In February 2008 the Guelph Environmental Services Department initiated an update to the City's original 1999 Guelph Water Conservation. This study, the 2009 Water Conservation and Efficiency Strategy Update, is now complete and identifies the preferred program, policy and resource requirements to achieve and sustain the water use reduction targets of the City's Water Supply Master Plan, Community Energy Plan and City Council's Strategic Plan.

The Water Conservation and Efficiency Strategy Update water reduction targets are as follows:

• 10% (5,300 m3/day) water use reduction by 2010;
• 15%  (7,950 m3/day) water use reduction by 2017, and;
• 20% ( 10,600 m3/day) water reduction by 2025;
• To use less Water per capita than any comparable Canadian City

• Residential and Industrial, Commercial and Institutional Toilet Rebate Program
• Residential and Industrial, Commercial and Institutional Clothes Washer Rebate Program
• Residential rebate programs for water efficient central humidifiers and floor drain covers
• Grey Water Reuse System Rebate Program
• Rain Water Harvesting System Rebate Program
• Landscape Assessment Program
• Rain barrel program
• Comprehensive public and youth education programs
• New home construction indoor and outdoor water efficiency incentives
• Industrial, Commercial and Institutional Capacity Buyback Program
• Industrial, Commercial and Institutional Pre-rinse Spray Valve Replacement Program
• Water Distribution System Leak Detection Program
• Implementation water efficiency retrofits and public demonstration projects at existing City buildings