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What is the Flowmeter Rebate Program?
The Flowmeter Rebate Program promotes flow-sensing technologies that provide information about water use, including potential leaks and unexpected usage. The program offers a rebate for eligible flowmeters that can monitor water use in near real-time, compared to the use information that you get every one or two months from your EBMUD water bill. The program is open to all EBMUD customers.
What is a flowmeter?
Flowmeters measure and report water use down to a fraction of a gallon, with updates as frequent as every minute. They can alert you to leaks that could damage your home and drive up your water bill, as well as be configured to send alerts through a web portal or mobile app.
Some flowmeters can be strapped around an existing EBMUD water meter or attached to the surface of a pipe. Other flowmeters must be installed in-line in water pipes, which requires minor plumbing work.
Sample devices are listed in our Qualifying Flowmeters List. Other devices may be added to this list as they become available. Please confirm that selected products meet EBMUD requirements before purchasing.
How much is our rebate?
- EBMUD offers a rebate of up to 50% of the price of the flowmeter (excluding taxes, shipping, and installation fees). The maximum rebate is $200 per device. The rebate is limited to one device per service address, however applications for multiple devices for one service address will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
- EBMUD will issue the rebate as a check within two months of rebate approval, after verification of flowmeter installation and receipt of required documentation.
What are the eligibility requirements?
1. Eligible products are listed on our Qualifying Flowmeters List, and must possess the following features:
- Measure account's total water use at least hourly and report water use on a web portal or mobile app.
- Provide automatic leak alerts.
- Not interfere with the operation of the EBMUD meter, as described in the On-Meter Flowmeter Terms and Conditions.
- Be designed for at least two years of continuous operation.
2. The flowmeter must be installed on an active EBMUD water service location. The rebate is limited to one flowmeter device per service address.
3. The flowmeter must remain in place for a minimum of two years. If the device is removed, rendered unusable, or if the account becomes inactive, the rebate recipient commits to replace the device or take necessary measures to remedy and restore its operation. If this is not done, EBMUD will seek a reimbursement of the rebate for a prorated amount, based on a two-year maximum of operation and this will appear on the account holder's bill.
How to apply
Step 1. After reviewing and verifying eligibility requirements, fill out the Flowmeter Rebate Application.
Step 2. Within 90 days of purchasing an eligible flowmeter, send EBMUD the completed application along with a dated receipt and photo of the installation. EBMUD may at its discretion verify installation.
Step 3. EBMUD will issue the rebate as a check within two months of rebate approval.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, you have 90 days from purchase to submit the application.
See our Qualifying Flowmeters List for eligible products.
Can a product qualify if it is not on this list? Yes, if you believe a product should qualify that is not included, e-mail waterconservation@ebmud.com with the device information for approval. New devices will be added to this list as they become available.
The EBMUD meter is the billing meter of record and is used for all billing purposes. If your flowmeter data is not matching the usage reflected on your bill, we recommend contacting the device manufacturer for assistance. Possible issues may include:
- Device may need to be recalibrated
- Power outages may have affected device readings
- Network reception connectivity issues
Some meter boxes are below grade and commonly fill with water after rain. EBMUD meters are designed to work even when fully submerged.
If you have questions about whether your flowmeter device is waterproof or are experiencing any issues, please contact the device manufacturer for assistance.
For residential customers applying for rebates that, individually or in combination total $600 or more in a tax year, EBMUD requires the submittal of a W-9 form from the person receiving the payment prior to payment. All personal information provided within the W-9 will be kept confidential in accordance with the Consumer Privacy Act and other applicable state and federal law.
If the total rebate amount is $600 or more in a single calendar year, you will be issued a 1099 form in accordance with Internal Revenue Service requirements. Most residential rebates are excluded from gross income by state law and are not subject to state income tax, but these rebates may be taxable income under federal law. The determination of whether the rebate may be subject to tax is dependent on several variables, and it is recommended that you contact a tax professional for further information.
The maximum rebate is $200 per device. For large commercial sites, applications for multiple devices may be considered on a case-by-case basis.