Each Wisconsin water utility is required to implement basic water conservation and efficiency measures, including metering all water sales, conducting routine meter testing, monitoring losses and leaks in the distribution system, and collecting and reporting water audit information to the PSC. These requirements can be found in Chapter PSC 185, Wis. Admin. Code. In addition, Chapter PSC 184, Wis. Admin. Code., requires any utility seeking authority to construct new supply facilities provide additional information in their application for a PSC approval of their construction project. This additional information includes a description of measures the utility has taken to mitigate the need for the project, as well as an alternatives analysis. Both of these elements can potentially be addressed through conservation and efficiency measures. Please see
New Water Supply Construction Authorization Requirements for additional information on these requirements.
Water utilities often provide additional leadership and funding for community conservation efforts, which can include demand side measures such as water fixture rebates, incentive programs, education and outreach, customer water audits, restrictions on lawn watering, and water rates that encourage water efficient behavior. Water conservation programs also include supply side measures such as non-revenue water control. Successful water conservation programs combine both demand side and supply side efforts and are integrated into utilities' planning for future supply sources. Because each utility is unique, there is no single approach to water conservation that is appropriate for all. In 2011, the PSC and DNR commissioned a study to identify cost effective ways for Wisconsin utilities to achieve conservation savings:
