FAQs • Ramsey, MN • CivicEngage

What is a WaterSense labeled irrigation controller?: US EPA WaterSense labeled irrigation controllers are devices that ’control’ your irrigation system to eliminate excess watering. They are considered ’smart’ controllers because they connect to the internet and use local weather and landscape conditions modify water schedules to reduce water usage. More information can be found by viewing the WaterSense Labeled Irrigation Controller fact sheet.

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Water Efficiency Rebate Program

1. Who is eligible for the Water Efficiency Rebate?: Any existing City of Ramsey water utility customer with a non-delinquent account is eligible. If you are on a private well, you are not eligible as you are not on the City’s public water supply system (per the grant funding guidelines).

2. Is there a limit to the number of rebates allowed per address?: Yes. The total dollar amount per address is capped at $500. This does allow for the purchase of multiple toilets for a single address or both a toilet, smart controller, clothes washer or dishwasher at a single address since an individual rebate is limited to $200 or the cost of the device, whichever is less. The City reserves the right to modify the limit per address in the future.

3. I just completed some of these improvements in 2021, am I eligible for a rebate?: No. Only qualifying purchases made on or after July 1, 2022 through June 30, 2024 are eligible for a rebate, provided they were installed in a qualifying location and there are grant funds remaining.

4. What documentation is required to receive the Water Efficiency Rebate?: Either the original receipt or a copy (including a scanned copy if sending electronically) must be included with the submission of the Rebate Request Form. Please note that the receipt must specifically identify the model, date of purchase, and payment method, and must be installed.

Click here to access lists of dishwashers, toilets and smart irrigation controllers that are US EPA WaterSense labeled.

Click here to access a list of clothes washers that are US EPA Energy Star labeled.

6. How and when will I receive my rebate?: Assuming grant funds are still available the qualifying purchase was made between July 1, 2022 and June 30, 2024, rebates will be processed in the order that rebate request forms are received. If approved, rebate will be issued in the form of a check once per month.

7. Are any inspections required to receive the Water Efficiency Rebate?: While an inspection is not necessarily required, the City of Ramsey reserves the right to conduct random inspections to verify installation of device(s) at the address indicated on the rebate request form. Should it be discovered that the device was not installed at said address, or any other form of fraud be discovered, the rebate must be repaid to the City of Ramsey.

8. What, if any, permits are required?: A permit is not required either of the replacement devices as long as they are re-installed in the same location. Any other associated work may be subject to a permit requirement. It is always advised to contact the City of Ramsey Building Division at 763-433-9850 or visit the Building Division webpage before beginning any improvement project.

9. How do I know if grant funds are still available?: There are no guaranties that grant funds will be available at the time of purchase. Also, please be aware that while funds may exist at the time you purchase a qualifying device, they may be exhausted by the time the rebate request form is received and/or processed. As the funding gets closer to being depleted, the City will attempt to provide more frequent updates to the website. You can also try calling the City of Ramsey at 763-433-9839 to inquire as well.

10. Can I get a rebate for a qualifying device in my new home?: No. This rebate is only for the replacement of less efficient, existing devices and new construction is not eligible.

11. My home is not new construction and does not have an irrigation system currently. If I install an irrigation system, would I be eligible for a rebate?: No. Again, the rebates are only for the installation of a replacement device. If you are installing a new irrigation system, that would not qualify. Please note that City Code requires that any new irrigation system must have some form of water efficient technology, such as a smart controller. A permit is required for the installation of an irrigation system.

12. What is a WaterSense labeled irrigation controller?: US EPA WaterSense labeled irrigation controllers are devices that ’control’ your irrigation system to eliminate excess watering. They are considered ’smart’ controllers because they connect to the internet and use local weather and landscape conditions modify water schedules to reduce water usage. More information can be found by viewing the WaterSense Labeled Irrigation Controller fact sheet.

13. What is a WaterSense labeled toilet?: US EPA WaterSense labeled toilets are toilets that have been independently certified to meet certain standards, including using not more than 1.28 gallons of water per flush. More information can be found by viewing the WaterSense Toilet Fact Sheet.