Charlotte’s Smart Irrigation Program Explained

Step Into Savings with Smart Irrigation

Every summer, Charlotte’s lawns gulp thousands of gallons of water trying to stay lush through the heat. Homeowners pay for every drop, especially when irrigation systems are stuck on old-fashioned timers. But thanks to Charlotte Water’s Smart Irrigation Program, the city is rewarding smarter watering. By upgrading to a weather-based controller and following a few easy steps, you can cut water use by 20% or more, avoid Tier-4 pricing, and even sidestep drought restrictions without giving up a green yard.

Think of smart irrigation as cruise control for your sprinkler system. Instead of running on a fixed schedule, it uses real-time weather data and soil conditions to decide when and how much to water. On a rainy night, the system shuts itself off. When a heat wave rolls through, it adjusts the runtime so your grass gets what it needs without waste.

Charlotte Water recognizes the effectiveness of these systems and encourages homeowners to install them through its Smart Irrigation Rate program. It’s not a rebate check; it’s even better. Participants get billed at a lower, locked-in rate for all irrigation water use, year-round.

Why the City Pays Attention to Sprinklers

Charlotte’s population grows, increasing demand on the water system. In hot months, irrigation causes a 30–40% rise in daily use. Promoting smart irrigation helps manage demand, delay costly expansion, and support sustainability.

For homeowners, it’s lower bills, greener lawns, and fewer restrictions when droughts or dry spells hit. Charlotte Water estimates that households using smart irrigation systems save an average of 20% of their outdoor water use compared to households using traditional timers.

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Who’s Eligible (Spoiler: Almost Everyone)

If you live within Charlotte Water’s service area, you’re likely to qualify. You’ll need a separate irrigation meter, a WaterSense-labeled smart controller, and a backflow prevention device tested annually.

Once installed, you’ll submit a short annual certification confirming your system still operates in “smart mode” and that your backflow device passed inspection. Vision Green can help with all of this, including installation, testing, and paperwork, so your only job is to enjoy a greener, lower-maintenance yard.

The Rate That Rewards Efficiency

Without the program, irrigation water in Charlotte is billed on a tiered scale:

• Tier 3: $5.91 per 748 gallons (for 1–16 Ccf)
• Tier 4: $11.20 per 748 gallons (anything above 16 Ccf)

Here’s what that means in practical terms:

Most homeowners reach that top tier in July and August. With the Smart Irrigation Rate, all your irrigation remains in Tier 3, regardless of how much you use.

A homeowner using 25 Ccf (about 18,700 gallons) during a hot July would normally pay around $195. With the Smart Irrigation Rate, that bill drops to $148. Adding a 20% reduction in usage due to weather-based scheduling, the total decreases to about $118. That’s roughly $75 in savings each summer month and hundreds over the season.

Hidden Perks You Might Miss

Charlotte Water also offers payment flexibility and fee relief for participants who install a new irrigation meter, allowing 12-month installment plans on connection costs and waiving certain development fees.

Even more valuable, enrolled properties are exempt from Stage 2 and Stage 3 drought restrictions. While your neighbors watch their lawns fade to beige, you can continue watering responsibly and legally.

And because irrigation meters don’t include sewer charges (since the water never returns to the sewer), you’ll see additional savings baked into your utility bill every month.

How to Enroll

Enrollment is simple, especially when Vision Green handles it for you.

Here’s how it works from start to finish:

1. Install a Smart Controller: We’ll add an EPA WaterSense-certified unit that automatically adjusts for Charlotte’s rainfall, humidity, and clay soil.
2. Set Up Your Irrigation Meter: If you don’t already have one, we coordinate directly with Charlotte Water and handle all the paperwork.
3. Test the Backflow: Our licensed partner completes your annual backflow test to meet safety and city requirements.
4. Submit and Save: We file your Smart Irrigation Application and backflow results, and your new rate appears automatically on your next bill.
5. Stay Compliant: Keep your controller in smart mode and renew your test each spring. Vision Green tracks deadlines so your savings never lapse.

landscape company irrigation

How Much Does It Cost to Go Smart?

Charlotte’s red clay soil and mixed landscapes can confuse uncalibrated sprinklers. Local expertise is crucial. We calibrate each zone by slope, exposure, and drainage for deep or light watering as needed.

Upgrading to a smart controller typically costs between $400 and $800 installed, depending on the system’s size and features. Backflow testing runs $50–$75 per year, and new irrigation meter installation can range from $1,200 to $2,000; Charlotte Water offers payment plans to make it easier.

Most homeowners recoup their investment in 1-2 summers due to savings.

Let’s Work Together

From controller setup to backflow testing, we handle every moving part so you don’t have to worry about city forms or deadlines.

Let Vision Green Charlotte guide you through the process. We’ll help you choose the right controller, file your enrollment, and maintain compliance year after year.

Book your Smart Controller installation and enrollment today and join the growing number of Charlotte homeowners who are watering wisely and saving effortlessly. Send us a message or give us a call to get started! 704.910.1941