6 Ways to Start Talking Smart Water with Your Clients

Posted by Ryan Moore on Jul 7, 2014 3:06:00 PM

hose watering lawnAs irrigation and landscape professionals, you know the benefits of using smart water products - reduction in water usage, healthier soil, lower water bills.

But often the hardest part is talking to your clients about why this makes sense for them. While phrases like “distribution uniformity” and “precipitation rates” are common to us, it can be difficult to translate to a homeowner.

Here are some 6 suggestions for talking “smart” to your clients.

Use Visuals They Can Understand

Changing out 10 sprays to PRS heads can save up to 30,000 gallons of water a year. Sounds like a lot. Or is it? That number is pretty intangible.

So use it in a context your client will understand. Instead, try “that’s like filling up your pool twice a year!” That’s something they can relate to.

Show the Savings

Don’t just talk about the savings, show them. There are a number of smart water calculators available from manufacturers and distributors that allow you to enter real-world data like cost of water per gallon, number of heads, etc. The tools are easy to use and can be entered and calculated in about 2 minutes.

Know the Water District Rebates Available in Your Area

Many city and county water districts offer water-saving rebate programs for EPA Watersense labeled products as well as water conservation services. But sometimes these programs can be a little confusing and even intimidating. By becoming familiar with the programs in your area you just increased your value to your client and helped differentiate yourself from your competitors.

A reference for local rebates in 10 states is available at: http://www.horizononline.com/resources-and-training/water-rebates

It’s Not All About Money

Fortunately for most of us, water is still inexpensive. So a typical urban home won’t see the financial impact like a community association or office campus.

But all of us know that many states are facing drought issues and that we all have to do our part to conserve. And most homeowners don’t realize how much of their water is being used outside of the house. Use the graphics provided by organizations like WaterSense to show that up to HALF of their water usage is outside.

Lawns Are Not Evil

Many areas facing drought are going to the extreme of pulling up turf and replacing with hardscaping or artificial turf. And while these are both valid options, temperatures around grassy areas are about 25 degrees cooler than around dead grass or concrete, while removing CO2, dust, and other contaminants from the atmosphere.

It’s important to remind clients of the benefit of healthy landscapes around their house while assuring them that with Smart Water products you can maintain that beauty with less water.

Find the Tools You Need on HorizonOnline.com

Horizon has compiled the industry’s best contractor-to-homeowner selling tools to help you have the Smart Water conversation with your clients. These tools talk everything from smart products to efficient irrigation to help the homeowner understand the benefits and importance of using more innovative products in their irrigation system. Whether left on the door or in a formal sales presentation, these tools will help you be professional and prepared.

Download the files for free at http://www.horizononline.com/resources-training/drought-solutions

 

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Topics: Maintenance, Water Conservation, Construction, Water Rebate Programs

New Smart Controller Rebate Program in Marin Municipal Water District

Posted by Ryan Moore on Sep 18, 2013 9:48:00 AM

Marin Municipal Water District, which services south and central Marin County in California, has started a new rebate program for homes and businesses that install a qualifying smart water controller on their property. The program allows rebates up to $20 per active residential valve or $30 per active commercial valve.

MMWD's Smart Irrigation Controller Rebate Program started 9/1/13 and is schedule to go through 12/31/15 or until funds last. Purchases made before 9/1/13 do not qualify.

How Do You Get a Rebate?

1. You must schedule a water conservation survey at the property as a first step in the rebate process, before purchasing your new smart irrigation controller. Call MMWD at (415) 945-1527 to schedule your survey.

2. Purchase and install a qualifying smart irrigation controller on the property. The new controller must carry the EPA WaterSense label.

3. Complete and mail in the smart controller rebate application (provided during the water conservation survey) along with the original receipt. Be sure to carefully read all the terms and conditions on the application form, and to keep a copy of the form and your receipt for your records. Rebates are processed on a first-come, first-served basis while funds last.

For complete information about the rebate program, including terms and conditions and application instructions, see MMWD's Smart Irrigation Controller Rebate Information Sheet. If you are modifying the landscape, please check if MMWD’s Landscape Plan Review Requirements are applicable. All requirements must be met before a rebate will be paid.


Have Questions?
Email: rebates@marinwater.org
Call: (415) 945-1527

 

Know of a water rebate program that isn't currently featured in our directory of water rebates? Please let us know in the comments and we'll be sure to add it.

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Topics: Water Conservation, Water Rebate Programs