WaterSmart Programs

An efficient irrigation system should run only when necessary. This helps to conserve water, prevent water waste and save money. To encourage the use of efficient irrigation systems, we have designed programs to help our residents be Water Smart.

What is an ET Controller? ET stands for Evapotranspiration. When combined with an irrigation controller, it means that your controller looks at things like rain amounts, temperatures and wind speeds to determine whether or not watering is needed.

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ET Controller Program

Register your controller and receive a watering day exemption from the watering schedule.
Questions? Call 972-547-7360 or email savewater@mckinneytexas.org

Program Guidelines

For residential and small commercial lots that utilize approved controllers.

  • You must have a City of McKinney water utility account in good standing for the property where installation of the qualifying item is to occur.
  • A one-time nonrefundable registration fee of $25 is required for initial registration. You are responsible for re-registering the ET Controller, free of charge, prior to the anniversary date each year.
  • The city-issued “ET Controller” yard sign must be displayed and visible from the street to acknowledge the watering day exemption. The ET controller yard sign is the property of the City of McKinney and can be removed for non-compliance.
  • Restrictions pertaining to time-of-day, watering during rain or freeze, and broken / misdirected heads still apply.
  • The City of McKinney reserves the right to inspect or audit the ET controller to ensure it is properly installed and maintained.
  • The City of McKinney reserves the right to alter the details of this program at any time.

How to Participate

  • Select and purchase an approved controller. Controller must be installed by a licensed Irrigator.
  • Complete the ET Controller Registration form. Water account number must be included.
    • It may take up to 16 weeks for application processing.
  • The following information must be attached to your application:
    • Copy of receipt or proof of purchase
    • Registration form must contain the following information:
      • Date of Installation
      • ET Controller brand and model
      • Proof of Installer and Installer License Number
      • Proof of Weather Data Subscription (if applicable)
  • A one-time non-refundable registration fee of $25 is required for the initial registration.
    • Subsequent annual registrations are free of charge.

Mail Payment:
City of McKinney
Attention: ET Controller Registration
P.O. Box 517
McKinney, TX 75070

In-Person Drop-Off:
McKinney Public Works – North Campus 
3501 N. Central Expressway
McKinney, TX 75071

Annual Renewal

ET controllers must be registered yearly to maintain the ET controller exemption.

You can reregister online or download a PDF to reregister your ET controller.

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ET Controller Rebate Program

Program Guidelines

Only residential systems installed prior to Sept. 1, 2007 are eligible for the $125 ET Controller Rebate. All irrigation systems installed on or after September 1, 2007 are required by ordinance to be equipped with an ET Controller and are not eligible for the rebate.

  • You must have a City of McKinney water utility account in good standing for the property where installation of the qualifying item is to occur. This program is for residential and small commercial lots that utilize controllers on the approved list.
  • ET controllers must be selected from the approved list and installed by a licensed irrigator.
  • The City of McKinney does not require an irrigation permit for irrigation controller retrofits, nor does it endorse specific brands, products or dealers or guarantee the performance or durability of the items purchased.
  • A single participant shall not receive more than $500 in one year from the City of McKinney rebate program for any combination of eligible items.
  • If onsite verification is required, you must have original receipts. If you cannot provide original receipts or installation of the device cannot be verified, the rebate request will be denied.
  • Processing of your completed application may take up to 16 weeks. Once processing is complete and the rebate is approved, a credit will appear on your utility bill.
  • The City of McKinney reserves the right to alter the details of this program at any time.

How to Participate

Mail:
City of McKinney
Attn: ET Rebate
P.O. Box 517
McKinney, TX 75070

Drop off:
McKinney Public Works – North Campus 
3501 N. Central Expressway
McKinney, TX 75071

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Rain & Freeze Sensor Rebate

A $25 rebate is available for installing a qualifying rain and freeze sensor on irrigation systems installed prior to June 1, 2005. All new irrigation systems installed on or after June 1, 2005, are required by ordinance to be equipped with a rain and freeze sensor and are not eligible for the rebate.

Rain and Freeze Sensors are mounted outside and are activated by rainfall or freezing temperatures. The sensor interrupts the "on" signal to the control valves if sufficient rainfall is measured or temperatures fall below freezing. Once conditions improve, the system returns to normal operation.

Questions? Call 972-547-7360 or email savewater@mckinneytexas.org.

Program Guidelines

  • Participant must have a City of McKinney water utility account in good standing for the property where installation of qualifying item is to occur. This program is for residential and small commercial lots that utilize controllers on the approved list.
  • The rain and freeze sensor must be in place at the address listed above as long as registrant owns said property and must be set to the minimum shutoff requirement specific to its brand and model.
  • The City of McKinney does not require an irrigation permit for retrofits of irrigation controllers, nor does it endorse specific brands, products, dealers or guarantee the performance or durability of the items purchased.
  • A representative from the City of McKinney may contact you to verify the installation of the rain and freeze sensor before your application is accepted and rebate money is issued.
  • A single participant shall not receive more than $500 in one year from the City of McKinney rebate program for any combination of eligible items.
  • Originals of all receipts must be present should an onsite verification occur. If original receipts are not provided or installation of the device cannot be verified, the request for the rebate will be denied.
  • Processing of the completed application may take up to 16 weeks. Once processing is complete and the rebate is approved, a credit will appear on your utility bill.
  • The City of McKinney reserves the right to alter the details of the program at any time.

How to Participate

  • Select, purchase and install a rain and freeze sensor.
  • Complete the Rain and Freeze Sensor Retrofit Rebate application.
  • Enclose with your application a copy of your original invoice or sales receipt showing the date of installation and the cost of the item.

Mail:
City of McKinney
Attn: ET Rebate
P.O. Box 517
McKinney, TX 75070

Drop off:
McKinney Public Works – North Campus 
3501 N. Central Expressway
McKinney, TX 75071

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Approved Controllers

ManufacturerModelSubscription Required?Contact
AcclimaDigital TDT Moisture SensorNo
Base LineWaterTec S100 Moisture SensorNo
Hunter IndustriesET SystemNo800-733-2823

Solar SyncNo

X-CoreNo

X-2
  • Rain / freeze sensor required
  • Requires WiFi
No
HydrawiseHydrawise
  • Rain / freeze sensor required
  • Requires WiFi
NoN/A
HydroPoint WeatherTRAK Pro Series
  • Rain / freeze sensor required
  • Requires WiFi
 Yes800-362-8774
  WeatherTRAK LC Series
  • Rain / freeze sensor required
  • Requires WiFi
 Yes 
Hydro RainHRC 400 Wi-Fi (Orbit B-Hyve)
  • Rain / freeze sensor required
  • Required Wi-Fi
 No N/A

HRC 410 Wi-Fi (B-Hyve)
  • Rain / freeze sensor required
  • Required Wi-Fi
NoN/A
IrritrolSmartDialYes800-634-8873

Climate LogicNo
RachioRachio
  • Rain / freeze sensor required
  • Requires WiFi
No
Rain BirdESP SMTNo877-351-6588

ET ManagerYes

Smart Y Moisture SensorNo

ESP-TM2
  • Requires LNK module 
  • Requires a rain / freeze sensor
No 
  ESP-Me & ESP-Me2
  • Requires LNK module
  • Requires rain / freeze sensor
 No 

ST81
  • Rain / freeze sensor required
  • Requires WiFi
No

ST80-2.0 (Outdoor)
  • Requires WiFi
  • Requires rain/freeze sensor


RainMachineRainMachine
  • Rain / freeze sensor required
  • Requires WiFi
No
SkyDropSkyDrop
  • Rain / freeze sensor required
  • Requires WiFi
NoN/A
SprinklSmart Yard (Wi-Fi / Soil Sensor required)No214-699-7922
SpruceRequires WiFi No 
ToroIntelli-SenseYes800-664-4740

Precision™ Soil SensorNo877-345-8676
UgMoPH100s Wireless Moisture SensorNo877-500-8466
WeathermaticSmartlineNo972-562-5390


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