HomeMy WebLinkAbout05(P) - Authorize Water Efficiency Grant Application Submittal Report
ITEM: 5P
CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
MEETING DATE: April 14, 2026
PREPARED BY: Christine Watson, Public Works Supervisor - Administration
PRESENTED BY: Nick Monserud, Public Works Director/City Engineer
AGENDA ITEM: Authorize Water Efficiency Grant Application Submittal
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Authorize staff to submit a water efficiency grant application to the Met Council.
BACKGROUND:
The Metropolitan Council is renewing their water efficiency grant program to run for another two-
year cycle from July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2028. The program allows municipalities to offer
rebates to water customers who purchase and install water-efficient home products. Cities may
apply for any amount up to $75,000 and they must provide a 20% City match.
Prior Lake has participated in this program since July 2020. Our current program, which expires
June 30, 2026, includes rebates for water-efficient irrigation controllers, toilets, dishwashers and
washing machines. The table below is a summary of rebates that have been issued since we
began participating in 2020.
# of Estimated Total City Cost MCES Cost
Item Rebates Gal Saved Rebate (20%) (80%)
Dishwasher 56 280,000 $9,400 $1,880 $7,520
Toilet 23 172,500 $2,221 $444 $1,777
Washing machine 42 126,000 $7,600 $1,520 $6,080
Irrigation controller 18 144,000 $1,689 $337 $1,352
139 722,500 $20,910 $4,181 $16,729
Staff is requesting City Council authorization to apply for another two-year grant in the total
amount of $25,000 ($20,000 from the Met Council with a $5,000 City share). The new grant will
include all of the above devices, as well as urinals, faucets, shower heads, and commercial
dishwashers and clothes washers. Cities are also eligible for rebates if they purchase any of these
qualifying devices for installation in municipal facilities.
A web page dedicated to the program can be viewed at www.priorlakemn.gov/rebate (please
note, this web page will be updated on July 1 to include the new devices and reimbursement
amounts). Residents use an online web form to submit their applications and supporting
documentation. Public Works staff review the applications and communicate with the residents,
then coordinate with Finance staff to issue rebate checks as needed throughout the program. The
80% reimbursement from the Met Council is received quarterly.
City of Prior Lake | 4646 Dakota Street SE | Prior Lake MN 55372
Item 5P
Page | 2
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
The City’s maximum contribution for the 2-year program will be $5,000. The City will pay the
rebates to the residents up-front, then get reimbursed 80% by the Met Council. Rebates will be
paid from the Water Utility Fund. Approximately 10-20 hours of staff time is needed per month to
administer this program.
ALTERNATIVES:
1. Motion and second as part of the consent agenda to authorize staff to submit a water
efficiency grant application to the Met Council.
2. Motion and second to remove this item from the consent agenda for additional
discussion.