Free Smart Irrigation Controller Program
The City of Fresno was awarded a WaterSMART Water-Energy Efficient Grant through the United States Bureau of Reclamation. The City of Fresno is excited to offer a FREE retrofit to 1,505 qualifying single-family residential homes. By replacing a standard irrigation controller with a smart irrigation controller, the average home can save more than 7,600 gallons of water annually. WaterSense certified smart irrigation controllers (signal-based) use local weather and landscape conditions to tailor watering schedules to actual local conditions. With proper installation, programming and maintenance, homeowners can greatly reduce water waste.
How can residents apply?
This program is on a first come, first served basis. You must be a City of Fresno Water account customer within the seven council districts. There will be 215 timers available per district. Currently, City of Fresno water customers living outside the city limits, or in a county island, are not eligible for this grant funded project. To apply, access your Waterweb Customer Portal by clicking here.
Eligibility Requirements
- You must be a current City of Fresno Water customer within the seven (7) City of Fresno council districts. (Available only to single-family residential properties.)
- Are you the property owner? (If no, you must complete Property Owner/Management Permission to Participate Form)
- Your account must currently be in good standing.
- You currently have, and must maintain, Wi-Fi at your address.
- You own a computer, smartphone or tablet.
- You have a current functioning controller.
- The current timer is plugged into an active electrical outlet.
- Your irrigation system must be in good repair.
- You must have a current email address.
Terms and Conditions
- I understand that I (as the applicant) must be a City of Fresno water utility customer within the seven City of Fresno council districts. If renting, a permission to participate form must be completed before appointment can be scheduled. Click here to print one out.
- I understand that the program is not available for new construction.
- I understand only single-family residential properties can apply.
- I understand that there must be an existing and functioning standard irrigation controller on site to qualify for the retrofit.
- I understand that only one application can be submitted per water account within the seven City of Fresno council districts.
- I understand that at least one (1) year of prior outdoor water usage (irrigation patterns on Beacon) at the property is required to qualify.
- I understand, and agree, that I (as the applicant) must have, and maintain Wi-Fi service at the property at all times. The smart controller will continuously be connected to Wi-Fi to make weather-based adjustments to watering schedules. (Timer must be connected to Wi-Fi during inspection appointment)
- I understand, and agree, that the timer must remain installed and programmed appropriately on site for a minimum of 5 years. The Water Conservation Program will be monitoring the usage for water savings data.
- I understand, and agree, that the timer must be installed by the homeowner or renter with verbal assistance from a City of Fresno Water Conservation Landscape Specialist at a scheduled appointment. There is a one (1) hour appointment for the retrofit process.
- I understand, and agree, that the irrigation system must be operational and in good repair (no major leaks or broken sprinklers). Systems that do not function properly will not be eligible for the free timer.
- I understand that I must own – or have access to – a smart device that can download the app to program the timer.
- I understand, and agree, that the timer programming must conform to the City of Fresno’s outdoor water use schedule.
- I understand that this program is to upgrade a standard irrigation controller.
- I understand that the City of Fresno (City) may deny any application that does not meet program requirements. The undersigned expressly agrees that the City may inspect all items submitted for the Smart Irrigation Controller Giveaway Program. The City reserves the right to alter this program at any time. Funding for this program is limited to available resources. Irrigation Controllers are processed on a first come, first served basis. For further information, please contact the Water Conservation Program at (559) 621-5480.
- I read, understand, and agree to the terms and conditions of the program for which I am applying.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the general eligibility requirements for getting the Smart Irrigation Controller?
a.) You are a current City of Fresno (City) utilities single-family residential customer within the seven council districts.
b.) Your account is in good standing.
c.) You have Wi-Fi at the property address.
d.) Have a current functioning controller.
How do I apply?
What is the deadline to apply?
This is a first come, first served program. There will be 215 smart controllers per council district available for eligible City of Fresno single-family residential water customers. The program will remain open while supplies last.
What is the expected time frame to receive a smart irrigation controller?
Customers will be contacted within 3-5 business days of an approved application to schedule an appointment. A City of Fresno Water Conservation Specialist will deliver the controller at the time of the appointment.
Who removes the old timer?
The customer must remove the existing timer at the time of the appointment with a City of Fresno Water Conservation Landscape Specialist present.
Who will install the new timer?
The customer must install the new timer at the time of the appointment with a City of Fresno Water Conservation Landscape Specialist present.
What if I don’t feel comfortable installing the timer myself?
The timer must be installed by the homeowner or renter with verbal assistance from a City of Fresno Water Conservation Landscape Specialist at a scheduled appointment. The Specialist will have tools, if needed, to assist in the removal and installation of the controllers. You can choose to have assistance from a friend/family member/gardener to assist you in the installation at the time of your appointment.
Will it be replaced if it breaks?
No, the City does not guarantee the performance of any replacement item; and the City does not warranty any replacement item or installation to be free of defects, the quality of workmanship, or the suitability of the premises or installation. Each manufacturer has a limited warranty available.
Can I take it with me if I move?
Per the Terms and Conditions of the program, the controller must remain installed and programmed appropriately on site for a minimum of five (5) years. The Water Conservation Program monitors usage for water savings data.
What is a smart controller?
A smart irrigation controller is defined as a controller that reduce outdoor water use by monitoring and using information about site conditions (such as soil moisture, rain, wind, slope, soil, plant type, and more), and applying the right amount of water based on those factors.
Does it let you track my water usage?
The City uses Automated Irrigation Meters to track your water usage. This same data is available to you through the EyeOnWater app. You can track your water irrigation in the log settings of the smart irrigation controller additionally. The City does not have access to the smart irrigation controller.
Can I back out of the program if I decide I no longer want the smart controller?
Per the Terms and Conditions of the program, the controller must remain installed and programmed appropriately on site for a minimum of five (5) years. The Water Conservation Program monitors usage for water savings data. Contact the Water Conservation Program at 559-621-5480 for additional information.
What benefits does it give me?
The smart controller receives local weather data and automatically adjusts your controller to deliver the right amount of water to your plants. It maximizes irrigation efficiency by reducing water waste, while maintaining plant health and quality. It does the work – allowing you to sit back and enjoy the results.
Is there a warranty for the smart controller?
Each manufacturer has a limited warranty available. The City of Fresno does not guarantee the performance of any replacement item or warranty.
Does it take batteries?
The smart irrigation controller connects to the electrical outlet of your home. When properly installed, programmed and connected to Wi-Fi, backup batteries are not necessary.
Do renters qualify for this program?
Yes, renters qualify for this program with the Permission to Participate form filled out by the owner of the property.
How many smart irrigation controllers do I qualify for?
One (1) Smart Irrigation Controller – per City of Fresno utility account within the seven (7) council districts.