Smart Irrigation Rebate
Tacoma Water customers can get a rebate for qualifying WaterSense smart irrigation products.
We offer 50% of the purchase price, up to $100, for a qualifying hose faucet timer, smart irrigation controller, or eligible add-on or plug-in device.*
Why use smart irrigation?
Image courtesy of Rachio
Hose faucet timers and smart irrigation controllers can help you water on a more consistent schedule and reduce overwatering. Look for products with the WaterSense label to make sure they qualify for the rebate.
Hose faucet timers can:
- Control hose-end sprinklers, drip irrigation systems or soaker hoses.
- Help you water on a regular schedule.
- Offer rain-delay and manual-override options.
- Be simple to install and program.
Smart irrigation controllers can:
- Use local weather data or a weather sensor to adjust watering.
- Consider soil and plant types when setting a schedule.
- Water only when plants need it.
- Control some Wi-Fi-enabled models from a mobile device.
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Tacoma Water offers residential customers a rebate for qualifying WaterSense hose faucet timers, smart irrigation controllers, and eligible add-on or plug-in devices. You can install the product yourself or hire a contractor.
A variety of hose timers and smart controllers qualify. If you need multiple hose timers that link together or multiple controllers to cover your property, you can include them in one rebate application.**
Residential Tacoma Water customers can apply. Renters can also qualify. The name on the rebate application must be linked to an active Tacoma Water account, but it does not have to be the account owner.
The rebate is limited to 50% of the purchase price, up to $100 total.
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Your hose faucet timer, smart irrigation controller, or eligible add-on or plug-in device must appear on the EPA WaterSense product search page.
If your controller does not have smart technology built in, you must also provide proof of purchase for a compatible WaterSense add-on or plug-in device. Standard irrigation controllers without smart technology or a weather sensor do not qualify.
Check WaterSense-qualified productsNot eligible: Irrigation controllers without smart technology or a weather sensor added on or plugged in.
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Apply after you install the product. We accept applications up to 90 days after installation.
Your purchase date may be more than 90 days before you apply, but you must install the product before submitting your application.
You must also provide a receipt or invoice that shows:
- Purchase or shipping date
- Retailer name
- Purchase price before taxes and shipping
- Product name, description or model number
How to apply for a rebate
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Complete the application
Fill out the Smart Irrigation Rebate Application.
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Gather your proof of purchase
Attach a copy of your receipt or invoice. It should include:
Date of purchase and/or shipping
Retailer name
Purchase price before taxes and shipping fees
Product name, description or model number
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Submit your application
Select Submit when you finish the form.
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Watch for an email from us
We’ll email you within two weeks to let you know if we approve your application or need more information. If we approve your application, DocuSign will email you a rebate agreement to sign.
If your application is incomplete or you do not qualify, we’ll email you from conservation@tacoma.gov with next steps, if any.
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Sign your rebate agreement
Sign and submit the agreement through DocuSign. After you submit the signed agreement, allow 8 to 12 weeks for the rebate to appear on your Tacoma Water account.
Smart irrigation FAQs
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Irrigation means using a system to water your yard or landscape. This can include sprinklers, drip irrigation or soaker hoses.
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A smart irrigation controller changes your watering schedule based on weather and conditions in your yard.
Some controllers use a weather sensor at your home. Others use information from local weather stations. Some Wi-Fi-enabled models also let you control your system from a mobile device.
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Smart controllers use weather and yard conditions to decide when and how much to water. They may use information about temperature, wind, humidity, sunlight, soil, plants and slope. The controller then adjusts your watering schedule as conditions change.
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EPA estimates that about 50% of water used on residential landscapes is wasted because of inefficient watering systems and methods.
A WaterSense-labeled smart irrigation controller can save an average home nearly 7,600 gallons of water each year. Your savings will depend on your irrigation system and how you use it.
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An irrigation zone is one part of your watering system controlled by a single valve. Zones often group plants or areas with similar water needs. A controller may manage several zones. There is no minimum number of zones required for this rebate.
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You may find eligible products at irrigation supply stores, home improvement stores and online retailers. Check the EPA WaterSense product list before you buy.
Find WaterSense products -
Tacoma Water customers can receive a rebate of 50% (up to $100) of the purchase price of any qualifying WaterSense smart irrigation controller and/or add-on or plug-in device.
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They can be installed by a contractor or by the homeowner/resident.
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No. The program is limited to one rebate per metered account.
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Yes, if the controllers or timers serve one yard and you submit them together in a single rebate application.
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Yes, if they are a WaterSense product.
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Yes, renters who are residential Tacoma Water customers are eligible for this rebate.
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Applications are accepted up to a maximum of 90 days after installation. The product purchase date may be more than 90 days before the application date.
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No. A date of installation is needed to process your rebate application.
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No. This rebate will appear as a credit on your Tacoma Public Utilities account between 8 and 12 weeks after processing.
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Yes, we offer businesses that are Tacoma Water customers a rebate for commercial properties.
Apply for Business Rebate
Apply for Business a Rebate -
Yes. Customers who do not have an email address can call 253-502-8723 or visit the TPU lobby to obtain a paper copy of the application. The rebate will be applied to the account as an account credit, and no check will be mailed.
Recycle your old irrigation controller
You can recycle your old irrigation controller box at any Ewing Irrigation Supply location.
Find an Ewing Irrigation Supply location*Program requirements and rebate amounts are subject to change without notice. Check with Tacoma Water for current information. Water savings are estimates only. Actual savings may vary. Tacoma Water does not make any representations, promises or warranties with respect to actual cost savings from any of the products. Tacoma Water does not endorse any particular contractor, manufacturer, or product.
**For a rebate with multiple items, check whether each item is required for the system to operate “smart” and if it is a WaterSense product. The rebate is applied to the minimum number of items required to create a “smart” system.