Sweetwater Authority (Authority) recently awarded $5,000 to a National City laundromat as part of its Savings Through Efficiency Program (STEP) Grant program. The STEP grant is one of many resources the Authority offers businesses in its service area that help them reduce water use and save money.
Pedro Cañas, owner of Pacific Clean Laundry in National City, will use the funds to offset costs of replacing three 20-year old washing machines with newer, more water-efficient models. The upgraded industrial machines use 30 gallons per cycle, less than half of the outdated models. Once in use, Cañas expects these machines to save over 75,000 gallons of water in less than a year.
The STEP Grant is designed to encourage water users in the Authority’s service area to implement equipment retrofits or innovative projects/devices which maximize the efficient use of potable water.
“The Authority is committed to helping all our customers get the most out of each drop of water,” said Board Chair Hector Martinez. “We’re also continually looking for innovative ways to better serve our business community, including funding opportunities.”
In addition to rebates and grants for commercial customers, the Authority recently launched the Water Efficiency Partner Program, which offers businesses exclusive incentives to help offset the costs of installing new water efficient fixtures.
To learn more about the Authority’s commitment to water efficiency, including information on a variety of rebates, grant opportunities and more, visit www.sweetwater.org/waterefficiency.