Drip Irrigation Rebate
Convert your spray irrigation to drip and receive up to $20 for every 100 square feet of irrigated area converted to drip. Replacing pop-up sprinklers with drip or low volume irrigation not only saves water and money, but also can result in healthier plants, fewer weeds and less runoff in your garden. This rebate program is available for residences and businesses. Call 831 475-8501 ext. 146 for more information or e-mail roys@soquelcreekwater.org.
Eligibility requirements
- Riser mounted or pop-up spray sprinklers that irrigate existing landscaping must be replaced with drip or low volume irrigation.
- Spray irrigation must be in working condition prior to conversion.
- District staff must be permitted to inspect the system before and after any work is performed.
- 100 square foot landscape area minimum.
How do I apply for the rebate? It is easy! - follow these 4 steps:
Contact the Water Conservation Specialist (831 475-8501 ext. 146 or e-mail roys@soquelcreekwater.org) before you begin work to schedule a pre-installation inspection.
Complete a rebate application (click here to open the PDF) and mail to Soquel Creek Water District with original sales receipts for irrigation parts and contractor labor. (Yes, this rebate includes contractor labor!)
Schedule a post-installation inspection by calling 831-475-8501 ext. 146 or e-mail roys@soquelcreekwater.org.
Allow at least one billing cycle to receive approved credit on your water bill.
How much credit will I receive?
The maximum rebate value is $20 per 100 square feet of spray-irrigated landscape converted to drip. Amount credited will not exceed cost of conversion project. For areas greater than 100 square feet, the amount will be prorated based on square footage. For example, a 250 square foot area would receive a $50 rebate. (250/100 = 2.5. 2.5 X 20 = 50.) The rebate amount is credited to your water account after successful completion of the final inspection. Funding for rebate credit is limited and will be available until funds are depleted. Applications will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis, provided the application meets all qualifying criteria. There is no implied or expressed guarantee that funding will be available at the time the application is processed.
Who can do the conversion work?
For maximum water use efficiency, we recommend the drip irrigation system be designed and installed by a California Landscape Contractors Association Certified Water Manager or a Certified Santa Cruz County Green Gardner. If the work is performed by a homeowner or a landscaper not belonging to one of the organizations listed above, then the homeowner or business applying for the rebate must allow District staff to perform a free water conservation survey (indoors and outside) before and after the work is performed.
California Landscape Contractors Association
The Irrigation Association
Monterey Bay Green Gardener Program
Why Drip?
Drip irrigation systems are fast catching on as a far more efficient method of irrigating lawns and gardens. Water is delivered slowly and directly to the roots of the plants and lawn via a hose which is literally full of tiny holes. An intermediate alternative involves using mini-sprinklers and small, fine mist sprayers to increase the humidity around plants which require it.
There are a number of distinct advantages of drip irrigation versus spray irrigation systems, particularly in areas where water conservation is an important issue.
Because drip irrigation systems deliver moisture directly to the roots of plants, there is far less water lost to evaporation and wind drift than with traditional spray irrigation systems, and there is no risk of accidentally watering roads, driveways and pathways.
Also, when water is delivered slowly and steadily to the plants, there is less tendency to over water, less wastage due to water runoff, and less risk of plant disease developing as a result of excess water pooling in the soil and collecting in garden mulch.
Spray irrigation systems which use mini-sprinklers and fine mist spray devices are very effective for creating a moist environment around a larger area, and are more water efficient than conventional spray irrigation systems with jet sprinklers.
(Excerpt from Learn about Garden Irrigation.)
