For City Council Meeting September 8, 2026
TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council
FROM: Tanya Williams, City Manager
AUTHOR: Yazdan Emrani, P.E., Director of Public Works
Title
Request City Council/Rialto Utility Authority to: (1) Accept Grant Funding in the Amount of $50,000 Awarded through the San Bernardino Valley Municipal Water District Demand Management Incentive Program; and (2) Authorize the City Manager/Executive Director or Their Designee to Execute all Related Documents.
Body
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the City Council/Rialto Utility Authority:
1) Accept grant funding in the amount of $50,000 awarded through the San Bernardino Valley Municipal Water District Program; and
2) Authorize the City Manager/Executive Director or their designee to execute all related documents.
BACKGROUND
The City of Rialto remains committed to promoting water conservation and maximizing the efficient use of water resources throughout the community. Through the City's Water Conservation Program, residential and commercial customers are encouraged to reduce water consumption through participation in rebate programs and educational initiatives.
The San Bernardino Valley Municipal Water District administers the Demand Management Incentive Program (DMI) to support local retail water agencies in implementing water conservation measures, improving water-use efficiency, and expanding public outreach efforts. On October 7, 2025, the City of Rialto submitted an application based upon its ongoing commitment to water conservation and the success of its rebate program.
ANALYSIS/DISCUSSION
The City of Rialto’s application highlighted several conservation incentives currently available to eligible customers, including the following:
• High-efficiency toilets
• High-efficiency washing machines
• Weather-based smart irrigation controllers
• High-efficiency spray nozzles and automatic shut-off nozzles
• Turf replacement projects
The application also emphasized the City's commitment to continuing educational outreach efforts while strengthening existing conservation programs.
In recognition of these efforts, San Bernardino Valley Municipal Water District awarded the City grant funding in the amount of $50,000. The funds will support the continuation and enhancement of the City's existing water conservation programs, including rebate incentives and public outreach efforts that encourage efficient water use throughout the community.
A copy of the Award Notice is included as Attachment 1 and the City of Rialto’s Water Rebate Application (English and Spanish versions) are included as Attachments 2 & 3.
The City's Water Rebate Program is administered by the Public Works Department in coordination with Rialto Water Services. Rebates are issued in the form of an account credit and are processed on a first-come, first-served basis until program funds are exhausted for the fiscal year.
To apply, customers must be a Rialto Water Services account holder and complete a Water Rebate Application (available in English and Spanish), attaching a copy of their most recent water bill along with itemized, dated purchase receipts for the qualifying products. Depending on the rebate type, a pre- and/or post-installation site inspection is required at no cost to the customer.
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
Acceptance of grant funds and the receipt and filing of a presentation are not projects as defined by the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and are therefore not subject to environmental review.
GENERAL PLAN CONSISTENCY
Approval of the proposed action also complies with the following City of Rialto Guiding Principles, General Plan Goals and Policies:
“Our City government will lead by example, and will operate in an open, transparent, and responsive manner that meets the needs of the citizens and is a good place to do business.”
LEGAL REVIEW
The City Attorney's Office has reviewed the staff report.
FINANCIAL IMPACTS
The City was awarded $50,000 through the San Bernardino Valley Municipal Water District Demand Management Incentive Program. The grant funding was anticipated and incorporated into the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Water Fund and will be used to support the City's ongoing water conservation initiatives and rebate programs. Therefore, no additional appropriation or budget amendment is required.
Licensing
This action does not require a business license.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Award Notification Letter
2. Water Rebate Application - English (PDF)
3. Water Rebate Application - Spanish (PDF)