This program is designed to encourage residents and businesses to convert approved high water use landscape, such as lawns and pools, to low water use landscape as well as to retrofit existing irrigation equipment with approved high efficiency irrigation equipment, including rebates for the following:
- Landscape Conversions
- In-Line Drip Irrigation Conversions
- Irrigation Equipment Upgrades (includes weather-based irrigation controllers and rain sensors)
- Rainwater Capture - NEW PROGRAM (includes rain barrels, cisterns, and rain gardens)
New Program!
We are pleased to announce our new Rainwater Capture Rebates starting January 1, 2019! Rainwater capture, also know as rainwater harvesting, can be used as an alternative water source, reducing demands on our treated water supply and replenishing our underground aquifers. Keeping rainwater onsite also serves an important role in reducing stormwater runoff that can lead to erosion, flooding, and pollution of our creeks and streams. Through our Landscape Rebate Program online application process, residents and business owners can apply to:
- Receive a rebate up to $35 per qualifying rain barrel installed to collect rainwater from existing downspouts,
- Receive a rebate of $0.50 per gallon for diverting existing downspouts to qualifying cisterns, and
- Receive a rebate of $1 per square foot of roof area diverted (up to $300 per site) into an installed rain garden to collect roof water runoff.
Projects that have been started or projects that have already been completed prior to application approval are not eligible.
Important Note
Sites wishing to participate in the rebate program must complete a pre-inspection and submit an online application for approval before beginning any work on their project. See "Steps to Participate" below for additional information.
Sites that have been denied participation in the Landscape Rebate Program for not meeting the initial program eligibility requirements will not be allowed to re-apply for the rebate within three (3) years of the initial pre-inspection or denial date, whichever is the latter.
All applications issued a Notice to Proceed will be held to a total rebate cap (for both the Landscape Conversion Rebate and the Irrigation Equipment Upgrade Rebate combined) of $2,000 for Single-Family and Multi-Family (4 or fewer units) and a $20,000 for all Commercial sites and Multi-Family (5 or more units). Landscape Conversion Rebates within cost sharing agencies are eligible for additional funds up to $1,000 for Single-Family and Multi-Family (4 or fewer units) and $10,000 for all Commercial sites and Multi-Family (5 or more units), for a total cap of $3,000 and $30,000 respectively.
Steps for Participation
1. Customers should create a user account online and provide information about existing site conditions, including photos, estimated size of the project area (square footage), and/or existing equipment information. Customers who do not have the ability to submit an online application should call (408) 630-2554 for assistance. More information is available before making the online account, but complete the following steps before taking action on your project ideas.
2. Customers will be contacted directly by the District to schedule an onsite pre-inspection as needed after submitting existing site conditions.
3. After pre-inspection approval, customers will submit their proposed project details online, including a full plant list and a description of their project for the Landscape Conversion Rebate and/or the quantity and make/model of their proposed irrigation equipment upgrades.
4. Once the application is approved, customers will be issued an official Notice to Proceed and will have 90 days to complete their project. Do not begin removal of your lawn/pool or the purchase of materials for your project until you have received a written Notice to Proceed from the District.
5. Upon project completion, customers will request a final post inspection and provide any documentation requested, such as photos or receipts. Rebate checks will be issued 4-6 weeks after the post inspection date if approved.
Qualifying Equipment, Plants & Materials Lists
The lists linked below provide the specific types of irrigation equipment, plants, and materials that qualify for rebates if all steps, terms, conditions, and other requirements are followed as described in the online application.
- Approved plant lists for converting turf (lawn) and pools to low water use plants
- Weather-Based Irrigation Controllers: To qualify, must be installed with an onsite rain sensor or onsite weather station that includes a rain sensor
- Meters, Flow Sensors, and Hydrometers
- High-Efficiency Nozzles
- Sprinklers with Pressure Regulation and/or Check Valves
- In-Line Drip Irrigation
More Information
Need help getting started or deciding what to do next? Check out the wide variety of resources at valleywater.org/landscaping and southbaygreengardens.org. You'll find landscape designs, sample project photos, lists of professionals to help complete your project, and more!
For more information or to clarify the above information, read additional program details, call our Water Conservation Hotline at (408) 630-2554, or email us at [email protected].