Conservation Partnerships Promote WaterSmart Landscapes and Healthy Watersheds in S.D. County

In partnership with our wholesale water suppliers, Metropolitan Water District of Southern California (MWD) and the San Diego County Water Authority (SDCWA), rebates for water-efficient devices are available to Valley Center Municipal Water District (VCMWD) customers. All rebates are administered by, and proessed through, the SoCalWater$mart Program. 

Rebate mounts can fluctuate from time-to-time and are subject to funding availability. The amounts shown here are updated often but may not always reflect the current amount. We highly recommend that you confirm that your intended purchase (brand/model) is eligible for the rebate and verify the current funding amount before purchasing a water-efficient device by visiting the SoCal WaterSmart website and using their “Estimate My Rebate” tool.

If you have any questions about available rebates or the rebate process, please contact SoCal Water$mart at (888) 376-3314. Visit the SoCalWater$mart website for more information on water saving rebates available for residents living in the VCMWD service area.

Premium High-Efficiency Toilet - $40

Toilets account for up to 30% of indoor water use. Receive a rebate up to $40 on qualifying 1.1 gallons per flush (GPF) or less models.  Go to  SoCal WaterSmart: High-Efficiency Toilet Rebates or (call 888-376-3314).

High-Efficiency Clothes Washer - $80

High-efficiency clothes washers use up to 55% less water and 25% less energy than conventional clothes washers. Get a rebate up to $85 on select models from SoCal WaterSmart: High-Efficiency Clothes Washer (call 888-376-3314).

Smart Leak Detector / Flow Monitor - $150

Attach a smart leak detector, a.k.a. flow monitor, on your water meter and receive alerts through your smartphone every time it identifies high water use or a potential leak. Get a $150 rebate on qualified devices from SoCal WaterSmart: Smart Leak Detector and Flow Monitoring Device Rebates or (call 888-376-3314).

Rotating Sprinkler Nozzles - $2

Rotating nozzles apply water more evenly and slowly than regular spray heads, reducing water runoff and misting. Rebate of $2 per nozzle (15 nozzle minimum) on select models from SoCal WaterSmart - Sprinkler Nozzles, (call 888-376-3314).

Weather-Based Irrigation Controller - $200

Weather-based, or smart, controllers adjust your watering time based on the weather. Rebate is up to $200 if your property is less than one acre, or $35 per station if it is more than one acre, on select models from Socal WaterSmart - Weather-Based Irrigation Controllers (call 888-376-3314). Please note, you can apply for a rebate on a controller or a soil moisture sensor system, but not both.

Residents in unincorporated areas of San Diego County may be eligible for an increased incentive of up to $60 per station if the property is more than one acre. Check the County of San Diego's Waterscape Rebate Program.

Soil Moisture Sensor System - $80

Soil moisture sensors tell your irrigation controller how long to water. Rebates of up to $80 are available for properties under one acre, or $35 per station for properties over an acre, on select models from SoCal WaterSmart - Sprinkler Nozzles (call 888-376-3314). Please note, you can apply for a rebate on a weather-based irrigation controller or a soil moisture sensor system, but not both.

Turf Replacement - $2/sq.ft.

The Metropolitan Water District's Turf Replacement Program offers a rebate of $2 per square foot (up to 5,000 square feet) to VCMWD customers replacing grass with sustainable landscaping. Do not remove your grass before you apply and are officially enrolled in the program. Synthetic/artificial turf is NOT eligible for the program. Visit SoCal WaterSmart's Turf Replacement Program page to learn about eligibility requirements and apply.

Residents in unincorporated areas of San Diego County may be eligible for an increased incentive of up to $4 per square foot through the County of San Diego's Waterscape Rebate Program.

Rain Barrels - $35

Collect rainwater and use it for lawns and gardens. Rebates up to $35 per barrel (50 gallon minimum, up to 2 barrels) are available from SoCal WaterSmart: Rain Barrels Rebates, call 888-376-3314. Please note, that you can apply for a rebate on rain barrels or cisterns, but not both.

Residents in unincorporated areas of San Diego County may be eligible for an increased incentive of up to $65 per barrel (up to 2 barrels) through the County of San Diego's Waterscape Rebate Program.

Rain Cisterns - $250 - $350

Collect a lot of water and use it for lawns and gardens. Rebate of up to $250 for 200 to 500 gallon cisterns, $300 for 501 to 999 gallons or $350 for 1,000 or more gallons from SoCal WaterSmart: Rain Cisterns Rebates, call 888-376-3314. Please note, that rebates are limited to one cistern per property, and you can apply for a rebate on a cistern or rain barrel, but not both.

Residents in unincorporated areas of San Diego County may be eligible for an increased incentive of up to $450 for 200-1,500 gallons through the County of San Diego's Waterscape Rebate Program.

Online-Only Rebate Application: 

Customers must apply for a rebate online via Rebate Application Portal.  After confirmation, documentation must be postmarked within 60 days.  A copy of the rebate confirmation page, original sales receipt and a copy of your water bill are required.  

PLEASE NOTE: Rebates are issued on a first-come, first-served basis while funds last.

Additional Rebates through the County of San Diego

Landscape Optimization Service:

The Landscape Optimization Service (LOS) provides owners of large landscapes (commercial and multifamily customers) with comprehensive, personalized start-to-finish assistance to reduce water bills and maintenance costs by replacing turf with drought-tolerant landscaping.

1.   Program Offering:

a.      Eligible participants will get up to $5 per sq. ft of turf grass replaced.

b.      Receive 50% off stormwater feature costs.

c.      Get expert help obtaining additional rebates for devices including smart controllers, high-efficiency nozzles, and flow sensors.

d.      You will also get technical assistance (valued from $5,000 to $8,000 per project) to identify and complete turf replacement and landscape improvement projects.

2.      Rebate Requirements:

a.      Must have existing turfgrass with an operating in-ground irrigation system and a minimum of 20,000 sq. ft of turf available for replacement.

b.      No turf removed prior to receiving a reservation through the SoCal Water$mart Turf Replacement Program

3.      Eligibility:

a.      Your property must be a commercial or multifamily property located in unincorporated San Diego County (check your eligibility here); AND

b.      You get your water from one of San Diego County Water Authority’s member agencies (check your water agency here).

San Diego County Water Authority (SDCWA)

For 75 years, the SDCWA has been delivering safe, reliable water supplies to San Diego County. They sustain a $253 billion regional economy, helping maintain quality of life for 3.3 million residents through water supply diversification, major infrastructure investments and forward-thinking policies that promote fiscal and environmental responsibility. The Water Authority is our local partner for administering rebates through SoCal Water$mart.