Riverside Public Utilities (RPU) has partnered with the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California (MWD) to streamline and automate the rebate process for high-efficiency toilets, clothes washers, irrigation controllers, and many other water-saving devices.
Rebates are administered and processed by MWD’s rebate platform which may be accessed by navigating to www.socalwatersmart.com. Rebate applications and specific program information may also be accessed through the website.
To check the status of your application, please contact the SoCal Water$mart hotline at (888) 376-3314 or e-mail [email protected].
To apply today, please visit SoCal Water$mart.
Indoor Rebates
Browse SoCal Water$mart indoor water rebates.
High-Efficiency Clothes Washers
High-efficiency clothes washers use up to 55% less water than standard clothes washers. Rebates start at $285 for qualified clothes washers.
Premium High-Efficiency Toilets (PHETs)
PHETs use almost 20% less water than the current WaterSense standard toilets. Rebates start at $140 per eligible model.
Outdoor Rebates
Browse SoCal Water$mart outdoor water rebates. Expand a program to view details.
Reduce water usage by up to an estimated 60% by removing turf and converting to drought-tolerant landscape. Rebates are $7 per square foot for the first 1,000 square feet of existing, irrigated turf removed and replaced with climate-appropriate landscape. After 1,000 square feet, the rebate is $2 per square foot, up to a total of 5,000 square feet removed.
Estimate your rebate: Rebate estimator.
*Please note, funds are limited.
Important:
- You must submit the Turf Replacement Rebate application and receive approval before you remove or kill existing turf.
- Once your project has received the “Pre-approval” email from EGIA, the square footage and reserved rebate amount cannot be changed.
- Review the awarded amount in the Pre-approval email to confirm your reserved rebate.
- Questions prior to or during your project: contact the SoCal Water$mart hotline at (888) 376-3314 or e-mail [email protected]. Should you wish to speak with RPU for additional guidance with project planning or for any questions as they relate to your upcoming project or, if you are unsure how to begin thinking about converting your yard, please email [email protected]
- RPU staff cannot answer questions regarding expected delivery date of rebate checks.
Weather-based irrigation controllers automatically adjust irrigation schedules based on weather, soil conditions, and plant types. Rebates are up to $200/controller for less than 1 acre of landscape and $35/station for properties more than 1 acre.
Rotating sprinkler nozzles apply water more slowly and uniformly to help prevent over-watering and encourage healthy plant growth. Rebates are $5/nozzle; minimum quantity of 30 nozzles.
Collecting and reusing rainwater for lawns and gardens reduces runoff into storm drains and local waterways. Rebates start at $35 per barrel (up to 2 barrels) or $250–$350 for cisterns depending on gallon capacity.
Soil moisture sensor systems detect water needs by gauging moisture in the soil. Rebates start at $80/controller for less than 1 acre of landscape and $35/station for properties more than 1 acre.
Water flow monitoring devices can help detect water leaks early. Rebates up to $175 are available for eligible devices.
Hose bib irrigation controllers are an easy and effective way to make sure you are irrigating efficiently.
Get a free soaker hose with proof of purchase of a hose bib timer and at least one bag of mulch. Bring proof of purchase for both items to our Customer Resource Center:
3025 Madison St, Riverside, CA 92504
Water Conservation
At Riverside Public Utilities (RPU), we’re committed to helping our community save water—indoors, outdoors, and everywhere in between. Using water wisely protects this precious resource and can lower your utility bills.
Outdoor Tips
- Water before 8 a.m. or after 6 p.m. to reduce evaporation.
- Use drip irrigation or efficient sprinkler nozzles.
- Group plants by their water needs (“hydrozoning”) so each zone gets just what it needs.
- Replace lawns with native and drought-tolerant plants.
Indoor Tips
- Fix leaky faucets and running toilets quickly.
- Install water-efficient showerheads and faucet aerators.
- Run dishwashers and washing machines with full loads only.
- Turn off the tap while brushing your teeth or shaving.
- Consider leak detection or flow monitoring.
For a more detailed list of indoor and outdoor actions, see the “Water Efficiency Tips” tab.
Join us for upcoming waterwise landscaping and irrigation workshops to learn practical ways to save water at home.
- Fall Waterwise Landscaping Workshops – dates and times to be announced.
- Spring Irrigation & Smart Controller Workshops – dates and times to be announced.
Choosing native plants is one of the best ways to save water while keeping your yard beautiful. These plants are adapted to our local climate and attract beneficial wildlife like butterflies and hummingbirds.
Top 10 Southern California Natives
- California Poppy (Eschscholzia californica)
- Cleveland Sage (Salvia clevelandii)
- Toyon (Heteromeles arbutifolia)
- California Fuchsia (Epilobium canum)
- White Sage (Salvia apiana)
- Deer Grass (Muhlenbergia rigens)
- Manzanita (Arctostaphylos spp.)
- Matilija Poppy (Romneya coulteri)
- Desert Willow (Chilopsis linearis)
- California Buckwheat (Eriogonum fasciculatum)
More California Natives
- Narrowleaf Milkweed (Asclepias fascicularis) – Attracts butterflies and provides habitat for Monarch larvae.
- Hummingbird Sage (Salvia spathacea) – Fragrant perennial, drought-tolerant once established, loved by hummingbirds.
- Romneya coulteri – Large, fragrant white flowers with yellow centers; needs full sun and well-draining soil.
- Blue Springs Penstemon (Penstemon heterophyllus 'Blue Springs') – Vibrant blue-violet flowers; drought-tolerant and pollinator-friendly.
- Diamond Heights Ceanothus (Ceanothus 'Diamond Heights') – Evergreen shrub with clusters of light blue flowers; drought-tolerant once established.
- Erigeron ‘Wayne Roderick’ – Low-growing perennial with lavender-blue, daisy-like flowers that attract pollinators.
- Deer Grass (Muhlenbergia rigens) – Clumping grass with fountain-like growth and tall, showy flower spikes in late summer.
- Spring Showers Ribes (Ribes sanguineum 'Spring Showers') – Deciduous shrub with drooping clusters of pink flowers in spring; great for hummingbirds.
- Carpenteria californica – Evergreen shrub with glossy leaves and large, fragrant white flowers from late spring to early summer.
Looking for more inspiration and plant ideas, including USDA zone information and specialty low-water varieties?
Low-Water Essentials for Perennials & Shrubs
- SummerWinds Planting Mix – A natural and organic all-purpose planting mix for flowers, trees, vegetables, and ornamentals.
- E.B. Stone Organics Sure Start – Gentle organic fertilizer with beneficial mycorrhizae and humic acid to support root establishment.
Mulch, mulch, mulch! Mulch helps:
- Reduce evaporation and retain soil moisture
- Suppress weeds
- Moderate soil temperature
- Improve soil structure microbiome over time
Water Efficiency Tips
Saving water and using water wisely has become extremely important as we continue to see significant dry periods and dry conditions across the region. Use these tips to incorporate simple water-saving habits at home.
Here are 10 ways to help you start saving water indoors today:
- Replace older, inefficient toilets with a WaterSense labeled high efficiency toilet. Older toilets can use up to 4 times more water per flush.
- Regularly check for and repair leaks. Even small leaks can waste hundreds to thousands of gallons of water a month. Many leaks can be fixed by a do-it-yourself plumber, and repair parts are relatively inexpensive ($5–$20).
- Wash only full loads. The average American household uses about 23% of its water running the clothes washer and dishwasher.
- Let your dishwasher do the work. An average dishwasher uses about 10 gallons per load. Running the average faucet for just four minutes uses the same amount of water.
- Take shorter showers. Each minute you shave off your shower time saves up to 2.5 gallons.
- Install a high efficiency showerhead and you could save about 1 gallon per minute.
- Install an aerator on your bathroom or kitchen faucet and save about 1 gallon per minute. An aerator reduces flow while maintaining good pressure.
- Turn the faucet on only to rinse when brushing your teeth, washing your hands, or shaving. You can save up to 2.5 gallons a minute.
- Know where your master water shut-off valve is located. This could save water and prevent damage to your home.
- Select an Energy Star-approved clothes washer next time you purchase a new washer. They use 15–20 fewer gallons of water per load, and you may see energy savings too.
Want more ideas?
Over 50% of residential water use is outdoor landscape watering. Keep these waterwise tips in mind:
- Know when to water. Water early (before 8 a.m.) or later (after 6 p.m.) when temperatures are cooler and evaporation is minimized.
- Know how much to water. Weekly water needs change with weather and plant type. Incorporate plants that require less water into your landscape.
- Water thoroughly, and less frequently to develop a more robust root system. Many established landscapes and lawns need watering only one or two times per week.
- Prevent runoff by applying only the amount of water your soil can absorb. If puddling occurs, split one long watering session into several shorter ones.
- Add compost or mulch to help soil absorb and store water while minimizing evaporation and weed growth.
- Recycle indoor water to use on plants (when appropriate).
- Refrain from watering landscape when it rains.
- Replace your grass/turf with water-wise plants.
- Use a broom to clean driveways, patios, and sidewalks instead of water from a hose.
RPU is here to help with our water and money-saving rebate programs.