Drip Irrigation Rebate Program

City of Modesto water customers may be eligible for a rebate when they convert their existing overhead spray system to Drip Irrigation or install a Drip Irrigation system in an existing garden bed. Funding is limited and applications will be accepted on a first come, first served basis. The City reserves the right to terminate this program at any time and for any reason.

Note: Customers who install qualifying Drip Irrigation products are eligible for a rebate in the amount of $0.25 per square foot for a maximum of 2,000 square feet. The rebate amount may not exceed $500 per City of Modesto water account.

Drip Irrigation eliminates over-watering problems by applying water only where it is needed, with less runoff and less evaporation. The uniform application of water from Drip Irrigation systems can achieve high water savings.

How to Apply

  1. Obtain an application using one of the following methods:
    1. Apply Online
    2. Email
    3. Download Drip Irrigation Rebate (PDF)
    4. Call Water Division 209-342-2246
  2. If you are not applying online, send completed paper application and the original sales receipt to one of the following:
    1. Mail:  
      City of Modesto Attention:Water Division - Rebate Program
      PO Box 642
      Modesto CA 95353 
    2. Fax: 209-577-4983
    3. Email

A City of Modesto representative will contact you to schedule a brief appointment to verify your existing landscape.

Program Guidelines and Participation Section

Who Qualifies?

  • City of Modesto customers who pay a water utility bill to the City of Modesto
  • Customer accounts that are in good standing
  • Tenants who provide written approval from the property owner or property manager

Timeline

  • Program applies to each Drip Irrigation system purchased between July 1, 2018 through June 30, 2019.
  • A pre-inspection will be scheduled once the application is approved.
  • After approval of pre-inspection, you will have 60 days to complete the conversion of your existing system.
  • Once completed, contact the City of Modesto to schedule the post-inspection.
  • The original itemized dated sales receipt for the new irrigation system is required at final inspection.
  • If not approved at post-inspection, you have 30 days to make corrections and to schedule a final inspection.

Drip Irrigation systems (qualifying for rebate)

If converting from an existing overhead irrigation system:

  • Customer must replace the entire existing zone to Drip Irrigation.
  • There must be a fully operational system that can be programmed to the City of Modesto water schedule.
  • Valves must be fully operational and not leaking.
  • The converted area must be maintained and kept in a healthy condition.

If converting from manual watering of an existing garden bed by hose:

  • Customer must install an anti-siphon device on the hose faucet.
  • Customer must, at a minimum, install a mechanical timer that will shut itself off after a set period of time.

New Irrigation system / method must be rated as follows:

  • The drip system must be installed per manufacturer's directions, including filter, plus regulator, if recommended.
  • The system may be installed on the surface or below the surface.
  • Drip emitters, including multi-outlet drippers and bubblers, must have a flow rate of 0.25 gallons per minute (15 gallons per hour) or less.

Rebates

  • Existing Drip Irrigation systems, drip irrigation installation costs, new construction, accessories, and taxes do not qualify.
  • Rebate checks will be mailed within eight (8) weeks after completing the rebate process.
  • Rebate amount cannot exceed the purchase price of the new Drip Irrigation system.
  • Rebates are limited to one per utility billing account per fiscal year (July 1, 2018 through June 30, 2019).

Application and Rebate Approval or Denial

  1. On-site compliance verification is required.
  2. The original itemized dated sales receipt for the new irrigation system is required at final inspection.
  3. Incomplete, incorrect or unsigned applications cannot be processed. We will contact you with any discrepancies and may require you to submit a new application.
  4. Customer must fulfill all program guidelines in order to be eligible for rebates.

Other Considerations

  1. The Rebate Program is not responsible for materials lost by mail.
  2. Submission or possession of a rebate application does not guarantee receiving a rebate.
  3. Rebates are processed on a first come, first served basis.
  4. Funding for this rebate program is limited to available resources.
  5. Rebate amounts are subject to change without notification.
  6. This program shall at all times be subject to change or termination without prior notice.