Rain Sensors

Rebate Information

Up to $25 for a rain sensor that can be adjusted to detect 1/8-inch of rainfall. The rebate amount cannot exceed the purchase price of the rain sensor. Sales tax and labor are not included.

Help prevent water waste and improve the health of your landscape by retrofitting your existing irrigation system controller with a rain sensor. The District offers a rebate of up to $25 when you connect a rain sensor to your existing irrigation system controller.

A rain sensor is a small device that detects the presence of a set amount of rainfall (e.g., 1/8-inch, 1/4-inch, etc.) and automatically stops the operation of the irrigation system to prevent watering in the rain. To qualify for the rebate, the rain sensor must be set to shut off the irrigation system when it detects 1/8-inch or more precipitation.

When the collected rainfall evaporates from the rain sensor to levels below the set amount, the irrigation controller automatically reverts back to the established schedule. While customers should completely turn-off irrigation system controllers during extended rainy periods, rain sensors are beneficial during periods when rainfall is irregular.

Rain sensors are mounted in an open outdoor area (e.g., along the eaves of a house, on the side of a gutter, etc.) and connect to an automatic irrigation system, either via hard-wiring or through the use of a wireless transmitter and receiver. Avoid locating rain sensors along deck rails or fencing where sprinkler water may hit the rain sensor.

Prices start around $20 for rain sensors that are hard-wired to the irrigation controller and increase to around $60 and up for wireless rain sensors. Rain sensors can be installed by handy homeowners or irrigation professionals, and are available at many retail hardware stores and landscape irrigation specialty stores.

Water Savings

Although water savings will vary depending upon a number of factors (e.g., weather, irrigation schedules, etc.), rain sensors prevent watering during rainfall as well as afterward when plants have already received adequate water from rainfall. Rain sensors also help prevent urban runoff and pollution and improve the health of plants by reducing over-watering.

Rain Sensor Rebate Eligibility

If you have any questions regarding rain sensor rebates or need additional information, please call our Conservation Department at 831-475-8500.

Complete rebate eligibility requirements are listed on the Rain Sensor Rebate Application (PDF). However, we still want you to be aware of the following:

  • Rebate applies to materials only. Sales tax and labor are not included.
  • Rain sensors must be installed and rebate applications must be postmarked within 90 days of the purchase date.
  • Rain sensors must be mounted aboveground in an unobstructed location (e.g., no overhanging vegetation, building structures, etc.).
  • Rain sensors must be set to operate (i.e. send a signal to the irrigation controller to shut-off) when 1/8-inch of precipitation has occurred.
  • The maximum number of rain sensor rebates is one per existing automatic irrigation controller.
  • The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) requires all rebate program participants receiving $600 or more per calendar year in rebates to be issued an IRS Form 1099 unless exemptions apply. If you have received rebates from Soquel Creek Water District (SqCWD) totaling $600 or more in the current calendar year, you must submit a completed IRS W-9 Form (PDF) with your rebate application to receive a rebate. The Social Security or Tax ID number requested in the rebate application process is in compliance with exemptions to the Federal Privacy Act of 1974, 42 UCS 405 (c)(2)(c). Social Security numbers provided as part of the application process are held in confidence under terms of the Privacy Act and are not divulged or otherwise conveyed to individuals or organizations outside the SqCWD Rebate Program.