Turn off the running water when you brush your teeth. Install a water efficient washer machine or showerhead--simple steps folks can take to do their part to conserve water.
The town of Canton wants all residents to pitch in, and the state has boosted the town's conservation efforts with funds from the 2011 Water Conservation Grant Program.
On Tuesday, the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) announced it would be awarding a total of $850,000 in grants to 25 projects in several towns across the state. Canton is one of those chosen to receive funds. The goal is "to reduce drinking water losses through local water conservation programs," according to the MassDEP.
Canton applied for the state grant, which is a matching grant, according to Canton Superintendant of Public Works Michael Trotta. Canton can receive up to $50,000, depending on how many programs they implement, and the town would need to provide an in-kind match, according to Ed Coletta of the MassDep.
"Water conservation is the purpose," Trotta said. Canton uses "about 2.5 million gallons a day in water. The state is asking us to get down to about 65 gallons per person per day. We are up to about 68 (gallons per person per day.)"
Trotta said the state grant would help the town reach its water conservation goals. Canton will continue to do its yearly leak detection, in addition to bringing back a rebate program for low-flow toilets, water efficient showerheads and EPA energy-efficient washer machines. Residents could see a $75-$100 discount with the proposed rebate program, he said.
The conservation effort, through a partnership with the Neponset River Watershed Association, will also include a school outreach program, a mailing and some announcements on local television and in local newspapers, Trotta said.
"They'll be doing most of the work," Trotta said of the Neponset Watershed Association. The public and private effort will help reduce water usage in town, he said.
Towns will receive up to $50,000 to implement their proposed projects, according to Ed Coletta of the MassDEP.
"The grants are something that happens every year," Coletta said. "We make sure we support programs and communities who do a really good job in conserving water. We make sure the money gets out and used. We want to see water use cut as much as we can and conserve precious resources."
