Outdoor Water Efficiency Rebates
The City of Steamboat Springs and Mount Werner Water and Sanitation District offer rebates and incentives to encourage customers to transition to more water efficient outdoor landscaping. According to the EPA Water Sense Program, about 50% of water used outdoors is wasted due to overwatering from inefficiencies in irrigation methods and systems. Irrigation efficiency rebates help customers become more water efficient with their outdoor irrigation practices.
Rebates are intended to be an incentive for existing irrigation efficiency upgrades. New systems do not qualify. The rebate program is divided into two sectors depending on property type:
Single Family Residential Irrigation Efficiency Rebates
Criteria for single-family homes and duplexes
Residential Irrigation Efficiency Rebate Application Form
| Type of Rebate | Rebate $ | Requirements | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Smart Irrigation Controller A smart controller is a device that can automatically adjust your system’s watering schedule based on local weather data. | $75 One per property | Must be a weather-based controller on EPA’s WaterSense list Submit photos before and after installation | |
| Rain and/or Soil Moisture Sensors A rain sensor can be added to any irrigation system to interrupt watering schedules when it detects rainfall. Soil moisture sensors connect to controllers and are able to adjust water schedules based off measure water content in the soil. | $75 each Maximum two sensors per property | One time rebate per property. Must be on EPA’s WaterSense list Must work with a smart irrigation controller (proof required) | |
High Efficiency Heads and Nozzles Efficient sprinkler heads and nozzles can deliver water more uniformly and reduces water waste compared to traditional nozzles. Internal check valves prevent low head drainage between irrigation cycles. | $3 per nozzle Maximum 25 nozzles or $75 | One time rebate per property. Entire irrigation zone must have the same nozzles style. Must be pressure-regulated 6” or 12” with internal check valve. Eligible models:
| |
| $75 per zone Limit two zones per property | Rebate for spray to drip conversion. Eligible equipment includes drip control zone kit, dripline, drip hose, conversion heads, point-source emitters, bubblers, micro-sprays | |
| Irrigation Efficiency Evaluation An evaluation can be an assessment or an audit of the existing irrigation system to determine recommended actions. An assessment is an analysis of the installation, operation, and efficiency of an irrigation system. An audit includes an assessment plus catch-cup testing, which provides distribution uniformity and precipitation rate values used to create seasonal irrigation schedules and make sprinkler or nozzle adjustments. | $100 One per property | Must be completed by a certified WaterSense Pro. Must result in a report that meets requirements listed in the Irrigation Efficiency Evaluation Report Must submit assessment/audit report and proof of payment. |
Multi-Family Residential and Commercial Irrigation Efficiency Rebates
Criteria for triplexes, apartments, homeowners’ associations (HOAs), business, and institutional properties.
Multi-Family Residential and Commercial Irrigation Efficiency Rebate Application Form
| Type of Rebate | Rebate $ | Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Irrigation Efficiency Evaluation An evaluation can be an assessment or an audit of the existing irrigation system to determine recommended actions. An assessment is a complete and accurate analysis of the installation, operation, and efficiency of an irrigation system. An audit includes an assessment plus catch-cup testing, which provides distribution uniformity and precipitation rate values used to create seasonal irrigation schedules and make sprinkler or nozzle adjustments. | $250 | Assessment or audit required for all other equipment rebates. Must be completed by a certified WaterSense Pro. Must result in a report that meets requirements listed in the Irrigation Efficiency Evaluation Report Must submit assessment/audit report and proof of payment. |
| Irrigation Equipment (see descriptions in residential rebates table): Smart Irrigation Controller Rain and/or Soil Moisture Sensors High Efficiency Heads and Nozzles Drip Irrigation Conversion Equipment | 25% of cost up to $1,250 for eligible equipment | Must be recommended upgrade on required irrigation assessment report. Must meet requirements for equipment listed in the residential rebates table. Recommend contacting. |
Irrigation Efficiency Evaluations
An irrigation assessment and an irrigation audit are both evaluations of an irrigation system, but they differ in scope and purpose. An assessment is a more general overview, often used for initial planning or for evaluating specific features or needs. An audit is a detailed, thorough evaluation of an existing system, focusing on efficiency, compliance, and identifying areas for improvement. An irrigation efficiency assessment, at the minimum, is required for multi-family and commercial properties to receive additional rebates for eligible equipment purchases. An assessment or audit is recommended but not required for single-family residential rebates.
More information on requirements for irrigation efficiency evaluations can be found in the Irrigation Efficiency Evaluation Report.
Steps for An Irrigation Efficiency Evaluation:
- Schedule an irrigation assessment or audit with a certified professional from: WaterSense Pro.
- Be present during the evaluation to learn more about your system and preventing water waste.
- You’ll receive a report with a list of recommendations to keep your space beautiful without wasting water.
- Fill out the rebate form to help cover the costs of your assessment
- Work with your irrigation professional to keep your space beautiful while making your system even more efficient.
- You could qualify for additional rebates, if you make water efficiency upgrades to your irrigation system.
Rebate Program Policies
- Rebate applicants must have current, non-delinquent water accounts with the City of Steamboat Springs or the Mt Werner Water & Sanitation District.
- New construction irrigation systems do not qualify.
- Rebates are offered following installation for qualifying purchases as described in the criteria tables above. Tax and installation costs are not eligible for the rebates.
- Rebates are subject to availability of funding and offered on a first come, first served basis until the funds run out. Rebates are not guaranteed.
- Applications must be submitted online within 90 days of purchase date and meet all submittal requirements in order to be processed for rebate payment.
- Rebates will be issued by check to billing mailing address within 45 days.
- A W-9 is required for all rebates in excess of $600. Water conservation rebates in the amount of $600 or more are considered taxable income by the Internal Revenue Service and participants will receive a 1099 form.
- The City of Steamboat Springs and Mt Werner Water and Sanitation District reserve the right to inspect the installation of the irrigation improvements prior to issuing the rebate.
Submittal Requirements
Applications must be submitted within 90 days of purchase date and include the following:
- A valid receipt or invoice for each item for which you are requesting a rebate that provides purchase date, brand name, model number, quantity, and cost.
- For contractor invoices, provide receipt or proof that it was paid in full.
- For Smart Irrigation Controllers, provide before and after photos.
- For Irrigation Efficiency Evaluations, provide report.
- For rebate requests greater than $600, provide a W-9 form.
Recycle Your Old Irrigation Controller
You can recycle your old irrigation controller at the Yampa Valley Recycle Depot or through the Hunter Irrigation Controller Recycling Program
Questions
For questions on rebates, please contact your water provider:
Email City of Steamboat Springs Water Utilities or call 970-871-6303
Email Mount Werner Water District or call 970-879-2424