Residential Dwelling Certification Program

For complete information about Spotsylvania County’s Water Conservation Policy, please view:  Water Conservation Initiative.

Voluntary Residential Dwelling Certification Program

General:
The Voluntary Residential and Multi-Family Dwelling Conservation Certification Program (RMCCP) is adopted as a part of the Green Initiative and Water Conservation Program for residences and multi-family dwellings located in Spotsylvania County. The intent of the program is to establish general operating standards for the various kinds of residential units which will encourage water conservation and the responsible use of water. 

Application:
Residential customers and owners of multi-family dwellings in Spotsylvania County may apply to participate in the voluntary certification program. The RMCCP shall be administered by the Spotsylvania County Department of Utilities/Public Works.  The Application Form shall be completed and submitted to the Spotsylvania County Department of Utilities/Public Works.   

Residential Water Audit:
An applicant applying to participate in the RMCCP is subject to a residential water audit by the department, or its representative, to determine that the residence meets all appropriate criteria and operating standards. Audits shall be conducted at reasonable times and will be coordinated with the homeowner.  

Fees and Charges:
There are no application fees or annual renewal fees.

Monthly Water User Rate Reduction Charges:
Residences in good standing that meet the criteria and operating standards of the certification program will be entitled to exemption from tier 4 level water rates as currently stated in chapter 22 section 22-128 of the Spotsylvania County code for those months in which the billing cycle usage does not exceed the established baseline billing usage by more than 15%. 

Operating Standards:

1. Participating residences must utilize the following equipment in all bathrooms: 
   • Low-volume toilets that use 1.6 gallons per flush (gpf) or less; 
   • Low-volume showerheads (maximum of 2.5 gallons per minute (gpm) (@80 psi); 
   • Low-volume bath faucets (maximum of 2.5 gpm (@80 psi).
2. Residences with lawn irrigation systems must participate in the irrigation system certification program and the irrigation system must be in good standing under the irrigation program. 

Rebate for Toilet Upgrades:
Residences with older toilets, using more than 3.0 gallons of water per flush could be eligible for a credit on their water bill up to $100 per toilet.  To be eligible the residence must complete an application for the RMCCP and meet the criteria set forth in the operating standards at the time of the residential water audit.