Residential Smart Controller Rebate Program

Each qualifying household is eligible to receive up to $250 towards the cost of a qualifying EPA WaterSense weather-based irrigation smart controller.

Total rebate amount is limited to the total purchase price of the qualifying controller (excluding taxes, shipping, and installation costs). Rebate will be issued as a bill credit to the water account owner and applied towards any subsequent utility bills. Refunds will not be issued for any resulting credit. Bill credits may take up to two bill cycles to appear.

If a communication cartridge or on-site sensor is required in order for the controller to meet EPA WaterSense requirements and is purchased at the same time as the controller, the cartridge or sensor may be included in the calculation of the total cost of the controller for the rebate.

This rebate may not be applied to the purchase price of any hose timers or hose timer add-on accessories.

To be eligible for a rebate, the smart controller must be:

• On the EPA WaterSense list for weather-based smart controllers

Residential Rebate Program Eligibility 

• Smart controller must be on the EPA WaterSense list for weather-based smart controllers website.
  
  
• Must be a Gilbert water customer with an active water account in good standing and/or not eligible for disconnect.
  
  
• Must have an active, functioning, and automated landscape irrigation system with a standard irrigation controller
  
  
• The new qualifying controller must have the ability to receive or extend Wi-Fi to the controller location or must have: 
  
  
  
  1. A connected on-site sensor, OR
     
     
  2. An activated communications cartridge, in order to operate new controller in smart mode.
     
     
• All qualifying controllers must be installed in order to receive rebate.

Residential Rebate Program Rules

• Only one smart controller rebate is allowed per household. Rebate value will be issued as a bill credit to Gilbert water account owner.
  
  
• Proof of purchase and installation of the smart controller is required when submitting application.
  
  
• Customer must submit the application for the rebate within 1 year of purchase of smart controller.
  
  
• All pieces of the qualifying controller must be in new condition and not reconditioned or refurbished or bought second hand.
  
  
• Controllers should be operated in smart mode in order to achieve maximum water savings. Customer is responsible for all operating costs of the controller, including any communication costs.
  
  
• Gilbert Water Conservation will track water consumption of program participants to analyze water conservation savings associated with our program. All customer information will be kept anonymous and data will be aggregated before sharing.
  
  
• A limited amount of rebate funds are available each year. Applications will be processed in the order they are received for as long as rebate funds are available. Program rules may change at any time.

This program offers rebates to non-residential customers for qualifying upgrades such as WaterSense labeled smart controllers, master valves, flow sensors, and pressure compensating components that improve irrigation system efficiency and reduce water waste.

Eligible applicants may receive up to $5,000 per site toward approved upgrades. All equipment must meet program requirements and be installed on an active irrigation system. Some projects may require a Water Efficiency Checkup depending on the type of equipment installed.

Total rebate amount is limited to the purchase price of the qualifying equipment (excluding taxes, shipping, and installation costs). Rebates are issued as a bill credit to the water account and applied toward subsequent utility bills. Refunds will not be issued for any resulting credit. Bill credits may take up to two billing cycles to appear.

To qualify, smart controllers must appear on the EPA WaterSense list for weather-based irrigation controllers. Addon components, such as communication modules or sensors, may be included if required for the controller to operate as a WaterSense certified device.

To be eligible for a rebate, all qualifying equipment must be purchased after July 1, 2026.

• Each qualifying site is eligible to receive up to $5,000 per fiscal year (July 1 to June 30th) towards the cost of a qualifying irrigation equipment efficiency upgrade.

• A minimum of $500 in rebate-eligible equipment must be purchased to be eligible for the rebate.

• A $10,000 limit per non-residential account. Once this limit is reached, a two-year waiting period, beginning after the latest approved rebate, is required before the customer is eligible to participate in the rebate again.

• Proof of purchase and a photo of the irrigation equipment installed is required when submitting the application.

• As part of the rebate process, a Water Efficiency Checkup may be required before approval of the rebate. If a checkup is required, a Specialist will reach out to schedule it. 

• The customer must submit the application for the rebate within 12 months of purchasing qualified irrigation equipment, and the purchase date must be after the program launch date. Equipment purchased prior to the program launch date is ineligible for the rebate.

• Only the irrigation equipment price as purchased directly from the irrigation equipment store, supplier, or manufacturer is eligible for the incentive, as documented by store, supplier, or manufacturer receipt.

• Sales tax, installation, additional parts, and any other expenses are not eligible for the incentive.

• All irrigation equipment must be in new condition and not reconditioned, refurbished, or bought second-hand.

• Irrigation equipment must be installed as recommended by the manufacturer.

• All equipment included in this rebate program must contribute to improved irrigation efficiency, water conservation, or leak detection and prevention as determined by Gilbert Water Conservation Staff.

• Gilbert Water Conservation Staff will assess equipment eligibility based on established criteria. EPA WaterSense certification will be used to verify certain components, while others will be reviewed and approved through an internal evaluation process.

• Irrigation equipment incentives are not available to builders or for new construction.

• Applications will be processed in the order they are received, for as long as rebate funds are available. Program rules may change at any time.

WaterSense Smart Irrigation Controllers

• Smart controller must be on the EPA WaterSense list for weather-based smart controllers.

• All pieces of the qualifying controller must be in new condition and not reconditioned or refurbished or bought second hand.

• Must be operated in smart mode in order to achieve maximum water savings. Customer is responsible for all operating costs of the controller, including any communication costs.

Flow Sensors and Leak Detection Sensors

• Sensors must be capable of detecting leaks and abnormal water usage patterns to prevent excessive waste.

• Must be compatible with existing irrigation systems and smart controllers to allow for real-time monitoring and alerts.

Check Valves

• Designed to prevent water from draining out of pipes when the system shuts off, reducing waste and unnecessary water usage.

• Must be durable and resistant to pressure changes, ensuring long-term efficiency and reliability.

Master Valves

• Installed at the main water supply to shut off water flow automatically in case of leaks or system malfunctions.

• Must be compatible with smart controllers and flow sensors for improved leak prevention and water conservation.

Pressure Regulated High-Efficiency Spray Nozzles & Rotors

• Pressure regulation devices maximize the efficiency of an irrigation system.

• Ensures each spray nozzle or rotor sees optimal pressure.

• Proper pressure regulation results in significant water savings by reducing flow, reducing misting, and improving the distribution uniformity.

Point Source Pressure Compensating Drip Emitters

• Emitters apply the water slowly and directly at the base of the plant.

• Ensure water is being applied efficiently.

Additional Water-Saving Irrigation Components

• Includes various efficiency-enhancing devices such as rain sensors, moisture sensors, and remote monitoring tools that contribute to reduced water waste.

• Equipment must be designed to optimize irrigation efficiency or support leak prevention through automated or manual control mechanisms.

• Gilbert Water Conservation Staff will review and determine eligibility for approval based on performance criteria and conservation impact.

How do Smart Controllers Save Water?

In Gilbert, we have seen cost-effective water savings successfully achieved in our community through the installation of smart irrigation controllers. Smart controllers automatically adjust watering schedules based on the weather which can save you time and money. By making adjustments based on the weather, your controller minimizes overwatering and gives your plants and grass exactly the amount of water they need.

Smart controllers run based on customized inputs that calibrate the controller to your specific landscape and irrigation system; then by connecting to Wi-Fi or, on-site sensor or communication cartridge, the controller receives weather data and waters your plants and grass accordingly. You no longer have to worry about making seasonal adjustments or scheduling rain delays. More importantly, smart irrigation controllers can help you be water wise!

In order to maximize the savings potential of a smart controller, there are two key things to remember:

1. Smart controllers need to be operated in smart mode in order to utilize weather data. This means proper programming and a Wi-Fi connection or on-site sensor are essential to the efficacy of the smart controller. Learn how to make sure your controller is properly programed in smart mode to ensure a healthy landscape.
   
   
2. Smart controllers can’t fix irrigation system issues. Before you install your new controller, you should check for and fix any current leaks. We can help you check your irrigation system.

Learn more about how you can replace your current standard irrigation controller with a smart, weather-based irrigation controller.

Need help verifying that your controller meets the program requirements?

Contact us at (480) 503-6098 or water.conservation@gilbertaz.gov.