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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
EBMUD cannot recommend or endorse any individual product. See our Qualifying Flowmeters List for eligible devices. Can a device qualify if it is not on this list? Yes, if you believe a product should qualify but 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.
If you have questions about which device best suits your needs, please contact the device manufacturers directly. They can provide expert guidance and support.
What flowmeter you choose will be based on several factors like how you want it installed (on meter, on pipe, inline), what connection type (WiFi, cellular, LoRaWAN), and if it will be battery powered or wired to power. See the FAQ’s below for a detailed explanation of flowmeter options.
Flowmeters can be installed in three different ways:
On Meter: The flowmeter is attached onto an existing EBMUD meter to track flow. It typically uses sensors or external monitoring devices to measure flow without replacing the meter itself, making it non-invasive and easy to install.
On Pipe (Clamp-On): The flowmeter is attached externally to the outside of the pipe using sensors (e.g. ultrasonic). It measures flow without cutting into the pipe, making it non-invasive and easy to install.
Inline: The flowmeter is plumbed into the pipe, meaning the water passes through it. These require cutting into the pipe for installation by a plumber. Although they can be more costly, they often include automatic water shutoff valves if leaks are detected.
WiFi: The flowmeter connects to a local WiFi network, allowing real-time data transmission to a cloud platform or local system. It requires a stable internet connection but has limited range (usually within the home or building).
Cellular: The flowmeter uses a SIM card to connect to a mobile network for data transmission. It works well in remote areas without WiFi but requires a cellular signal and may have data costs.
LoRaWAN (Long Range Wide Area Network): A low-power, long-range wireless technology that allows flowmeters to send small amounts of data over several miles to a LoRaWAN gateway. It works well in large outdoor areas but requires a LoRaWAN network.
Some inline flowmeters can automatically shut off water if leaks are detected. Additionally, some can shut off remotely via an app. When installing an inline flowmeter with an automatic shutoff valve, placement is key for accurate monitoring and effective leak prevention.
Installation options are as follows:
- Install it after the main house valve: This ensures you can manually shut off water for maintenance or emergencies without affecting the flowmeter.
- Place it before any branch lines (like irrigation or appliances): This allows the flowmeter to track total water usage and detect leaks anywhere in the system.
- For irrigation systems: If you want to monitor irrigation separately, you can install a second flowmeter on the irrigation branch. However, if the goal is whole-home monitoring, keep it before the irrigation split.
A flowmeter tracks overall household water usage, helping you monitor consumption, detect leaks, and improve efficiency across all indoor and outdoor water use.
An irrigation flow sensor must be paired with a compatible smart controller to monitor water flow within your irrigation system, detect leaks within individual zones, and alert you of abnormal high or low flow rates. This helps identify issues like clogged nozzles, broken sprinkler heads, or valve malfunctions.
For the most complete monitoring, you can install both. A flowmeter provides total water insights, while an irrigation flow sensor ensures efficient irrigation system performance. Visit our irrigation rebates webpage for more information on the flow sensor rebate.
A battery-powered flowmeter is ideal for installation locations without a nearby power outlet, offering flexible placement but requiring occasional battery replacement. A wired flowmeter connects to a power source, eliminating battery changes but needing access to electricity for installation.
If your installation location lacks a power outlet, a battery-powered flowmeter is the more convenient choice. Otherwise, a wired flowmeter provides a dependable, low-maintenance option.
For compatibility information, you must contact the device manufacturers directly. They can provide guidance on whether your meter will work with their system.
EBMUD does not sell flowmeters directly. You can purchase one online or through the device manufacturer. If you can’t find a product page on their website, contact the manufacturer directly for details on availability and purchasing options.
Yes, you have 90 days from the purchase date to submit the application.
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.