Smart Irrigation Controller Rebate Program–Single Family Residential
This program is available exclusively to single-family residential properties built before 2016. (The City of Tracy began requiring water-efficient landscaping and irrigation for new construction after that year.)
The program encourages City of Tracy Utility customers who own their property to replace their existing non-smart irrigation controller with a new Smart Irrigation Controller.
Smart controllers help conserve water by using real-time data—such as weather conditions, soil type, and plant needs—to automatically adjust your irrigation schedule. This ensures your landscape receives the right amount of water throughout the year, improving efficiency and reducing waste.
Smart Irrigation Controller Rebate
The City of Tracy offers rebates to support utility customers in purchasing and installing Smart Irrigation Controllers. These devices help reduce water waste—studies estimate that up to 50% of landscape water is lost due to improper controller settings and lack of regular adjustments.
Smart Irrigation Controllers automatically modify watering schedules based on changing weather conditions, ensuring efficient and effective irrigation year-round.
Eligibility
This rebate is available to single-family residential properties constructed before 2016.
Rebate Amount
Eligible residential customers can receive a rebate of $12 per active (in-use) irrigation station (zone) or the cost of the smart controller (pre-tax), whichever is less, with a maximum rebate of $150.
For example, if you have seven active irrigation zones, the rebate calculation would be $12 × 7 = $84. If the controller costs $56 before tax, your rebate would be $56.
Limit one rebate per customer per address unless pre-approved by the City.
Qualifying Smart Controllers
To be eligible for a rebate, Smart Irrigation Controllers must be EPA WaterSense labeled. Look for the WaterSense label on the packaging or cover of the controller you plan to purchase.
You can view a list of approved models by using the product search feature on the EPA WaterSense website—select “Irrigation Controllers” from the product category dropdown menu.
If you are considering a controller that does not have the WaterSense label, please contact us for approval before making your purchase.
Ensuring Water Savings and Plant Health
To maximize water savings and maintain healthy landscaping, it may be necessary to adjust the default settings on your Smart Irrigation Controller. Standard factory settings may not accurately reflect your specific site conditions, irrigation system design, or plant water requirements.
The City of Tracy may offer guidance to help with these adjustments; however, it is the customer's responsibility to monitor their landscape for signs of overwatering or underwatering.
Many Smart Controllers are programmed to deliver generous amounts of water based on selected conditions. If your landscape is currently receiving less water, switching to a Smart Controller without adjustment could result in overwatering. Before and after installation, observe your plants and soil. If you notice unusually lush growth or consistently wet soil, modify the controller’s settings to prevent excessive watering.
Where to Purchase
Smart Irrigation Controllers can be purchased at any retailer that sells irrigation equipment. Be sure to look for the EPA WaterSense label to ensure the controller qualifies for the rebate.
How to Apply
- Review the Smart Irrigation Controller Rebate Program Terms & Conditions.
- Purchase, install, and program your Smart Irrigation Controller to automatically adjust watering schedules based on local weather and landscape needs.
- Complete the Rebate Application(PDF, 800KB) and submit it by mail or email, along with a copy of your sales receipt. Please ensure the controller is installed and fully programmed before submitting your application. Keep a copy of your application and receipt for your records.
- Please email waterresources@ci.tracy or mail your completed application along with the sales receipt to:
City of Tracy Conservation and Efficiency Rebates
Utilities Department
333 Civic Center Drive
Tracy, CA 95376
- After receiving your submission, we will contact you to schedule an inspection. Once the inspection is complete, your rebate check will be processed.
- Rebate checks are typically issued and mailed within 4 to 6 weeks.
Terms & Conditions
To qualify for a rebate, applicants must comply with all requirements outlined in the Single-Family Smart Irrigation Controller Rebate Program Terms & Conditions. Please review these terms carefully before submitting your application.
Eligible Products
Smart Irrigation Controllers must be WaterSense labeled to qualify.
Rebate Amount
Rebates are $12 per active irrigation station (zone) in use, or the cost of the controller (excluding tax, delivery, or labor), whichever is less, with a maximum rebate of $150.
Rebate Limit
Limit one (1) rebate per City of Tracy Utility account per address.
Installation Requirements
- Controllers must be installed before submitting an application.
- WaterSense features must be activated, meaning the controller must be programmed to operate in self-adjusting (weather-responsive) mode.
- If the controller requires a weather monitor or sensor to meet WaterSense standards, those components must be installed.
- If a mobile app is required for WaterSense labeling, the app must be installed and operational.
Proof of Purchase
Applications must include a copy of the purchase receipt for the controller.
Application Deadline
The rebate application must be submitted within 90 days of the controller’s purchase date.
Ongoing Use
The Smart Irrigation Controller must remain installed and in use for a minimum of five (5) years after receiving the rebate.
Program Availability
- Rebates are subject to available funding.
- The City of Tracy reserves the right to modify or cancel the rebate program at any time without notice.
Inspections and Verification
- Applicant must allow City of Tracy Utilities Department staff to inspect the installed controller.
- Staff may also review controller program settings and conduct an irrigation survey to verify settings are appropriate for the site.
Liability Disclaimer
The City of Tracy is not responsible for any increases or decreases in landscape water use or for any damage to landscaping resulting from installation or operation of the controller or its WaterSense features.
Ownership and Compliance
- If the applicant is not the property owner, all necessary permissions from the owner must be obtained.
- Applicants are responsible for compliance with all applicable codes, regulations, and permit requirements.