The Town of Okotoks water conservation rebate program is focusing on outdoor water usage this year.

Several new items have been added to the list this year like drought-tolerant and deer-resistant plants, and water sense irrigation system controllers.

Homeowners and renters in Okotoks with a utility account are eligible for the rebate program which covers up to 50 per cent of the purchase cost for items on the rebate list for up to $200 per household. The rebates are applied to residents utilities bills.

Dawn Smith, Sustainability Coordinator for the Town of Okotoks, says she's anticipating an increase in the program's popularity this year.

"I think people realize we live in an arid climate and it's getting increasingly arid every summer so I think there will be lots of interest and we've had requests for this over the last few years."

Smith says water woes were at an all time high last year.

"As we saw last summer there were periods where it was 30 degrees outside and because of the water demand of traditional yards, which is usually Kentucky blue grass and is thirsty and requires a ton of water, we actually tripled our entire usage on those days."

According to the Town, drought-tolerant plants are an excellent way to conserve water as the perennials selected for the rebate use 40 to 60 per cent less water than a traditional lawn or standard gardenscape.

Anyone with a Town of Okotoks utility account can view and compare their water usage through the online water portal.

The water conservation rebate program opens May 1.

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