Irrigation Programs
EBMUD offers FREE Irrigation Surveys for all commercial large-landscape customers.
WaterSmart Commercial Irrigation Audit Surveys
EBMUD staff can show you and your landscape maintenance staff how to use existing irrigation equipment more efficiently, and how to save water and money by upgrading existing sprinkler equipment. The irrigation survey includes:
- Evaluation of current and past water use
- Evaluation report on existing system with recommendations for lowering water consumption
- Sprinkler uniformity tests
- On-site irrigation efficiency training: precipitation rates, evapotranspiration (ET), infiltration rates, root zone depth, and crop coefficients
- Assistance in developing an irrigation schedule based on ET rates
- Site maps, controller maps, and current schedules to maintain irrigation efficiency over time
- Evaluation for eligibility in the Irrigation Upgrade Program
Commercial Irrigation Rebate
EBMUD helps large-landscape irrigators improve the efficiency of existing irrigation systems. Customers who participate in an irrigation survey may qualify for rebates of up to 50 percent of the material costs of installing water-efficient equipment. The goal is to optimize equipment performance by improving irrigation uniformity and lowering water delivery rates, resulting in shorter watering times, less runoff, and lower water bills. Rebates do not cover labor costs and irrigation equipment taxes.
The following documents are PDF files which can be viewed and printed with Adobe Acrobat Reader, a free software.
Receive up to 50% credit for:
- Matched precipitation rate sprinkler heads with pressure reducing devices or check valves; standardizing make and models within systems.
- Irrigation sub-meters that track irrigation water consumption on mixed use meters. Rebates must be used in conjunction with other irrigation upgrades on existing systems.
- Self-adjusting ET irrigation controllers.
- Converting existing spray equipment to drip irrigation.
- Converting standard spray type nozzles to rotating nozzles.
- Moisture sensors and rain shut-off devices.
- Pressure regulation equipment.
How to participate
- Contact the Water Conservation Office at 1-866-403-2683 to schedule a free commercial irrigation audit (survey).
- Submit a proposal form for EBMUD staff to review.
- Minimum of $500 in expenses required for participation.
- Water savings have to be identified upfront to be eligible for the rebate program.
- If the project is approved, EBMUD sends a project agreement to the owner or management for signature.
- Upgrade must be completed within 90 days.
- When the upgrade is complete, EBMUD performs an inspection, processes the rebate in the form of a credit to the account, and reviews the principles of water-efficient irrigation programming and sprinkler maintenance.
- Rebates will be paid on a first-come, first-served basis until program funds are exhausted or the program terminates, whichever occurs first.
Success Stories
Read about EBMUD customers who successfully implemented and participated in the Irrigation Programs.
Commercial Irrigation Water Conservation Tips
Using the proper irrigation techniques can help you save water and money.