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Commercial Irrigation Design Rebate

Our commercial irrigation design rebate can offset the cost of irrigation improvements while creating a knockout landscape for your property. Ditch the entire system and receive a larger rebate.

Commercial properties are as unique as the services they provide to the community. Call us at 210-704-SAVE and our team will get you started.

You can be part of the solution while achieving your commercial landscape goals without relying on irrigation.

Rebate Benefits

How It Works

The commercial irrigation design rebate is available to SAWS irrigation customers ready to make permanent changes to their irrigation system that result in long-term water savings. If you make permanent changes to your irrigation system for a rebate, you MUST have submitted a Request for Assistance form and received information about how to proceed with your rebate.

STEP 1: Complete an Annual Irrigation Checkup (if required) and Annual Backflow Testing

Properties not in compliance with annual checkup and backflow inspection will not be approved for a rebate until compliance requirements are met (see our frequently asked questions).

STEP 2: Submit a Request for Assistance

Fill out our online Request for Assistance Form to the best of your abilities. A staff member will review the application and contact you with information about the next steps.

STEP 3: SAWS Consultation

We will work with you to develop a plan which may include reviewing past water use patterns at the property and recommending irrigation changes tailored to your landscape. Changes to the irrigation system resulting in reduced water use may qualify for rebates. This may include scheduling an initial irrigation consultation or documenting existing irrigation with pictures.

STEP 4: Complete Irrigation System Changes

After receiving your rebate offer, have a licensed irrigator complete the work following applicable regulations.

STEP 5: Project Review

After the work is complete, follow the instructions you received on how to verify eligible changes were made to the system. If it is completed correctly, an authorized party from the business will sign an agreement. SAWS will calculate the final rebate amount and contact you by email.

STEP 6: Rebate Check Issued

Once you have received your final rebate approval email, you will receive your check within eight (8) weeks. Rebates $600 or more require an IRS W-9 Form. Rebate checks will not be issued until your completed W-9 form is received by SAWS.

Before You Start

Rebate Calculations

SAWS rebates are based on the size and water use of your irrigation system. Irrigation changes are expected to be a permanent change to your property.

Have Questions?

Complete the request for assistance form and our Conservation staff will review it and contact you. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Rebate amounts can vary depending on your unique property. To learn more, submit a Request for Assistance form. Submitting a Request for Assistance does not commit you to any programs or changes to your system, it simply notifies us that you would like more information. 

Yes. It is very important that you contact us before starting any work. You may need to schedule an on-site pre-inspection or follow specific steps to document your work.

The site must be in compliance with Irrigation System Check-up and Backflow Testing requirements. Per City of San Antonio Ordinance, commercial properties five (5) acres or larger and properties that used over 1 million gallons of water for irrigation in the prior calendar year with in-ground irrigation systems submit an annual irrigation checkup to the SAWS Conservation department by May 1 each year. Properties not in compliance will not be allowed to schedule a consultation until compliance requirements are met. Annual testing of backflow prevention assemblies is required by Chapter 24 of the City of San Antonio’s Plumbing and Fuel Gas Code, Chapter 34 of the City of San Antonio Code of Ordinances, and the SAWS Cross-Connection and Backflow Prevention Control Program. 

You may need to schedule a pre-inspection. Please submit a Request for Assistance and one of our staff members will reach out to you to discuss specific steps for your property.

Yes, depending on your property size and rebate amount, the final verification may include sending pictures or an in-person final inspection.

No. We are unable to provide rebates on work in progress or already completed.

No, all rebates are only available on currently existing irrigation zones/systems.

SAWS cannot recommend any irrigation companies. The San Antonio Irrigation Association maintains a list of licensed irrigators on their website. SAWS does not in any way endorse or promote or guarantee the work of any irrigation company or parts manufacturer. Due diligence in hiring an irrigator is the sole responsibility of the SAWS customer. SAWS is not responsible for any damages caused by the irrigator.

After staff verifies that you have successfully completed your work, we will begin processing your rebate. You will receive an email when your rebate has been approved. You can expect your rebate to appear as a check in the mail, usually 6-8 weeks after approval.

Rebates over $600 will require an IRS W-9 tax form. You will receive a 1099 Form from SAWS for your taxes. Rebate checks will not be issued until your completed W-9 form is received by SAWS.  

No, but larger rebates may have additional approval requirements.

Program funds are limited, and applications will be processed on a first come first served basis. 

Yes, give us a call  at 210-704-SAVE (7283).

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The table below shows your options, the requirements and rebate amount ranges:

Permanent Removal of Irrigation System

ChangeRequirements
Removal of Irrigation System
(Active Systems: $$$$$)
(Non-Functional Systems: $$$)
  • Irrigation controller removed
  • Backflow and backflow box removed
  • Visible zone valves and boxes for zone valves removed
  • All visible sprinkler heads removed

Targeted Changes

ChangeRequirements
Removal of Irrigation Zone(s)
(Per Zone: $$)
  • Remove all visible valve(s) and box(es)
  • Remove all visible sprinkler head(s) or drip tubing
Conversion to Pressure-Regulated Heads(Per zone: $)

All heads in a zone must be changed to an approved, pressure-reducing spray or rotary option:

  • Hunter Pro Spray (PRS30 + PRS40)
  • Hydro-Rain HRS 200 PRS Series
  • Rain Bird RD1800-SAM-PRS Series
  • Hunter I-20 PRB Rotor Series
  • Hunter PGP Ultra PRB Rotor Series
Installation of New Master Valve(One per system: $$)
  • Approved for existing systems without a master valve
  • NOT approved to replace or effect repair of an existing master valve
  • Must be wired as if newly installed, no actuators, or other technology unless pre-approved by SAWS Conservation PRIOR to install
Removal of Irrigation from Parking Lot Islands(Per zone: $$)
  • Cap all sprinkler head(s) and/or drip tubing irrigation to the island, except for bubblers if the island contains a tree.
  • If the island contains a tree, 4 fixed-head bubblers can be installed on opposing corners of the island.
  • Associated system must have a master valve.

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The Fine Print

  1. You must submit a request for assistance and get approval from SAWS Conservation BEFORE you begin any work.  Work completed prior to the first consultation will not receive rebates.
  2. Rebate offer good for 12 months.
  3. The property must complete an Annual Irrigation Checkup and Annual Backflow Testing.
  4. Checks are issued to the name on the SAWS account and mailed first class via U.S. Postal Service to the address on the final inspection agreement. If a different name or mailing address for the check is preferred, provide this information during the final inspection.
  5. Rebates are in cash. Rebates over $600 will require an IRS W-9 tax form. SAWS will provide you one. You will receive a 1099 Form from SAWS for your taxes.
  6. Program availability may be subject to budget limitations.
  7. To view your rebate history, you will need online access to your SAWS service account. Note: Once you have logged in to My Account, look for the Coupons & Rebates button in the main navigation menu.