.hall@townofcary.org