WaterWise Communities

This WaterWise Communities program helps commercial customers such as Homeowner Associations achieve their water-saving goals. Projects might include converting landscapes, upgrading systems for better efficiency centralized water management systems or other potential improvements. This program is currently available to City of Bend water customers.

• The City of Bend offers a 50% match of project costs – up to $10,000.
• Each project includes landscape evaluation, irrigation evaluation and project support from City staff.

Project Types:

• Landscape Conversions
• System Efficiency Upgrades
• Water Saving Upgrades

Benefits:

• Water-Efficient Landscapes
• Community Recognition
• Improved Site Value
• Reduced Water Use and Utility Costs
• Lower Maintenance Requirements

1. Determine Eligibility: Participants must be City of Bend water customers. Check the eligibility and requirements in the ‘terms and conditions’ link below for more details.
2. Submit an Application: Submit a complete application.
3. Schedule an Evaluation: Schedule a system evaluation and pre-construction meeting.
4. Receive Approval: Authorize the service agreement and receive approval to proceed.
5. Complete the Project: Complete your project within 90 days.
6. Schedule Follow-Up: Schedule a follow-up evaluation.
7. Receive your Rebate.
8. Continue Regular Maintenance.

1. Set Water-Saving Goals: Before applying, think about the water-saving goals for your property, like improving system efficiency (equipment upgrades), converting landscapes (turf replacement), or other water-saving measures.
2. Create a Landscape Plan: Use an aerial map or sketch of the project area, including site dimensions and proposed changes.
3. Submit Application: Complete a WaterWise Communities Program Application and receive a project confirmation email from the City of Bend.
4. System Evaluation: Schedule and attend a system evaluation. During this evaluation, City of Bend staff will assess site conditions and identify water-saving opportunities.
5. Collaborate: Work with the City of Bend to pinpoint specific actions needed to achieve your water-saving goals.
6. Service Agreement: Sign the program service agreement, which serves as your approval to proceed with the project.
7. Pre-Construction Meeting: Schedule a pre-construction meeting with your selected landscape contractor (this meeting may be combined with the system evaluation).
8. Project Completion: Complete your project within 90 days of receiving the approval to proceed. All projects must be finished by October 31st.
9. Notify Completion: Inform the City of Bend once your project is done to schedule a follow-up evaluation before October 31.
10. Follow-Up Evaluation: Attend the follow-up evaluation. If all project conditions are met, you’ll receive final approval. This evaluation may include diagnostic tests of the irrigation system to check efficiency and a review of water consumption data.
11. Submit Documentation: Provide project documentation to the City of Bend, including a W-9 for rebates over $600 and receipts/invoices documenting project expenses.
12. Receive Rebate: Get your rebate check within 60 days of final approval and receipt of project documentation.
13. Recognition: If desired, receive recognition for your participation through community signage and media coverage.
14. Regular Maintenance: Continue regular maintenance of the new landscape. Completed projects must be maintained and comply with all program terms and conditions for five years following receipt of the rebate.