Water Conservation Program

Water Rebates

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Rebates

The City of Fresno offers a variety of rebates to qualified customers to offset some of the costs of installing water-efficient appliances, fixtures, and landscaping materials.

To apply for a Water Conservation Program Rebate, click on the rebate information below to print the appropriate rebate form and accompanying information.  Customers are encouraged to read through all rebate information prior to purchasing any appliances, fixtures or landscaping materials to ensure that qualifying products are purchased and all rebate guidelines are fulfilled.

All required supplemental information must be submitted with rebate applications.  Incomplete, incorrect, or unsigned applications cannot be processed and will be returned to the applicant.  Applicants must fulfill all program guidelines to be eligible for a rebate.

Completed forms should be sent to the Water Conservation Program at:

City of Fresno Water Division
Water Conservation Program, 1910 E. University Avenue, Fresno, CA 93703

Or via email at: [email protected]

Additional information about water-efficient appliances, fixtures and materials can be found on the following websites:

Residential Toilet Rebate

A rebate of up to $105 is available for the purchase of a qualifying new WaterSense High-Efficiency Toilet that uses 1.28 gallons per flush or less when replacing an old toilet that was manufactured before 1992 and exceeds 1.6 gallons per flush.  Up to 3 rebates are allowed per qualifying account.

Toilets are by far the main source of water use in the home, accounting for nearly 30 percent of an average home’s indoor water consumption.  Older, inefficient toilets that use as much as 6 gallons per flush are a major source of wasted water in many homes.

Efficiency measures such as replacing water-guzzling toilets with the latest in low-flush toilet technology help to conserve and protect the City of Fresno’s water supply.  Recent advancements have allowed toilets to use 1.28 gallons per flush or less while still providing equal or superior performance.  This is 20 percent less water than the current federal standard of 1.6 gallons per flush.

City of Fresno residential water customers may be eligible for a rebate when replacing an old high water use toilet with a qualifying High-Efficiency Toilet that displays a WaterSense label.  WaterSense labeled High-Efficiency Toilets are independently certified to meet rigorous criteria for both performance and efficiency and are available at a wide variety of price points and in a broad range of styles.  More information about the WaterSense label and qualifying toilets can be found online at: https://www.epa.gov/watersense/products/toilets.html.

Commercial & Multi-Family Toilet Rebate

A rebate of up to $105 is available for the purchase of a qualifying new WaterSense High-Efficiency Toilet that uses 1.28 gallons per flush or less when replacing an old toilet that was manufactured before 1992 and exceeds 1.6 gallons per flush.  Up to 10 rebates are allowed per qualifying account.

Toilets are by far the main source of water use in the home, accounting for nearly 30 percent of an average home’s indoor water consumption.  Older, inefficient toilets that use as much as 6 gallons per flush are a major source of wasted water in many homes.

Efficiency measures such as replacing water-guzzling toilets with the latest in low-flush toilet technology help to conserve and protect the City of Fresno’s water supply.  Recent advancements have allowed toilets to use 1.28 gallons per flush or less while still providing equal or superior performance.  This is 20 percent less water than the current federal standard of 1.6 gallons per flush.

City of Fresno commercial and multi-family water customers may be eligible for a rebate when replacing old high water use toilets with qualifying High-Efficiency Toilets that display a WaterSense label.  WaterSense labeled High-Efficiency Toilets are independently certified to meet rigorous criteria for both performance and efficiency and are available at a wide variety of price points and in a broad range of styles.  More information about the WaterSense label and qualifying toilets can be found online at: https://www.epa.gov/watersense/products/toilets.html.

Residential Clothes Washer Rebate

A rebate of up to $105 is available for the purchase of a new qualifying high-efficiency clothes washer that is certified as an ENERGY STAR appliance with a water factor of 6.0 or less.  Rebates are limited to one (1) clothes washer per single family billing account for the lifetime of the account.

The average American family washes about 300 loads of laundry each year, and clothes washers account for more than 20% of the water used inside the home.  It is estimated that there are 76 million top-loading washers across the country, 25 million of which are at least 10 years old.  Washers built before 2003 are significantly less efficient than newer models.

ENERGY STAR certified clothes washers use about 25% less energy and 33% less water than regular washers and can help families cut their related energy and water costs.  A full-sized ENERGY STAR certified clothes washer uses 14 gallons of water per load, compared to the 20 gallons used by a standard machine.

City of Fresno residential water customers may be eligible for a rebate when purchasing a new qualifying high-efficiency clothes washer.  All qualifying clothes washers must have an ENERGY STAR label.  More information about qualifying clothes washers can be found online at https://www.energystar.gov/products/clothes_washers.

Lawn to Garden Rebate

A rebate of $2.00 per square foot is available for replacing existing lawns with water-efficient landscapes. The rebate is calculated based on the square footage of lawn removed and replaced. To participate, a minimum of 200 square feet is required, with a maximum of 1,500 square feet for residential properties and 4,000 square feet for commercial, industrial, and institutional (CII) properties. 

Many people believe that stunning gardens and beautiful yards require extensive watering, fertilization, and pesticide application. However, eye-catching gardens and landscapes can be achieved with water-efficient landscaping. These landscapes save water, protect the environment, and require less maintenance than traditional lawns. 

The Water Conservation Program requires that customers have a Water-Wise Landscape Consultation before removing their lawn for the Expanded Lawn to Garden rebate. This free service, provided by Fresno’s Water Conservation Team, includes recommendations for water-wise plants suitable for the Fresno area, micro-drip irrigation installation requirements, and lawn removal. A Landscape Consultation appointment will be made once the Eligibility Checklist, Terms and Conditions, and Consultation Questionnaire are completed and approved. 

Eligibility Checklist: Residential

☐ Utility account(s) must be in good financial standing; delinquent accounts are not eligible.

☐ Must be a residential property owner who receives water for their landscape through metered service from the City of Fresno. Renters must have permission from property owner to alter the landscape. 

☐ Renters with a City of Fresno utility account may participate in the program provided the Property Owner completes the Permission to Participate form. . 

☐ Lawn areas to be converted must be at least 200 sq-ft. 

☐ Lawn areas to be converted have a maximum rebate square footage of 1,500 sq-ft. 

☐ Lawn areas to be converted must be in the front yard and/or visible to the public. 

☐ Lawn areas to be converted must be living or have been irrigated. Brown or dead lawns that are not currently irrigated due to drought are eligible, provided there is evidence of previous two-year watering pattern. (Bare earth areas or areas with seasonal weeds are not eligible for the rebate program.) 

Eligibility Checklist: CII

☐ Utility account(s) must be in good financial standing; delinquent accounts are not eligible. 

☐ Must be a property owner who receives water for their landscape through metered service from the City of Fresno. Renters or tenants must have permission from property owner to alter the landscape. 

☐ Renters with a City of Fresno utility account may participate in the program provided the Property Owner completes the Permission to Participate form. 

☐ Lawn areas to be converted must be at least 200 sq-ft. 

☐ Lawn areas to be converted have a maximum rebate square footage of 4,000 sq-ft. 

☐ Lawn areas to be converted must be in the front yard and/or visible to the public. 

☐ Lawn areas to be converted must be living or have been irrigated. Brown or dead lawns that are not currently irrigated due to drought are eligible, provided there is evidence of previous two-year watering pattern. (Bare earth areas or areas with seasonal weeds are not eligible for the rebate program.) 

Terms and Conditions

☐ A landscape consultation, performed by a City of Fresno Water Conservation specialist, is required. A work request will be generated for this service once the consultation questionnaire is approved. 

☐ Projects that have been started or completed prior to the Water Conservation Program’s review and approval will NOT be eligible. The rebate program is not retroactive. 

☐ A viable lawn or evidence of the previous lawn must remain in place until your approved start date  

☐ The minimum allowable area eligible for rebate is 200 square feet of lawn. 

☐ The maximum allowable area for Residential properties is 1,500 square feet. The maximum allowable area for Commercial, Industrial, or Institutional properties is 4,000 square feet. 

☐ All existing non-drip irrigation must be capped below grade. 

☐ This program does not specify the method of lawn removal 

☐ Artificial turf is not allowed in the converted portion of landscape. Rebate does not cover artificial turf. 

☐ Converted landscape must include plants at a minimum of 33% of the converted area at maturity.  

☐ Converted landscape may only include low-water use, drought-tolerant, and/or California native plants with ET factor of 0.60 or less. (Consult with a landscape/nursery specialist for recommendations) 

☐ At least one tree, either existing in the converted lawn area or new, must be incorporated. Must be 15 ft. tall minimum at maturity. 

☐ All exposed soil surfaces must be covered with 3-4 inches of approved mulch; this includes landscapes that are converting to lawn alternative options such as Myoporum or Kurapia. Approved mulch types shall consist of either organic materials, such as bark chips, or inorganic materials, such as rock or decomposed granite. 

☐ Rock materials can cover no more than 35% of the converted landscape area. This includes bricks, pavers, decomposed granite (limited to 25%), boulders, river rock, and gravel. Concrete is not allowed. Excess rock or concrete will reduce the rebate amount or disqualify the application. Refer to Fresno Municipal Code Section 15-2307 for details. FMC Link 

☐ Impervious decks or patios are not allowed as part of the rebated converted landscape. 

☐ Structures such as outbuildings or sheds are not allowed as part of the rebated square footage. 

☐ All bricks and pavers must be filled with loose material such as paver sand. 

☐ Lawn to Garden landscape conversion must be completed within 120 days of application approval.

☐ The lawn replacements performed under the “Expanded Lawn to Garden Rebate” are intended to be permanent. 

☐ You consent to allowing the City of Fresno to use before and after photos of the water-wise landscape for promotional purposes. 

FAQs

1. What are the key steps for converting my front lawn to a water-wise garden?

  • Plan a landscape project: Like any home project, planning is one of the most important aspects of re-landscaping your front yard. For best results, we recommend hiring a landscape designer to develop an appropriate site-specific design or take advantage of our free landscape consultation service. 
  • Remove the lawn: Do not kill the lawn until after you have completed the landscape consultation with a City of Fresno Water Conservation Team Member. Depending on what your plan is for a new landscape and how much you plan to regrade the yard, we recommend sheet mulching or physical removal. 
  • Install Hardscape: This optional step can potentially improve a front yard’s functionality and curb appeal. For example, adding a pathway from the sidewalk to the front door can add a functional benefit and create a visually appealing garden element. Another way to create visual interest and a contract to the landscape is by incorporating dry creek beds and boulders, or steps and walls on sloped properties. Visit www.fresnogardening.org for hardscape ideas and inspiration.
  • Build a Healthy Soil: Starting a new landscape is the perfect opportunity to improve the soil before planting new plants. Healthy soil is essential to a healthy garden because it helps your plants and landscaping thrive. Healthy soil is alive and is made up of minerals, living and dead plant material, fungi, bacteria, mycorrhizae, insects, and billions of microorganisms .
  • Install an Irrigation System: A functional watering system is important for the longevity of your new garden. The goal is to install a system that effectively applies water to the root zones of the plants. Drip irrigation is generally the most efficient system for water-wise landscapes, and it is easy to install.
  • Purchase and Install Plants: For best results, it is important to select the right plants for your yard; purchase quality plants and install them properly.

2. What are some of the changes to the new Expanded Lawn-to-Garden Program (EL2G)? 

The City of Fresno Water Conservation Program will begin accepting applications for its new Expanded Lawn-to-Garden Program. There are a few new core requirements that will come into effect: 

  • A minimum of 200 sq. ft. is required to participate in the program. 
  • An increase in the incentive from $1.05 per sq. ft. to $2.00 per sq. ft. and the eligible converted area for commercial, industrial, and institution customers increased from 1,500 sq. ft. to 4,000 sq. ft.

3. I have already started or completed my project. Can I still get a rebate?

  • No. Projects that have already started or been completed are not eligible for this incentive.


4. My lawn has been dead for several months. Do I still qualify for the program?

  • If your lawn is dead but still in place, we will evaluate your water use within the last year, on a case-by-case basis to consider your eligibility for program participation. However, if you have started or completed the lawn-to-garden conversion, you are not eligible.

5. What types of plants are eligible in the Lawn-to-Garden Program?

There are specific plants suitable for the Fresno Region and the EL2G Program; explore the links below to choose from thousands of water-wise plant options: 

6. Is there a requirement for the size of tree to be planted in the converted portion of the landscape?

  • We recommend a tree large enough to provide some shade in the landscape; select trees that are taller than 15 feet, unless there is a height restriction in the planting areas (Ex. Beneath powerlines). Click here to locate very low, low, or moderate water use trees for the Fresno region. 

7. Can I use traditional turf grass as part of my new landscape?

  • No. Your new landscape cannot contain any turf grasses, artificial or synthetic turf. The Expanded Lawn-to-Garden Program prohibits use of invasive plant grasses or turf-looking grass.

8. How do I effectively kill my lawn?

The two most important things to know about killing your lawn are these:

  • You must be certain the lawn is completely dead before planting your new landscape
  • Even after you plant your new landscape, new weeds will continue to establish themselves; you must remove these weeds as they emerge. If you are diligent and you keep the non-plant areas covered with mulch, then over time very few weeds will get established in your new landscape, making the weeding easy and keeping your landscape looking fresh.

9. What are the benefits of adding mulch?

  • Adding minimum of 3” of mulch suppresses weed germination, retains soil moisture, adds soil nutrients, and reduces the surrounding heat index.

10. Can I install rain barrels or any other water retention system to water my landscape?

  • We encourage residents to transform landscapes with rain barrels and other standalone water capture devices that retain and efficiently irrigate landscaping without causing excessive runoff, although this is not a requirement of participation in the program. Including such devices will not be counted toward the total converted landscape square footage. A rain barrel rebate is available through the City of Fresno’s Water Conservation Program; Click here for details.

11. I live in a homeowner’s association (HOA) and do not have an individual City of Fresno account. Can I still qualify for the program?

  • If you’re looking to convert a landscape in a common area, the HOA must apply directly. However, if the project involves your personal front yard within the complex, you can apply by including the HOA’s Utility Account Number in your application.

12. We are a Commercial, Industrial or Institutional (CII) organization. Are we eligible to apply for this program?

  • Yes. If your business has a dedicated City of Fresno irrigation meter or domestic water service, you are eligible to apply for this program; please provide the utility account number associated with the business when you apply for the incentive. City of Fresno will verify account eligibility before issuing a Notice to Proceed on the project.

13. Is there a State lawn replacement incentive program?

  • No. Currently, there is no State incentive for lawn to garden conversions; we encourage customers to check the availability of State funds that may become available for turf replacement programs.

14. When will I receive my incentive check? 

  • If approved, participants will receive their incentive within approximately 6-9 weeks after the Water Conservation Team verifies that the landscape installation is complete and meets the post-project requirements.

15. Can concrete be installed in the Lawn to Garden conversion area?

  • Yes, but the total square feet of concrete installed will be subtracted from the total eligible square feet of converted landscape. Example: 1000 sq. ft. lawn removed, 200 sq. ft. of concrete installed, only 800 sq. ft. is eligible for rebate at $2.00/square foot. Now 33% of 800 sq. ft. will require water-wise plant material at full maturity.

16. Is a tree required in the Lawn to Garden Conversion?

  • Yes. If there is already a preexisting tree in the lawn conversion area the preexisting tree will satisfy the requirement. If there are no preexisting trees in the conversion area, a new tree must be planted.
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Micro (Drip) Irrigation Rebate

A $0.55 per square foot rebate is available for the replacement of existing overhead spray sprinklers with micro (drip) irrigation.  Rebate amount is based on the square footage of the area covered by the newly installed drip irrigation system, up to a maximum of 1,000 square feet.  This rebate is available for single-family or multi-family residential properties.

Micro (drip) irrigation is a low-pressure, low-flow type of irrigation that can reduce the likelihood of overwatering a landscape.  This form of irrigation delivers water directly to where it is needed most – the root zone of plants.  It also delivers the water slowly and over a longer period of time, preventing runoff and reducing evaporation.  Drip irrigation systems use 20% to 50% less water than conventional sprinkler systems and help reduce landscape irrigation water use.

Customers must schedule a free Water-Wise Landscape Consultation before purchasing micro (drip) irrigation supplies and materials to determine the appropriate emitter flow rates and spacing for their individual landscaping.  Customers may request this service through the FresGO app or by calling the City of Fresno’s 311 Center at (559) 621-CITY (2489) or by dialing 3-1-1 within City limits.

High-Efficiency Sprinkler Nozzle Rebate

A rebate of up to $4.50 per qualified sprinkler nozzle is available for the new installation or replacement of existing traditional overhead spray sprinklers with qualified high-efficiency sprinkler nozzles.  Rebate requires a minimum of 6 nozzles.  The maximum rebate is $100.

High-efficiency sprinkler nozzles provide approximately 20% water savings compared to traditional pop-up sprinkler nozzles.  High-efficiency sprinkler nozzles are compatible with most existing irrigation systems and are ideal for new irrigation systems.  Instead of applying fixed streams of water with smaller droplets that are prone to drift in the wind, high-efficiency spray nozzles slowly deliver larger droplets of water, which reduces drift and runoff, and allows for more uniform soil absorption.  High-efficiency sprinkler nozzles are ideal for slopes and clay soils, helping to reduce brown spots in these difficult-to-water areas.

Customers may request a free Water-Wise Landscape Consultation prior to purchasing high-efficiency sprinkler nozzles to help determine the compatibility of their existing irrigation system and learn more about the benefits of using high-efficiency sprinkler nozzles on their individual landscaping.  Customers may request this service through the FresGO app or by calling the City of Fresno’s 311 Center at (559) 621-CITY (2489) or by dialing 3-1-1 within City limits.

Smart Irrigation Controller Rebate

A rebate of up to $105 is available for the purchase and installation of a qualifying new WaterSense certified Smart Irrigation Controller.  Rebates are limited to one (1) smart irrigation controller per qualified account for the lifetime of the account.

Replacing a standard clock irrigation timer with a WaterSense labeled smart irrigation controller can save an average home up to 7,600 gallons of water annually.  WaterSense certified smart irrigation controllers use local weather and landscape conditions to tailor watering schedules to actual conditions on the site, instead of irrigating using a standard controller with a clock and a preset schedule.  WaterSense labeled smart irrigation controllers allow watering schedules to better match plants’ water needs.  With proper installation, programming and maintenance, homeowners and businesses will no longer need to worry about wasted water.

Smart irrigation controllers must be capable to be programmed to comply with the City of Fresno Outdoor Water Use Schedule.  An Irrigation Efficiency Audit must be completed by the Water Conservation Program staff after the installation of a new smart irrigation controller to ensure that the current irrigation system meets the requirements for this rebate.  More information about the WaterSense label and certified smart irrigation controllers can be found online at:  https://www.epa.gov/watersense/irrigation-controllers.

Rain Sensor Rebate

A rebate of up to $55 is available for the purchase and installation of a qualifying new rain sensor.  Rebates are limited to one (1) rain sensor per qualified account for the lifetime of the account.

Rain sensors are small devices that turn off an automatic landscape irrigation system when it rains.  It is mounted in an open outdoor area and connected to a traditional irrigation controller.  During the rainy season, a rain sensor can reduce water bills while conserving water.  By turning off sprinklers on days surrounding heavy rain, customers may save an average of 500 gallons of water or more per day.

Rain sensors are available in both wireless and hard-wired versions.  Both are usually compatible with most traditional irrigation controllers.  Some older controllers can be adapted, if necessary.  Information about the selection of the best rain sensor for an existing irrigation system or installation of the device can be obtained from a local irrigation equipment company or hardware store specializing in smart irrigation.  There are also a number of online videos demonstrating the installation of a rain sensor.

City of Fresno residential water customers may be eligible for a rebate when purchasing and installing a qualifying new rain sensor.

Swimming Pool Cover Rebate

A rebate of up to $105 is available for the purchase and installation of a qualifying new swimming pool cover.  Rebates are limited to one (1) qualifying pool cover per qualified account for the lifetime of the account.

During warmer months, especially in the Central Valley, evaporation from swimming pools contributes to substantial water waste.  When used consistently and appropriately, swimming pool covers can both reduce pool water evaporation and help the pool water retain heat, which together contributes to water, energy, and cost savings for pool owners.

The installation of a swimming pool cover can prevent up to 95% of swimming pool water evaporation.  Pool covers are available in a range of materials and designs and can provide additional benefits to pool owners, such as reducing cleaning requirements, reducing chemical use, and providing a measure of safety to prevent animals and children from drowning.  Pool covers can be manually, semi-automatically, or automatically controlled.

Hot Water Recirculating Pump Rebate

A rebate of up to $105 is available for the purchase and installation of a qualifying hot water recirculating pump.  Rebates are limited to one (1) qualifying hot water recirculating pump per qualified account for the lifetime of the account.

Of the average 69 gallons the typical American uses indoors, approximately 25 gallons are comprised of hot water.  With a standard hot water plumbing system, users have to wait anywhere from 30 seconds to 2 minutes for the water at the tap to heat up.  This wait time is long enough for the typical person to get distracted and leave the running water unattended, leading to a longer wait time than necessary before using the hot water at the tap.  These wasted gallons add up quickly.

A study by the Department of Energy estimated that a household of four people with four hot water fixtures can save anywhere from 3,600 to 12,000 gallons per year if an ‘on demand’ hot water recirculation system is installed.

The installation of a hot water recirculating pump can save customers water, energy, and money.  Customers are encouraged to consult a professional about installing a hot water recirculating pump system that will work best for their individual households.

Rain Barrel Rebate

A rebate of up to $55 is available for the purchase and installation of up to two (2) qualifying rain barrels.  There is a limit of one (1) rebate per qualified account for the lifetime of the account.

A rain barrel is a rainwater-harvesting system that sits underneath a downspout and collects water that would ordinarily flow from a rooftop into the public stormwater system.  Rain barrel systems help to conserve water by reducing the demand on the potable water system for irrigation purposes.

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), outdoor irrigation accounts for nearly 40 percent of water used by households during the summer.  Rain barrels provide homeowners with a free water source to water plants, wash cars or utilize for other non-potable purposes, helping to reduce water bills.

The rainwater collected by rain barrels is superior to tap water for irrigation purposes due to its purity and softness.  Rainwater is slightly acidic, and is free from chlorine, salts, mineral, disinfectant byproducts, and other contaminants, making it a preferred water source for plants and flowers.

The amount of water harvested from a rooftop depends on several variables, including the dimensions of the rooftop, the collection capacity, and the amount and timing of the rain received.  A typical 1,000 square foot roof surface can yield approximately 625 gallons of water collected for every 1 inch of rain that falls.  Fresno receives an average of 11 inches of rain annually.

Supplemental Rebate Forms