Water Conservation Programs
Save Money and Water with Water Conservation Programs
The City of Pleasanton is dedicated to wise water use. Participate in our local water conservation programs to reduce water waste, support a more sustainable future, and save on your water bill.
Tri-Valley Art Contest Winner!
We’re thrilled to announce Nina Wang as the winner of the first-ever Tri-Valley Water Conservation Art Contest! Nina’s stunning artwork beautifully captures this year’s theme:
“Habitat Heroes: Transforming Lawns into Vibrant Native Gardens.”
By showcasing the power of native plants to conserve water, support wildlife, and create healthier habitats, Nina has inspired us all to reimagine our landscapes—and protect our environment one garden at a time.
A huge thank you to all our talented K–12 artists across Livermore, Pleasanton, Dublin, and Dougherty Valley who participated.
Maximize Your Water Savings With Our Rebate Programs!
The City’s water conservation rebate programs provide financial incentives to purchase and utilize water-saving devices. Whether you are a homeowner or a business, these opportunities can assist you in reducing your water usage and expenses.
Eco-Friendly Lawn Conversion (EFLC) Rebate Program
Receive up to $2,575 for Residential Customers or $10,000 for Commercial/Irrigation Customers.
Replace your front lawn using ecologically safe methods and receive a rebate! By converting your lawn to plants suited for our climate, you can save time and money while conserving water and providing long term benefits to the environment.
Customers who follow the below best landscaping practices and are participating in the Zone 7 Water Agency Lawn Conversion program, can receive up to $2,575 in rebates:
- Sheet Mulching: a zero waste way to smother the lawn and replenish soil (rather than physical removal of lawn or appliance of chemicals to kill off lawn)
- Plant a few California Natives: install beautiful plants that are suited for our climate, soil and animals!
- Add compost and mulch to replenish soil further.
- Plant during cool season, between September and February.
Customers can receive up to $2,575 (Residential) or $10,000 (Commercial/Irrigation) by participating in both programs! (See program Terms and Conditions).
Funding is limited, and based on a first-come, first-served basis.
How to Apply
There are no retroactive rebates. All projects must be approved and provided a Notice to Proceed from Zone 7 or the City of Pleasanton prior to removal of the lawn to be converted.
To apply for this rebate program, please submit the following items to [email protected] or via our contact form here:
- City of Pleasanton Eco-Friendly Lawn Conversion Rebate Application
- Zone 7 Water-Efficient Lawn Conversion Application
- Plant List Worksheet
- Landscape drawing (does not need to be professionally done, hand drawn on paper is fine!)
EFLC Project Resources
Sacramento Stormwater Quality Partnership (SSQP) is offering three great “How to Videos” for home gardeners addressing garden pest prevention, rainwater harvesting, and sheet mulching for healthy soil.
- Lawn to Garden: a comprehensive guide to the sheet mulch process
- California Native Plant Society: non-profit dedicated to conserving CA native plants, while increasing the understanding, enjoyment and horticultural use of native plants
- StopWaste helps Alameda County’s residents and businesses waste less, use water, energy and other resources efficiently. They also have a current list of SB 1383 compost and mulch products in and around Alameda County.
- Free Zone 7 Garden by Number Landscape Designs
- Use the interactive Water-Wise Gardening website to help you create your water-efficient landscape!
- Recommended Plants for the Pleasanton Area. This list includes recommendations for plants that are considered reclaimed water/salt tolerant.
- Hire a Qualified ReScape Landscape Professional! ReScape professionals have completed a comprehensive training program and use a sustainable, holistic approach to the design and management of your landscape. They work with nature to conserve water and soil, reduce waste, and prevent pollution–creating a landscape that is as healthy as it is beautiful!
- Water-Wise Plant Selection Webinar: Download the “Top Low-Water Plants for the Tri-Valley” sheet. These documents list all the plants that the presenter discusses during the webinar.
Weather-Based Irrigation Controller (WBIC) Rebate
Up to $75 for single-family residences, $100 for multi-family homes, and $3,000 for non-residential customers
In conjunction with Zone 7, Pleasanton offers Weather-Based Irrigation Controller Rebates up to $75 for single-family residences, and up to $100 for multi-family residences. The maximum rebate for non-residential properties is up to 50% of the cost of the new controller, with a maximum rebate of $3,000.
Non-residential customers: Only one rebate per water account number. For example, if your property has three water account numbers, you can apply for three controllers on one rebate application.
Pool Cover (PCR) Rebate
Get up to $100 to cover your pool.
It’s common that pool water tends to evaporate quickly in hot summer months, requiring frequent refills. That’s why keeping your pool covered saves water. In addition to saving water, now you can even get up to $100 rebate for installing a new pool cover!
High Efficiency Clothes Washer (HEW) Rebate
Save up to $200 on a high-efficiency washing machine!
In cooperation with Zone 7, you can receive a rebate of up to $200 for the qualifying purchase and installation of an Energy Star Most Efficient labeled high-efficiency clothes washer.
Find out all the details for the high efficiency clothes washer rebate.
Rebates are limited and awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. This program is subject to change or end without prior notice.
Free Water Conservation Services
In addition to our water conservation rebate programs, the City offers a variety of free services and resources to help you reduce your water use and bill.
Irrigation Controller Assistance Program
Need advice on how much and when to water your landscape? The City is offering free irrigation controller consultations to residential and non-residential water customers. This service includes:
In-Person Appointments:
- A walk-through site/irrigation system evaluation of your landscape’s watering needs.
- Irrigation controller programming assistance.
The Controller Assistance Program is open to all water customers with landscaping that are responsible for the property water bill. Home occupants that are not the homeowner must provide signed consent and waiver from the homeowner.
Explore these online resources for more information on how to save water in your yard:
- Limit outdoor watering to no more than 1 day per week between October and March (Download our Recommended Year-Round Watering Schedule for more information).
- Learn how to detect common household leaks here: Indoor and Outdoor Leak Detection.
- Eliminate water runoff from irrigation by shortening watering time and adding multiple watering cycles.
- Water landscaping between midnight and 6 am to reduce water loss from wind and evaporation.
- Learn how to set your irrigation timer.
- Watch a video on how to Spruce Up Your Sprinkler System in Four Easy Steps.
Interested customers with questions can contact the City’s Water Conservation Department at (925) 931-5525 or via our contact form.
Free Compost for Pleasanton Residents
The City of Pleasanton is piloting a self-haul compost program offering free compost for Pleasanton residents, available Fridays through Sundays, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., weather and supply permitting. Compost is first-come, first-served, and availability is not guaranteed.
Location:
City of Pleasanton Bernal Property
550 Laguna Creek Lane, Pleasanton, CA 94566
What to Bring:
Your own shovel
Containers or bags to collect compost
(Staff will not be onsite. Site closes during rain or wet conditions.)
Benefits Of Composting
Compost enriches soil, improves water retention, and supports healthier gardens, all while reducing landfill waste and greenhouse gas emissions.
The compost provided is SB 1383-compliant and free for residents.
Learn how to use compost: Using Compost | StopWaste.org
Find more free compost hubs across Alameda County: Free Compost Hubs | StopWaste.org
Need bulk compost? Find SB 1383-compliant vendors here.
Questions?
Contact: Lillian Bustos (925) 931-5013
Free Indoor Water-Efficient Device Program
Looking for some easy ways to save water indoors? Install low flow devices on all your water fixtures. Low flow showerheads can save up to 4 gallons per minute per showerhead while low flow aerators can save up to 2 gallons per minute per faucet. You can pick up these low flow devices for FREE at our customer service center at 3333 Busch Rd!
Free Water Conservation Lavatory Sign
Commercial customers can request easy-to-use, non-stick water conservation clings for lavatory mirrors. These signs help remind customers and employees to be mindful of water waste.
Ways to Save - Adopt These Habits for Lifelong Water Savings
- Limit outdoor watering to no more than 1 day per week. Download our Recommended Year-Round Watering Schedule for more details.
- Take shorter showers. Reducing your showering time by 5 minutes can save up to 12.5 gallons of water!
- Learn how to detect common household leaks. Read more about it here: Indoor and Outdoor Leak Detection
- Install WaterSense labeled plumbing fixtures and irrigation equipment to reduce water use. Receive up to 3 free low flow water devices (faucet aerators and showerheads) from the City of Pleasanton!
- Use a broom to sweep! Potable water shall not be used for power washing of driveways, sidewalks or other hardscapes.
- Eliminate water runoff from irrigation by shortening watering time and adding multiple watering cycles.
- Water landscaping between 9 p.m. and 6 a.m. to reduce water loss from wind and evaporation.
- Turn off irrigation controllers when rain is expected. Watering outdoors is prohibited during and within 48 hours of measurable rainfall.
- Wash cars, trucks, etc., with a hose equipped with a shut off nozzle – and remember, no water may enter the storm drain system, this includes the gutter – consider washing vehicles at a car wash that recirculates a portion of the wash water.
- CHECK FOR & FIX ALL leaks in and around your home and/or business regularly. These include leaky toilets, faucets, showers, sprinklers and valves – leaks can account for 14% of indoor water use!
- Turn off the tap when brushing your teeth, shaving or dishwashing by hand.
- Wash only full loads of laundry and dishes.
- Keep your pool covered when it’s not in use – this will significantly reduce water loss from evaporation.
- Leave grass clippings on your lawn to serve as a mulch, this reduces evaporation and provides nutrients to your lawn.
- Register for the Customer Water Portal. This allows you to monitor your monthly, daily and hourly water consumption and you can select to receive auto-leak notifications for early detection (within 24 hours) of possible leaks. For more information, please click here.
Learn how to read your water meter and use it to detect water leaks:
Online Water Conservation Resources:
- Hometown Water: The Lifeline of Pleasanton – The Go Green Initiative and local students present their new documentary, “Hometown Water: The Lifeline of Pleasanton.” This video explores the endless importance of water’s role in the town of Pleasanton. Join us in following Pleasanton’s water journey, from historical water use to future water necessities, to understanding why it’s imperative that we conserve water use now and into the future.
- Low Water Use Public Gardens Virtual Tour – This collection of gardens, conveys the diversity and beauty of Livermore-Amador Valley native plants and other low-water-use plants. Explore the low-water-use Valley gardens and get inspired!
- Clean Water Program– As we spend more time at home these days, why not try new, pollution-preventing ways to maintain your yard and garden? Protect Fred and Izzy, “Sweep, Don’t Hose.”
- View past Bay Area Water Supply & Conservation Agency webinars here!
- Project Water Education Today (WET) Home and Distance Learning Resources– Project WET wants to ensure that water education continues for people of all ages. Find free and discounted resources to learn more about water!
- Water – Use It Wisely Kid’s Page– Take a look around and check out our resources for kids. It is easier to navigate than ever, so kids and adults can poke around, have fun and learn about water conservation in new ways.
- The EPA’s WaterSense– WaterSense is a partnership program sponsored by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) designed to encourage water efficiency.
- Save Our Water– Save Our Water’s goal is to make water conservation a life-long habit. Explore the website to discover how you can save water indoors and outdoors!
- Explore Alameda County Watersheds– This is a great tool for explorers, naturalists, educators and citizen scientists!
- Currently, 70% of water used in the Tri-Valley is imported from outside our region. How in the world does it get to the Tri-Valley? Learn about our water’s journey below:
Online Water Conservation Resources & More Water Conservation Resources
City’s adopted 2020 Urban Water Management Plan (Appendices), Water Shortage Contingency Plan and Addendum to 2015 Urban Water Management Plan Demonstrating Reduced Delta Reliance.
Want more help reducing your water use? Check out our Water Conservation Rebates and Services, or call the City of Pleasanton Water Conservation Program: (925) 931-5525.
Rescape California
Rescape California is a holistic approach to gardening and landscaping that works in harmony with the natural conditions of the San Francisco Bay Watershed. Bay-Friendly practices foster soil health, conserve water and other valuable resources while reducing waste and preventing pollution.
Lose your Lawn
Visit Lose Your Lawn for information and local resources for removing your lawn. The website has step-by-step videos demonstrating how to use the innovative technique of sheet mulching, a simple method used to enrich the soil in planting areas, establish a new landscape or garden area, or remove a lawn without herbicides.
Alameda County Master Gardeners
The Alameda County Master Gardeners are a group of trained volunteers that help residents of Alameda County learn about gardening. They offer a wealth of information from outstanding plants for Alameda County, safe plant pest management, demonstration gardens and more.
California Water Bords
New for Dedicated Irrigation Meter Customers, on June 10th the State of California passed an Emergency Water Conservation Regulation banning the use of potable (drinking) water for decorative or non-functional turf at commercial, industrial and institutional properties.
Learn more here: Non-Functional Turf Water Ban.
Administration
City of Pleasanton Water Conservation Program
Phone: (925) 931-5525
Contact us by filling out the form below: