City of Tracy, CA

Smart Irrigation Controller Replacement 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.

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.

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

1. Review the Smart Irrigation Controller Rebate Program Terms & Conditions.
2. Purchase, install, and program your Smart Irrigation Controller to automatically adjust watering schedules based on local weather and landscape needs.
3. Complete the Rebate Application 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 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

4. After receiving your submission, we will contact you to schedule an inspection. Once the inspection is complete, your rebate check will be processed.
5. Rebate checks are typically issued and mailed within 4 to 6 weeks.