Rebates & Incentives
We Won! San Diego Coastkeeper honored the City’s Public Utilities Department with the 2012 Coastal Champion Award in the category of "Water-Wise" for our Residential Outdoor Water Conservation Rebate Program for helping over 300 customers conserve a projected 61.8 million gallons of water over a ten-year period by offering rebates for smart controllers, mico-irrigation, turf replacement and rain barrels. Tap into our rebates today and thanks for the recognition!
A water-efficient landscape and irrigation system can reduce outdoor water use and minimize the amount of polluted dry weather runoff that enters the storm drain system. The City of San Diego is working to help customers conserve water by offering rebates for smart controllers, micro-irrigation, and turf replacement. Rebates are offered through a State of California grant and the City's Storm Water Department are available on a first come, first served basis until funding is exhausted. Click on the links below to learn more about the City's residential outdoor water conservation rebate programs and services and specific qualifying requirements.
Residential Outdoor Water Conservation Rebates
Sustainable Landscape-Turf Replacement Rebates - Currently, City of San Diego customers can choose to participate in one of two turf replacement rebate programs (but may participate in only one program). Note: City Customers are also eligible to apply for other rebates listed on this page in addition to the turf replacement rebate:
San Diego County Water Authority Turf Replacement Rebate Program - Customers can receive a turf replacement rebate of up to $1.50 per square foot of front yard turf removed and replaced with water wise plant material (max. rebate is $3,000). Please visit this website to review program guidelines and begin the application process. Customers must install micro-irrigation, rotating nozzles or cap the existing irrigation system in the turf replacement project area. At least 400 square feet of turf must be removed.
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City of San Diego Outdoor Rebate Program - Customers can receive a turf replacement rebate of up to $1.25 per square foot of turf removed and replaced with water wise plant material (max. rebate is $3,000). Please visit this website to review program guidelines and begin the application process. Customers are not required to make changes to their irrigation system in the turf replacement project area. Projects that remove all turf from the front yard are eligible, even if less than 400 square feet.
Smart Controller Rebates - Get up to $400 for upgrading an existing non-weather based irrigation controller to a Smart Controller (also known as a weather based irrigation controller or WBIC).
Micro-Irrigation - Get $0.20 per square foot (up to 2400 SF and $480 per customer) for converting an overhead spray sprinkler system to low application rate micro-irrigation (i.e., micro-spray, drip, in-line emitters, etc.)
Rainwater Harvesting (Rain Barrel) Rebates NEW - Get $1.00 for every gallon of rainwater storage capacity (up to 400 gallons and $400.00) (Program Starts March 1, 2013).
SoCalWaterSmart - SoCalWaterSmart provides rebates for nozzles, weather based irrigation controllers, and high efficiency clothes washers.
Free On-Site Water Conservation Surveys - The City of San Diego offers residential customers free on-site indoor and landscape water conservation surveys that provide customized information on how to save water and money.
Mulch from Miramar Greenery - Applying mulch to your garden will reduce the need to water. City of San Diego residents may self-load up to two cubic yards of compost or mulch for free with proof of residency. One cubic yard is equal to the size of six 32-gallon trash cans. Mulch and compost can be loaded by Miramar Greenery staff. Wood chips can be purchased for a modest fee at the Miramar Landfill fee booth located at the landfill's entrance. Please call the Miramar Landfill at (858) 492-6100 to confirm availability on a particular day.
Commercial-Multifamily Outdoor Water Conservation Rebates
Smart Controller Rebates - Get $25 per active irrigation station for upgrading an existing irrigation controller to a Smart Controller (also known as a weather based irrigation controller or WBIC) found on the SWAT list of Climate Based tested devices..
- Commercial-Multifamily Outdoor Water Conservation Rebate Application Form (PDF)
- Commercial-Multifamily Smart Controller Resource list (PDF)
Micro-Irrigation Rebates - Get $0.20 per square foot (up to 6,000 SF and $1,200 per site) for converting an overhead spray sprinkler system to low application rate micro-irrigation (i.e., micro-spray, drip, in-line emitters, etc.)
Sustainable Landscape - Turf Replacement Rebates - Get $1.50 per square foot (up to 6,000 SF and $9,000) for replacing turf grass with water wise landscaping.
SoCalWaterSmart - Regional commercial rebates available for indoor and outdoor water saving devices. Funding is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis until funding is exhausted. A reservation number is required before you purchase a water-efficient device in order to qualify for a rebate.
| Irrigation Controllers | Toilets | Food Steamers | Dry Vacuum Pumps |
| Rotating Nozzles | In-stem Flow Regulators | Ice machines | Laminar Flow Restrictors |
| Large Rotary Nozzles | Urinals | Conductivity controllers |
Mulch from Miramar Greenery - Applying mulch to your garden will reduce the need to water. City of San Diego residents may self-load up to two cubic yards of compost or mulch for free with proof of residency. One cubic yard is equal to the size of six 32-gallon trash cans. Mulch and compost can be loaded by Miramar Greenery staff. Wood chips can be purchased for a modest fee at the Miramar Landfill fee booth located at the landfill's entrance. Please call the Miramar Landfill at (858) 492-6100 to confirm availability on a particular day.
On-Site Commercial Landcape Survey - Take advantage of a commercial landscape survey, offered free of charge to multi-family, commercial, industrial and institutional customers in the City of San Diego. Properties will receive an audit of the irrigation system, practical advice, water-saving recommendations and a water-use budget.