Irrigation Upgrades and Soil Improvement Rebates

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*NEW for 2025 - Strata's are now eligible to receive this rebate. Please email watersmart [at] rdn.bc.ca for more information and application forms.

This incentive program aims to help residents conserve water outdoors by:

• Enhancing the water efficiency of automated irrigation systems
• Improving the water-holding capacity of soil through amendments

There is up to $875 available per residential property to help offset the cost of landscape upgrades to improve water efficiency. If the applied bonus rebate ($100) increases the possible rebate amount beyond the project cost, the rebate is capped at the total eligible expenses paid by the applicant.  

Eligibility  

This rebate program is available to all residential landowners with an existing automated irrigation system and/or existing garden/lawn in the Regional District of Nanaimo, including electoral areas (A, B, C, E, F, G, H) and member municipalities (Nanaimo, Lantzville, Parksville, Qualicum Beach). Specific eligibility requirements include:  

• Each residential landowner is eligible for one rebate over the lifetime of the program
• Only property owners are eligible to recieve the rebate
• The rebate is available on a first come, first served basis; once funds are exhausted, the program will be finished for the year
• Irrigation upgrades must be completed by an irrigation professional certified by the Irrigation Industry Association of BC (IIABC) 
• Soil improvements must be completed on garden/lawn areas of at least 37 m2 (400 ft2) 
  • Added topsoil/mulch/compost must be at a minimum 50 mm (2 inch) in depth for garden beds and 6 mm (1/4 inch) in depth for lawn topdressing 
• All work must be completed, and all documentation submitted between January 1 and December 15, 2025. 

How to Apply  

Before you apply, plan your WaterSmart lawn and garden upgrade(s). Check out the RDN Landscape Guide to Water Efficiency for helpful tips. 

Program Information Sheet  Pre-approval Application Form Claim Form FAQs

All documentation, forms, photos, and invoices, can be sent electronically to watersmart [at] rdn.bc.ca (watersmart[at]rdn[dot]bc[dot]ca) or by mail/in person to Drinking Water & Watershed Protection, 6300 Hammond Bay Road, Nanaimo, B.C., V9T 6N2. 

Step 1: Submit Pre-approval Application

To begin your application, complete and submit a Pre-Approval Application form, including a description of the system that you plan to install. 

• Pre-approval Application 

Along with the form, you will need to submit ‘before’ photos of the site showing the catchment area and cistern location. Photos should have an indication of scale, such as a person or a metre stick. Photos should also have a reference point so that it is clear that ‘before’ and ‘after’ photos are the same property.

To help you prepare for your project, TeamWaterSmart offers free workshops. Visit Team WaterSmart for workshop dates. Registration is recommended; attendance is free.

Step 2: Completion of Qualifying Work

Pre-approved applicants will have up to $875 set aside for them. When you receive written approval from the RDN, you will have 90 days to complete the installation and submit your Claim Form to receive the rebate. 

Pre-approval expires 90 days after the confirmation letter is issued. Contact the RDN (watersmart [at] rdn.bc.ca or 250-390-6560) to request an extension. 

All irrigation upgrades must be completed by an irrigation professional certified by the Irrigation Industry Association of BC (IIABC). 

Soil Amendments can be completed by the homeowner or by an IIABC certified professional, see below reference table for amounts of soil required for given areas and depths. 

Step 3: Submit Your Claim Form

The final document submission must occur within 90 days of the applicant's pre-approval and include:

• Receipt(s) and/or invoice(s) marked PAID, including date and itemized purchase details.
• Photo(s) of the improved garden/lawn and/or efficiency increases of automated irrigation system, clearly showing upgrades. Include reference points (i.e. measuring stick) and ensure "after" photos clearly show it is the same property shown in previously submitted "before" photos.
• Claim Form

If completing efficiency improvements to your irrigation system, include the Irrigation Upgrades Eligible Components Checklist on the Claim Form.

Allow up to 6 weeks for processing and payment. 

If you have any additional questions, please call 250-390-6560 or email watersmart [at] rdn.bc.ca (watersmart[at]rdn[dot]bc[dot]ca).