What are the Irrigation Equipment Rebates?
Irrigation equipment rebates are available to help improve irrigation efficiency, fix common problems, and reduce water waste. Explore the rebate options below to find the right upgrades for your irrigation system.
Smart Irrigation Controller
Rebate: 50% up to cost per device ($200 for residential & $1,000 for commercial)
Unlike conventional controllers that water on a fixed schedule, smart controllers use local weather data to automatically adjust irrigation run times and schedules.
- Replace an existing conventional controller with a WaterSense-labeled smart controller.
- Both the existing and new controllers must operate at least two active irrigation zones. Hose bib timers do not qualify.
- Install and program the new controller to efficiently water the landscape.
Required Documentation (sample here)
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Photo of existing conventional controller.
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Photo of installed new smart controller.
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Photo of installed new controller showing connected valve wiring.
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Screenshot of active zones (minimum 2).
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Screenshot of active schedule(s) with weather features "on."
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Screenshot of active connection to weather network or weather station.
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Copy of receipt showing the purchase date and price (excluding tax and fees).
Application Timing
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Residential customers may apply before or after purchasing and installing equipment. If equipment is purchased before applying, the application must be submitted within 90 days of purchase.
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Commercial customers must apply before purchase or installation.
Ready to Apply?
You can apply for this rebate on its own or combine it with others in a single online application.
*See the online application for complete eligibility requirements.
Irrigation Flow Sensor
Rebate: 50% up to $250 per device
Irrigation flow sensors monitor the amount of water moving through your irrigation system and work with a compatible irrigation controller to detect leaks and equipment failures in real time.
- Install a Qualifying Irrigation Flow Sensor.
- Must be paired with a compatible irrigation controller to send alerts and provide flow data.
- Must measure flow rate and total amount of water delivered to a landscape irrigation system.
Required Documentation (sample here)
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Photo of irrigation flow sensor installed per manufacturer specifications.
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Photo showing wiring to correct sensor port in controller and screenshot showing connected/active flow sensor.
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Screenshots showing compatible controller and flow sensor showing flow used per zone.
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Copy of receipt showing the purchase date and price (excluding tax and fees).
Application Timing
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Residential customers may apply before or after purchasing and installing equipment. If equipment is purchased before applying, the application must be submitted within 90 days of purchase.
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Commercial customers must apply before purchase or installation.
Ready to Apply?
You can apply for this rebate on its own or combine it with others in a single online application.
*See the online application for complete eligibility requirements.
Spray to Drip Conversion
Rebate: Up to $0.25 per sq. ft.
Converting sprinklers to drip irrigation is one of the most effective ways to improve irrigation efficiency by delivering water directly to the root zone - reducing evaporation, runoff, overspray, and water waste.
- Convert an entire zone of overhead sprinklers to drip irrigation.
- Install a filter and pressure regulator, and match emitter rates to soil type (0.4-0.6 gph recommended). Microspray, adjustable bubblers, and adjustable emitters are not allowed.
- The project must not have started and will not begin until EBMUD provides approval.
Required Documentation (sample here)
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Submit with your application:
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Before photos of your existing functional sprinklers turned on.
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Submit once your project is complete:
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Close-up photos showing drip tubing and/or emitters.
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Photos showing drip tubing installed and mulch added.
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Photos showing pressure regulator and filter components.
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Copy of receipt showing the purchase date and price (excluding tax and fees).
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Application Timing
All customers must apply and receive EBMUD approval before purchasing and installing equipment.
Ready to Apply?
You can apply for this rebate on its own or combine it with others in a single online application.
*See the online application for complete eligibility requirements.
High-Efficiency Nozzles
Rebate: Up to $4 per nozzle
Upgrade conventional spray nozzles to high-efficiency nozzles that apply water more slowly and uniformly, producing larger droplets that are less susceptible to wind drift and evaporation.
- Replace an entire zone of conventional spray nozzles with Qualifying High-Efficiency Nozzles.
- Exhibit little to no overspray on pavement and no blockage of spray by shrubs or other objects.
Required Documentation (sample here)
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Before photos of your existing functional sprinklers showing the irrigation zone watered with inefficient fixed spray nozzles.
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After photos showing all sprinkler nozzles within the irrigation zone have been converted to high-efficiency nozzles.
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Copy of receipt showing the purchase date and price (excluding tax and fees).
Application Timing
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Residential customers may apply before or after purchasing and installing equipment. If equipment is purchased before applying, the application must be submitted within 90 days of purchase.
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Commercial customers must apply before purchase or installation.
Ready to Apply?
You can apply for this rebate on its own or combine it with others in a single online application.
*See the online application for complete eligibility requirements.
Pressure Regulator
Rebate: 50% up to $125
Maintaining the correct pressure improves irrigation efficiency, promotes more uniform water application, extends the life of irrigation equipment, and helps prevent leaks, pipe failures, and sprinkler blowouts.
- Install a system-wide pressure regulator upstream of the entire irrigation system.
- Must be made of brass or bronze (plastic pressure regulators for individual drip irrigation zones are not eligible).
- Maximum of one per property.
Required Documentation (sample here)
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Photo of newly installed brass or bronze pressure regulator installed upstream of the entire irrigation system.
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Copy of receipt showing the purchase date and price (excluding tax and fees).
Application Timing
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Residential customers may apply before or after purchasing and installing equipment. If equipment is purchased before applying, the application must be submitted within 90 days of purchase.
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Commercial customers must apply before purchase or installation.
Ready to Apply?
You can apply for this rebate on its own or combine it with others in a single online application.
*See the online application for complete eligibility requirements.
Rebate maximums
All rebates are subject to the following maximums within a 2-year period:
- $2,000 for single-family and small multi-family homes
- $15,000 for commercial, municipal, and large multi-family properties (5+ units)
All irrigation equipment rebates are limited to the purchase price on the receipt (taxes, labor, and other fees are not included.
How to apply
Review the steps below and refer to the Rebate Requirements and Documentation for details on each rebate type, including requirements and required photos, screenshots, and receipts needed to complete a rebate project.
Applies to single and multi-family properties (up to 4 units).
Option 1: Install first
You can purchase and install equipment prior to application submittal if the following criteria are met:
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Purchase of the equipment is within 90 days of the application submittal date
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Rebate project does not include Spray to Drip Irrigation Conversion
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Photos of old equipment can be provided, if applicable.
Application Process
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Step 1. Purchase and install equipment.
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Step 2. Submit your online rebate application within 90 days of purchase, providing all required documentation as outlined in the Rebate Requirements and Documentation.
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Step 3. After you submit all requested information and your rebate is approved, the rebate will be issued as a check within two months. Rebates of $2,000 or more in a single tax year require submittal of a W-9 form.
Option 2: Apply first
Note: Projects including Spray to Drip Irrigation Conversions must always apply first, before purchase and installation.
Application Process
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Step 1. Submit your online rebate application, providing photos of the existing equipment that will be replaced, if applicable.
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Step 2. Wait for EBMUD approval before purchasing equipment or beginning your project.
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Step 3. Purchase and install equipment within a 9-month deadline, providing all required documentation as outlined in the Rebate Requirements and Documentation.
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Step 4. After you submit all requested information and your rebate is approved, the rebate will be issued as a check within two months. Rebates of $2,000 or more in a single tax year require submittal of a W-9 form.
Applies to multi-family (5+ units), commercial, municipal, or irrigation-only meter properties.
Application Process
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Step 1. Submit your online rebate application, providing photos of the existing equipment that will be replaced, if applicable.
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Step 2. Wait for EBMUD approval before purchasing equipment or beginning your project.
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Step 3. Purchase and install equipment within a 9-month deadline, providing all required documentation as outlined in the Rebate Requirements and Documentation.
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Step 4. After you submit all requested information and your rebate is approved, the rebate will be issued as a check within two months. Rebates of $2,000 or more in a single tax year require submittal of a W-9 form.
If you need assistance filling out your rebate application, email us at waterconservation@ebmud.com.
Resources for a successful project
- Rebate Requirements and Documentation: Detailed list of requirements, required photos, screenshots, and receipts needed to complete a rebate project.
- WaterSmart Gardener: Resources to help you create a water-efficient landscape.
- Visit our Outdoor Home Survey guide for comprehensive guidance on understanding your irrigation system, locating leaks, and controller programming.
- Rebate Virtual Office Hours: Virtual drop-in sessions over Zoom to ask questions about rebate projects, offered every 1st and 3rd Tuesday from 12-1 p.m.