Irrigation Efficiency & Graywater Systems Rebate
For our Irrigation Efficiency & Graywater Systems rebate, we offer $2/sq. ft. up to $2,000. We encourage you to also apply for your local city irrigation rebate if applicable. The City of Fresno offers a few irrigation rebates, among other rebates. Please note that the State Save Our Water program does not cover irrigation efficiency in their rebate program, only turf conversion.
Irrigation Efficiency
Qualifying irrigation upgrades include conversion of sprinkler nozzles and heads to high efficiency sprinkler nozzles, conversion to drip/micro irrigation, installation of pressure regulating heads, installation of landscape/irrigation only sub-meter, and/or installing soil moisture sensors, and/or upgrade or replace existing plants with drought tolerant landscaping as long as separate from a turf replacement rebate. The irrigation efficiency upgrade must include installation of a WaterSense Labeled Smart Irrigation Controller.
Graywater Systems Installation
The rebate covers both materials and installation costs for code-compliant graywater systems. The graywater system starts at the drain. The rebate will pay for labor and equipment including pipe, tanks, pumps, fittings, valves, filters, irrigation system parts, installation costs, basin materials (e.g. mulch, wood chips), plants and other related items.
The Irrigation Efficiency/Graywater Systems Installation Rebate can be combined with the WE CAN turf conversion rebate as well.
The City of Fresno requires a permit to install graywater systems, with the exception of a Laundry to Landscape, or Clothes Washer system. There are 12 Laundry to Landscape stipulations that must be met to avoid a permit according to the California Plumbing Code.
Simple and complex graywater systems will require a Complex Plumbing Permit from the City of Fresno and can be pulled by an owner-builder (information here) pt s licensed plumber. The approximate cost for the permit is $300 and has the following requirements (also provided as a checklist here):
- Plot plan drawn to scale and completely dimensioned
- Show property lines, structures, and proposed graywater system
- Show graywater system set-backs from property line
- See Table 1602.4 Location of Graywater System for property line set-backs
- Include detailed diagram of the graywater system, location of system on the lot
- Show point of connection to existing system
- Show location of three way valve and backflow prevention valve, clearly marked on
- Calculations for amount of water to be discharged from the fixtures based on the number of bedrooms and occupants
- Show number of bedrooms in the home
- See 1602.8.1 Residential Occupancies for information on calculating water budgets
- Number and location of plumbing fixtures that will be diverted to landscape
- Provide image/picture of proper installation of mulch shields for depth and coverage
- See 1602.1 (D)-(C) for information
- See attached mulch basin schematic – can be submitted with permit application if you
- Log of soil formations and groundwater level as determined by test holes dug in proximity to proposed irrigation area
- Include statement of water absorption characteristics of the soil as determined by the approved percolation tests
- See Table 1602.10 for approved soil tests
- Provide third party certification for percolation test to determine type of soil and infiltration capacity – OR –
As an alternative to third-party certification, a homeowner can sign and notarize a Waiver of Liability releasing the City of Fresno and the Licensed Professional pulling the permit (if any) for any ponding or run-off that occurs as a result of water applied to the landscape in excess of maximum infiltration rate.
For reference, look at the following resources:
- California Plumbing Code, Section 16: Alternate Water Sources for Non-Potable Applications
- Mulch Basin Diagram
Please note, there is a possibility Fresno’s graywater permitting requirements may change.
