ET Controller Rebate

(Implementation in 2010 and each year thereafter depends on funding availability.)

 

ET or SMART Irrigation Controllers

 

Weather- or sensor-based irrigation control technology uses local weather and landscape conditions to customize irrigation schedules to actual conditions on the site or to historical weather data.  Instead of irrigating according to a preset schedule, advanced irrigation controllers allow irrigation to more closely match the water requirements of plants.  These new control technologies offer the potential to improve irrigation practices in homes and reduce water use in the landscape. Controller Requirements:

1. Meet the Irrigation Associations (IA) definition of SMART controllers
2. Weather-Based – using local weather data
3. Considers soil type (s)
4. Considers plant types
5. Considers microclimates
6. Considers rainfall
7. Considers type of sprinkler heads – different heads have different characteristics that greatly affect water distribution
8. Variable cycles
9. Efficiency rating of 80% or greater – the average irrigation system is 50 to 60% efficient

Improvements in technology now allow a homeowner to install an ET device to integrate into their irrigation time clock.  ET is the amount of water that evaporates from the soil plus the amount that Transpires through the plants’ leaves.  ET is affected by temperature, humidity, solar radiation and wind speed.  If the ET monitor indicates satisfactory water content, the clock automatically bypasses its next cycle.  This process is repeated until the ET controller advises that the moisture content is below a set threshold.  This signal causes the clock to resume its normal programmed sequence.  Some existing clocks can be upgraded to an ET controller, or the new ET controllers can replace the old clocks.

 

Metro is offering a rebate of 50 percent of the cost of an ET controller clock and its installation, up to $500.  This is a one-time rebate per household.  (Sub-associations are eligible for one rebate per controller/clock.)  This program provides residents with a rebate to offset the purchase of a new irrigation controller.  Since this program is limited, funds will be disbursed on a first-come, first served basis.  Expect rebates within 4 to 6 weeks of Metro receiving the required proof of purchase and proof that the eligibility requirements are met.   

 

Homeowners with installed ET systems will be EXEMPT from the voluntary every-other-day watering schedule.

 

Metro staff will make recommendations for this upgrade.  Please have your landscape contractor call the Water Conservation Coordinator prior to purchase of the clock/controller.  This will avoid purchase and installation of a controller that is not covered under this rebate.

 

The following models and vendors are recommended for homes in CPV.  Prices do not include installation or miscellaneous costs.   

 

Signal-type Models – These devices receive local microclimate weather data, which creates the scheduling commands and a service fee is charged for the transmitted information. 

 

Manufacturer      Price Range      Annual Fee     Website 

WeatherTrak      $549 to $859    $48 or $84     w.weathertrak.com

Irritrol Controller $399 to $889    $48 to $84     www.irritrol.com

ET Water             $360 to $1400  $199              www.etwater.com

(per controller)

WGL                    $250 to $1000  $0                  www.wgldesigns.com 

 

Stand-alone Models – Requires user input, based on weather history, uses on-site weather station sensors for data; no monthly service fee.

Manufacturer              Price Range              Website

Rainbird                     $315 to $570           www.rainbird.com

Hunter                       $206 to $719           www.hunterindustries.com

Acclima                       $196 to $429           www.acclima.com

Weathermate            $120 to $520            www.weathermatic.com*

Aqua Conserve          $240 to $1,047         www.aquaconserve.com*

 

 

*Weathermate and Aqua Conserve are modified ET based systems that use only on-site temperature and rainfall measurements to calculate ET.  

 

Rebate Eligibility Requirements:    

• Residents must have an irrigation audit that indicates the irrigation system is at least 70% efficient before the ET Controller is installed.
• The Water Conservation Coordinator must conduct an on-site inspection while ET Controller is being programmed in order to be eligible for rebate.
• Rebate recipient must sign the Affidavit of Lawful Presence and show an acceptable form of identification. 
• Residents are limited to one rebate per household and sub-associations are limited to one rebate per clock.
• ET Controllers must be installed at a residence served by Metro.
• Original invoices for work completed must be provided to Metro before Metro will consider applicant for receipt of rebate credit.
• Rebate application form must be filled out in its entirety and returned with a copy of the invoice to Metro no later than December 31, 2010.
• Offer is good until funds are depleted on a first-come, first-serve basis.
• Rebate credit will be issued to your water bill or made payable by check.  Allow 4 - 6 weeks from the date of inspection, invoice, and rebate application form to receive your rebate credit. 

 

Selection and installation of the product is the sole responsibility of the applicant, as is determination of the adequacy and compatibility to their irrigation existing system.  Metro assumes no responsibility for any damage that may occur to an applicant’s property as a result of participation in this rebate program.  Due to circumstances beyond its control, Metro cannot guarantee that the installation of the rotators will result in lower utility costs.  Metro, its consultants and their sub-consultants do not assume any liability for services performed and are not responsible for any agreements made between customers and landscape contractors.  Metro does not warrant the performance of any product listed above.  Actual water savings may vary.

Attachment	Size
ET Controller Rebate Program Ltr Application 2010.doc	54 KB