Conservation is essential, even in the land of 10,000 lakes. For example, in parts of the metropolitan area, groundwater is being used faster than it can be replaced. Some agricultural regions in Minnesota are vulnerable to drought, which can affect crop yields and municipal water supplies.

We must use our water wisely. Below are some tips to help you and your family conserve – and save money in the process.

  • Fix running toilets.
  • Turn off the tap while shaving or brushing your teeth.
  • Shower instead of bathe.
  • Only run full loads of laundry.
  • Set the washing machine to the correct water level.
  • Only run a full dishwasher.
  • Use water-friendly landscaping, such as native plants.
  • Water your yard, slowly, deeply, and less frequently.
  • Water early in the morning, close to the ground.
  • Use water-efficient appliances.

Water Conservation Rebate Program

Conserve water and save money by installing water-saving devices. Eagan water customers can now apply for rebates for the purchase of WaterSense labeled and Energy Star qualified appliances. 

Funding for this program is provided in part by the Metropolitan Council and Clean Water Land & Legacy Amendment’s Water Efficiency Grant. Find more information about the grant program.

  • The rebate program is only available to customers of the City of Eagan’s water supply system.
  • Rebates for devices are calculated to a flat rate, taxes not included. 
  • Upon approval, rebate checks will be issued by mail. 
  • New construction and new development are ineligible as this program is intended as a current infrastructure replacement program. 
  • Only qualifying purchases made on or after January 1, 2020 are eligible for the rebate. 
  • The City of Eagan reserves the right to conduct inspections to verify the installation of products at the specified address. Repayment of refund will be required if products have not been installed at the location specified on the rebate application.  
  • Currently, the City of Eagan is accepting water conservation rebate applications for residential properties only.  This includes single-family homes, condominiums, townhomes, or duplexes.  This also applies to device and/or appliance updates within individual apartment units.  The program will be expanded to multi-family, commercial, institutional, and industrial properties in the future.

 Single Family Residential Rebates

Device Type Rebate Amount Replacement Cycle (yrs)
Toilet Retrofit $50 20
Rainwater Harvesting System $30 5
Shower/Aerator Kit $10 2
Clothes Washer $150 8
Rain Barrel $10 5
Water Softener $10 8
Irrigation Controller $80 10
Irrigation Nozzle $10 10

 

Note: Only one rebate will be issued per device within the replacement cycle listed.  If a single household has multiple devices of the same type, a separate rebate application must be submitted for each device (i.e. three separate toilet retrofit applications for a three-bathroom home).  The City reserves the right to inspect for proper installation. 

  • Look for products with the WaterSense label at your favorite retailer.  The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) also offers an extensive WaterSense Product Directory online.
  • An application must be completed separately for each device type. 

Showerhead Replacement Programs to Save Water

The Energy programs that serve Eagan all are providing incentives to replace your showerheads at home as well. Take a look at the program your provider has to offer:

Minnesota Energy Resources customers can receive free energy-efficient shower heads.

Center Point Energy customers can receive free energy efficient shower heads.

Xcel customers can receive free energy efficient shower heads.

Rethink Lawn Care to Conserve Water Too!

Mow Less, Water Less!

Most Minnesota lawns are planted with Kentucky bluegrass which requires lots of water, fertilizer, and mowing to look good. For a terrific looking, easy lawn, try growing fescues that grow deep roots and stay green even after drought.

Mowing your lawn short and often prohibits its ability to grow deep roots. Deep roots reach more water and making your lawn healthier, stronger, and more disease-free. Set your mower to 3.5 inches or higher to grow deeper roots and use less water. Fescue grasses require less water to stay green.

Smart Irrigation Program

Eagan offers a Smart Irrigation Program to help residents save money on their irrigation systems and to reduce annual water use in the City.

Find out if you are eligible to have an irrigation system evaluation, receive a comprehensive report, and have your old controller replaced with a new “Smart” weather-based controller.

Get Involved

The City of Eagan welcomes input on water conservation issues. Contact Jon Eaton, Superintendent of Utilities, at (651) 675-5200 or you can This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. if you have questions about the City’s water conservation efforts. You can also ask for information about how you can take part in decisions that may affect water quality and quantity.

More conservation tips:

Ten Tips to Save Water and Lower Utility Bill

In-Home Utility Maintenance