To begin the process, after reviewing the program requirements to determine whether the property may qualify, you must create an account in the Program Application Portal and submit the following:

1. Hold Harmless Agreement (Inspection Authorization)
   The Hold Harmless Agreement authorizes Valley Water’s contractor(s) to conduct a site pre-inspection to verify existing fixtures and assess potential eligibility for the program.
2. Participation Agreement (Required for Program Approval)
   The Participation Agreement must be completed and signed by the property owner or authorized representative before any installation work can be scheduled. This agreement provides the information Valley Water needs to evaluate eligibility and outlines the program’s terms and conditions.
3. Recent Water Utility Bill 
   A recent water utility bill must be provided so Valley Water can verify that the property has an existing account with one of Valley Water’s 13 water retailers. Private well customers are also eligible.
4. Proof of Enrollment in a Qualifying Income-Based Assistance Program (Individually-Owned Properties Only)
   Single-family homes, condominiums, townhomes, and mobile homes must provide proof of current enrollment in a qualifying income-based assistance program to verify eligibility for the DRIP Program.
   • Acceptable documentation includes a letter of enrollment, approval, or benefits from the administering agency; a copy of the enrollment card; or a utility statement showing active participation in the qualifying program. 

Valley Water’s contractor will visit the property to verify existing fixtures and determine potential eligibility for replacement under the program.

• Individually-Owned Properties: All existing fixtures will be assessed.
• Apartment Complexes and Commercial Properties: At least 20% of fixtures will be assessed during the initial site pre-inspection to estimate the number of eligible fixtures throughout the property.
  • A more comprehensive inspection will be conducted during the installation phase.
  • The estimated number of eligible fixtures identified during the pre-inspection may increase or decrease based on actual site conditions observed during installation.
     

If eligible fixtures are identified, Valley Water will review the Participation Agreement and pre-inspection findings to confirm eligibility for the program.

Once the property is approved for participation, Valley Water’s contractor will contact the applicant to schedule fixture replacement installation.

• Approved fixtures will be installed at no cost to eligible participants.
• Removed fixtures will be properly disposed of by Valley Water’s contractor at all sites, except for residential properties located within the City of San José.
  • Valley Water has partnered with the City of San José’s Junk Pick-up Program.
  • Residential properties located in San José must schedule a junk pick-up to ensure that removed fixtures are properly disposed of. Additional information about the City of San José’s Junk Pick-up Program is available here.