Similar to PowerSmart, which provides low costs loans for energy efficiency, WaterSmart will also provide low cost loans for water conservation improvements. An agency of government, GreenManitoba, promotes these and other programs for energy and water conservation.

Manitobans use less water, at 219 litres per day, than most Canadians, at 329 litres per day. The rebate is part of an effort to conserve 80 million litres of water annually and save Manitobans $2-million on their collective annual water bill. A federal government rebate of the same amount also exists for efficiency toilets.

"We congratulate our government on steps to use the successful PowerSmart model for water conservation. Steps to make sure all water, drainage, and waste water projects include conservation measures criteria for approval and delivery are no doubt next," said Gaile Whelan Enns of Manitoba Wildlands.