Smart Irrigation Rebate Program

Sprinkler spraying grass

Summer is when people water their lawns the most, but it is also when the most water gets wasted due to over-watering. The easiest way to water just the right amount is to invest in the right technology. The Smart Irrigation Rebate program is here to help.

 

Watering the correct amount with the help of a WaterSense labeled Smart irrigation controller saves an average home up to 15,000 gallons of water annually (per the EPA website on WaterSense savings)(WaterSense Labeled Controllers | US EPA) and can help keep your plants healthy and your water bill low. It also reduces unnecessary water runoff.

 

The goal of this program is to help residents of Corvallis save water by making their irrigation habits more efficient. Read about the City's indoor toilet rebate program here if you want to make improvements inside as well.

The Rebate Process:

The City of Corvallis will offer a one-time rebate of 50% of the purchase price, up to $75, for one Irrigation efficiency device per residential customer, installation address, or utility account. Funds are limited. This webpage will be updated when funds run out. 

 

  1. Purchase eligible device. Install at your residence.  (Search the WaterSense "Weather-Based Irrigation Controllers" or 'Soil Moisture-Based Irrigation Controllers" catalog to make sure device meets specifications.)
  2. Fill out a complete rebate application and questionnaire. Application found HERE. Questionnaire is HERE. 
  3. Include proof of purchase in the form of a sales receipt or purchase invoice. This must clearly state the purchaser's name and address, and the model number of the device in order to be eligible.
  4. Send completed application and proof of purchase to Corvallis Public Works. (Email online applications to julia.cline@corvallisoregon.gov and mail paper copies to address on application). Application must be received within three months of purchase. Please allow four to six weeks for your rebate check to arrive.

 

Qualifying Devices

The EPA WaterSense program certifies products that meet rigorous testing. Look for the WaterSense logo when purchasing your equipment to ensure it is eligible for a rebate.

 

  • Weather-based irrigation controller (WBIC) or weather station add-on
    • Must be WaterSense labeled 
    • 50% of purchase price, up to $75 
    • WBICs use local weather data to estimate landscape conditions and determine if an irrigation cycle should be allowed or skipped. One WBIC can store information for multiple irrigation zones (from WaterSense). There is a wide range of these products, and they use data from various sources.
  • Soil moisture sensor (SMS)
    • Must connect to an automatic, in-ground sprinkler system
    • Must be WaterSense labeled
    • 50% of purchase price, up to $75
    • Sensors take in-ground readings of soil moisture to determine if the irrigation cycle should be allowed or skipped. You may need multiple SMSs for a single landscape depending on the uniformity of the landscape (from WaterSense).

 

Additional Program Details:

Applicant may purchase up to 1 qualifying smart irrigation device for the rebate. Look at this list (Search the WaterSense "Weather-Based Irrigation Controllers" or 'Soil Moisture-Based Irrigation Controllers" ) for current qualifying models. Sometimes new models take several weeks to appear on this site; rebates will be approved only after the model is on this list. 

Applicant must install the irrigation device at a residence that receives water or wastewater service from the City of Corvallis and has a valid residential account number in good standing.

 It is your responsibility to assure that the model you purchase qualifies for a rebate. No rebates will be authorized for non-qualifying models. It is also your responsibility to assure that all application materials are completed and submitted within the three month qualification period. No rebates will be authorized for applications that are incomplete, or not received within the three month qualification period.

This program is one-time only; no more than one rebate application will be approved per customer, installation address, or utility account.

Rebate amount can not exceed 50% of the cost of of the device.

Rebates are available on a first-come first-served basis only while funds are available. No guarantee is made that funds will be available.

Customers participating in the program agree to a potential on-site installation verification and in-home water use assessment.

City of Corvallis may alter the program at any time.

For more information, email Public Works or call 541-766-6916.

To learn more about the various options, check out the following sources:

  • Printer-friendly version