What if your next home upgrade lowered your water bill and paid you back at the same time? If you live in Danvers, the Water Use Mitigation Program, or WUMP, offers rebates that make water‑smart fixes more affordable. In this guide, you’ll see exactly what’s eligible, how much you can get, and how to apply without hassle. Let’s dive in.
What is Danvers WUMP?
Danvers created the Water Use Mitigation Program to offset new water demand and fund conservation across town. New development pays an impact fee, and the town uses those funds to reduce overall system demand through projects and rebates. You can learn more about the program purpose on the town’s WUMP page. See the town’s overview of WUMP.
Since launching in 2009, Danvers has collected nearly $1 million in impact fees, processed about 2,000 rebates, and estimates annual savings between about 1.07 and 2.5 million gallons. That track record shows real progress in local water stewardship. Mass.gov highlights Danvers as a case study.
Which rebates you can get
You must purchase qualifying products and meet the flow or performance standards listed by the town. Full details and forms are on the Water Conservation & Rebates page. Browse the current rebate list.
- Clothes washer: $300. Washer must be listed on the CEE qualifying list; one clothes‑washer rebate per household per year. Requirements and documentation are in the application PDF. See the application rules.
- Toilet: $125 per unit. Must be WaterSense labeled or 1.28 gpf or less. A signed plumber’s permit is required and the permit fee is refunded when attached to an approved application. See fixture rules and timing.
- Showerhead: up to $50. Must be 2.0 gpm or less; WaterSense models are preferred.
- Faucet: up to $50. Must be 1.5 gpm or less.
- Rain barrels: $100 each, up to 2 per address per calendar year. The town partners with the Great American Rain Barrel program. Check the rain barrel program page.
- Lawn irrigation rain sensor: $100. Must be a wireless sensor installed on an existing irrigation system that does not already have a rain sensor. Not valid for new irrigation systems.
Who qualifies in Danvers
Rebates are available to Danvers residents who are active water account holders in good standing. If your account is not current, the town will not process your application. New construction and additions are not eligible since WUMP rebates are designed for replacements and remodeling work. Confirm eligibility and program scope.
In condo or rental situations, the listed account holder must be part of the application. Forms may require owner or association sign‑off where applicable. All products must meet the town’s specifications and documentation rules.
How to apply step by step
You can apply online or by paper form. The town offers an online submission portal and downloadable PDFs. Access forms and online submission.
- Confirm your Danvers water account is active and in good standing.
- Choose qualifying products that meet the gpm or gpf standard, or CEE listing for clothes washers.
- Keep your receipt with model number and purchase date, plus a product spec sheet. Most purchases must be within 12 months.
- For toilets, obtain a signed plumber’s permit. Attach it to your application to receive the permit fee refund.
- Complete the online form or mail the PDF with all supporting documents.
- Respond to any verification requests. The Water Division may conduct a site inspection before issuing your rebate.
Required documents checklist
- Danvers water account number and service address.
- Proof of purchase showing model number and date.
- Product specification sheet confirming gpm, gpf, or CEE listing for washers.
- Plumber’s permit for toilet installations.
- Signed application acknowledging program rules. See application packet details.
Timing and program rules
Allow about 6 to 8 weeks from a complete submission for processing and check issuance. Rebates are first‑come, first‑served and continue until WUMP funds are exhausted. Some categories have quantity limits, such as one clothes‑washer rebate per household per year and up to two rain barrels per calendar year. Review processing timelines.
Old fixtures removed during replacement cannot be reused by you or given to other Danvers residents. Individual rebate totals over certain amounts may trigger tax reporting. If you plan to stack incentives with other programs, confirm the terms for each one since the town’s forms do not prohibit stacking but also do not guarantee compatibility.
How much you can save
WaterSense showerheads use no more than 2.0 gpm and can save an average household about 2,700 gallons per year compared with a standard 2.5 gpm model. See WaterSense guidance for showerheads.
Toilets are often the single largest indoor water user, roughly 30 percent of indoor use. WaterSense toilets use 1.28 gpf, which is about 20 percent less than the federal 1.6 gpf standard, so replacements can deliver meaningful savings. Learn how WaterSense toilets perform.
Rain barrels reduce potable water use for irrigation and help manage stormwater. When paired with a wireless rain sensor on an existing irrigation system, you can cut outdoor watering during rainy periods and avoid waste.
Tips to maximize your rebate
- Match the model to the spec. Verify flow rates and the CEE listing before you buy.
- Keep every document. Save receipts, permits, and spec sheets in one place.
- Apply quickly. Funding is limited and processed in order received.
- Think bundles. Replacing a toilet and showerhead together often yields bigger savings and a stronger return.
- Plan your timeline. Build in 6 to 8 weeks for processing when scheduling projects.
Local contacts and help
Questions about forms, eligibility, or inspections can go to the Danvers Department of Public Works, Water Conservation and Rebates, Town Hall, 1 Sylvan Street, Danvers MA 01923. Phone: 978‑777‑0001, ext. 3011. You can also find current forms and updates on the town website. Start on the rebates page.
Make upgrades that add value
Water‑smart improvements can lower utilities and make your home more attractive when you sell. If you are planning a move or weighing which projects to tackle, we can help you prioritize upgrades that appeal to North Shore buyers and fit your timeline. Reach out to the The North Shore and More Team at eXp for local guidance on strategy, timing, and next steps.
FAQs
Who qualifies for Danvers WUMP rebates?
- Danvers residents with active water accounts in good standing, applying for replacement or remodeling projects rather than new construction or additions.
What documents do I need to apply in Danvers?
- A receipt with model number and date, a product spec sheet confirming gpm/gpf or CEE listing, your water account number, and a signed plumber’s permit for toilet rebates.
How long does rebate processing take in Danvers?
- Plan for about 6 to 8 weeks from a complete submission, and note that funding is first‑come, first‑served until WUMP funds run out.
Can I get a rain sensor rebate for a new irrigation system?
- No, the $100 wireless rain sensor rebate applies only to existing irrigation systems that do not already have a sensor.
Are toilet rebates available for new construction in Danvers?
- No, toilet rebates are for replacements only; a signed plumber’s permit is required and the permit fee is refunded when attached to an approved application.
