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Want to boost outdoor savings? Get in line!

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Do your sprinklers need an upgrade? Consider converting to in-line drip irrigation—a more durable, water-efficient and low-maintenance option.

Hundreds of customers like Karen Giorgianni of Lafayette are installing drip irrigation and cashing in on EBMUD rebates of up to $2,000. With in-line drip, emitters are pre-installed in plastic tubing to help distribute water evenly.

“I’m a survival-of-the-fittest type of gardener,” Giorgianni said. 
“I want my landscape to thrive with minimal water, especially during the drought.”

Drip is always a great option, particularly if you have small, narrow, or steep areas or if your current system is prone to wasteful overspray. Drip irrigation applies water slowly, drop by drop, infiltrating deep into clay soils and watering the entire root zone of plants.

After removing 1,200 square feet of lawn last year, Giorgianni was amazed at how easy it was to install her drip system. She’ll wait until fall (as all EBMUD customers should) to plant Bee’s Bliss Sage, Prairie Junegrass and Lilac Verbena to achieve her drought tolerant native landscape. Fall is the best time to plant, when rain helps establish plants and days are shorter and cooler. 

An easy irrigation makeover 

 

Get started 

Step 1: Fill out a rebate application

Go to ebmud.com/rebates. Before starting work, submit your application to EBMUD. We will contact you to review and approve your project.

Step 2: Create a planting plan

Ask these questions: Are your plants spaced close together or spread out? What is the mature size of your plants? What areas are sunny, partly sunny or shady? Are plants with similar water needs grouped together?

Step 3: Choose your tube

Select the proper tubing, considering the flow rate and spacing of emitters. For clay soils, typical in the East Bay, select tubing with the lowest flow rate with emitters spaced 12 inches or 18 inches apart.

Step 4: Select a layout

A snake layout winds through a mixed planting. For larger shrubs and tree, install concentric rings around plants. Use a grid layout for densely planted, more uniform plantings.

Step 5: Installation

Install the drip tubing beginning at the valve, or by converting an old spray head. Don’t forget to install a flush valve for periodic cleaning.