Fix common irrigation problems with these equipment upgrades and save water and money while keeping your plants healthy.
How much are our rebates?
- The maximum total landscape rebate is $2,000 for residential and $15,000 for commercial, municipal, and large multi-family properties (>4 units).
- Rebates are limited to the purchase price on receipt or contractor's invoice (taxes and labor are not included).
- Rebate amounts vary depending on the type and quantity of equipment installed, see dropdowns below and rebate application for details.
Rebate types and eligibility details
Replace an existing conventional controller with a smart, weather-adjusting controller to receive a rebate up to $100. Receive an additional $20 for each additional active station over 12. Maximum rebate is $200 per controller for residential properties and $1000 per controller for commercial properties.
Benefits
- Create a watering schedule that automatically adjusts based on local weather and site conditions
- Automatically shut off irrigation prior to or during rain events
- With wifi-connected models, remotely access and change your irrigation schedule when you are away
Qualifying Installations |
Non-qualifying Installations |
| Listed as a WaterSense-labeled controller | Not listed as a WaterSense-labeled controller |
| Replacing an existing conventional controller (photo required) | Installing a new controller, or replacing an existing smart controller |
| Serve at least two active irrigation zones | Serve one or no active irrigation zones (e.g., hose bib timers) |
| Installed and programmed to efficiently water the landscape, receiving weather data | Improperly configured controllers that are unplugged or do not receive daily weather data |
| Soil moisture sensors (submit model to EBMUD prior to purchasing) | Hose bib timers do not qualify |
Required documentation:
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Picture of old conventional controller
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Picture of new controller installed per manufacturer specifications
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Screenshot showing stations/zones in use
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Screenshot showing connection to local weather station
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Screenshot(s) showing the current irrigation schedule for all active stations. A calendar view showing anticipated watering days for all zones will suffice.
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Receipt
Install an irrigation flow sensor and receive 50% of the cost of the device, up to $250.
A flow sensor is a device used to detect and track water use in an irrigation system. With a compatible controller, it can send alerts of high or low use, help detect leaks, and provide precise data on total system or per zone water usage.
Benefits
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Real time monitoring of irrigation system flow
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Sends alerts to your controller of high or low flow, helping to identify leaks and irregular use
See the Qualifying List of Irrigation Flow Sensors for eligible products.
Qualifying Installations |
Non-qualifying Installations |
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Must measure flow rate and total amount of water delivered to a landscape irrigation system |
Does not measure flow rate or total amount of water delivered specifically to a landscape irrigation system. For system wide flowmeters, consider our Flowmeter Rebate. |
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Installed with a compatible irrigation controller that sends alerts and provides data on flow |
Controller is not compatible with selected flow sensor, or has not been set up to receive data and alerts. |
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On EBMUD’s list of Qualifying Irrigation Flow Sensors |
Not on qualifying list. Email waterconservation@ebmud.com to request inclusion of additional devices. |
Required Documentation
- Picture of installed flow sensor
- Picture of wire connected to flow sensor port on controller
- Screenshot showing active connection to compatible controller, including flow used per zone
- Receipt
Convert your spray irrigation to drip irrigation and receive up to $0.25 per square foot of drip installed.
Benefits
- Prevent water loss from wind, misting, and runoff
- Apply water more efficiently in small, narrow, or steep areas
- Deliver water directly and deeply into clay soils to reach entire root zones
Resources
Qualifying Installations |
Non-qualifying Installations |
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EBMUD approval prior to installation |
Installation started without EBMUD approval |
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Replace an entire existing overhead irrigation zone |
Converted zone that includes more than one type of drip or overhead irrigation |
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Install per manufacturer directions and include pressure regulator and filter |
Micro-spray, bubblers, and adjustable emitters |
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Match emitter flow rate to soil type (e.g., 0.4 gph for clay soils) |
Mismatched emitter rates (e.g., 2 gph on clay soil is too fast) |
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Convert spray to drip in shrub or tree areas |
Convert spray to drip in lawn conversion rebate areas (this is already included in the lawn conversion rebate) |
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Install on surface and covered with mulch |
Not recommended to install drip beneath the soil, unless specified by manufacturer |
Replace conventional spray nozzles with high-efficiency rotating nozzles and receive up to $4 each.
Benefits
- Larger water droplets prevent water loss from evaporation, over-spray, and wind
- Apply less water at slower rates, allowing more time for water to soak into the soil and preventing runoff
- Increase uniformity of water distribution (to prevent patchy or brown spots in lawn)
Need help? Check out our video explaining how to replace the nozzles.
Qualifying Installations |
Non-qualifying Installations |
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Replace an entire irrigation zone of conventional sprinklers |
Any converted irrigation zone with mixed sprinkler types in the same zone |
| On EBMUD’s qualifying list of high-efficiency nozzles | Standard sprinkler nozzles not listed on EBMUD's list of high-efficiency nozzles |
| Installed per manufacturer directions and adjusted to minimize over-spray and ensure even coverage | Retrofits that result in over-spray or do not achieve head-to-head coverage |
Install a pressure regulator for your entire irrigation system and receive 50% of the cost of the device up to $125.
Benefits
- Reduce wear and tear on irrigation pipes
- Prevent leaks and sprinkler blowouts
Qualifying Installations |
Non-qualifying Installations |
| Installed upstream of entire irrigation system or main line | Installed downstream of entire irrigation system (on an individual valve) |
| Brass or bronze pressure regulator | Plastic drip regulators (standard part of drip irrigation system) |
| Adjusted not to exceed optimal irrigation system requirements | Improperly installed or adjusted pressure regulators |
Install a submeter on your irrigation system and receive 50% of the cost of the device up to $200.
Benefits
- Wireless-enabled models alert you of leaks and other high water usage
- Specific models can shut off your irrigation automatically when a leak is detected
- Improve irrigation management by determining how much water is used at each station
Qualifying Installations |
Non-qualifying Installations |
| Measures all irrigation water supplied by a mixed-use EBMUD water meter | Measures any non-irrigation water supplied by a mixed-use EBMUD water meter |
| Includes a leak-detection feature or flow sensor | Does not include a leak-detection feature or flow sensor |
How to apply
- Step 1. Review the eligibility requirements prior to purchasing equipment.
- Step 2. Fill out and submit rebate application. Include photos of old equipment being replaced (see sample completed application for examples).
- Step 3. Wait for EBMUD to contact you regarding your application status. If you need advice, or are installing drip irrigation, do not install equipment until your application is approved.
After your application is approved
- Step 1. EBMUD will send you an approval email outlining further information that is required to complete the rebate.
- Step 2. After you complete your project, submit the requested receipts/invoices, screenshots, and/or photos to EBMUD. See sample completed application for examples of photos and documentation needed. Make sure to sumit all materials before your project deadline.
- Step 3. After you submit all the requested information and your rebate is approved, the rebate will be issued as a check within two months. For residential customers, rebates $600 or more in a single tax year require submittal of a W-9 form.
When to install equipment
All rebate applicants have nine months from their application approval date to install equipment.
Residential applicants may install equipment prior to EBMUD approval and submit receipts within 90 days only if all of the following criteria are met:
- Total rebate amount does not exceed $250
- Rebate project does not include drip irrigation conversion
- Purchase of the equipment is within 90 days of the application submittal date
- Photos of old equipment can be provided
All commercial projects, and drip irrigation conversion projects, require approval prior to installation.
Resources for a successful project
- Rebate Application Tutorial Video: Instructions on how to fill out the rebate application.
- Sample Completed Rebate Application: Examples and photos showing documentation required to finalize your rebate.
- WaterSmart Gardener: Resources to help you create a water-efficient landscape.
- Landscape Rebate Virtual Office Hours: Virtual drop-in sessions over Zoom to ask questions about landscape rebate projects, offered every 1st and 3rd Tuesday from 12-1 p.m.
Application and resources
| Document | Type | Size |
|---|---|---|
| Irrigation Equipment Rebate Application | 3.1 MB | |
| Landscape Rebate Application (combined) | 3.9 MB | |
| W-9 Form (required for rebates $600+) | <1 MB | |
| Qualifying Irrigation Flow Sensors | <1 MB | |
| Qualifying High Efficiency Nozzles | <1 MB | |
| Sample Completed Landscape Rebate Application | 9.0 MB | |
| Sample Drip Irrigation Layouts | 2.0 MB | |
| Drip Irrigation Guidelines | 2.3 MB |