By BECKY KISER
Hays Post

In addition to the new turf conversion program the city of Hays has started to help conserve water, this year Water Specialist Jason Riegel will also be concentrating on increased education and marketing of the rebate for low-flow urinals.

“Last year was the pilot program for that rebate,” according to Riegel. “It offers a $300 rebate on a pint-flush urinal. A typical urinal uses a least a gallon of water per flush. These (more efficient urinals) are 1/8 gallon per flush so you can get ‘8 for 1.’

“A business with a high volume of urinal users — 200 users per day — such as a restaurant, a convenience store, can save about $200 annually on utility costs,” he estimated.

The urinal rebate is for commercial customers only, and Riegel said “it was slow to go … participation was less than we thought it was going to be.”

“I pounded the pavements last year as soon as the rebate program was approved to try and get people to participate,” he said. “I like to think people are going to do the altruistic thing and they’re going to want to save water because it’s the right thing to do and because it’s needed in our area … but I know it’s about dollars and cents in business.”

“That’s why I talk about what people can save — both homeowners and business owners — I know that’s what it’s about.”

Riegel said he plans to “pound the pavement again” this year and with “increased marketing,” try to “get people to take them.” Schools are also eligible for the urinal rebate.

The city of Hays also offers rebates for high-efficiency clothes washers and toilets, and also has a low-flow showerhead exchange program.