DIRECT INSTALLATION VS VOUCHERS: WHICH ACTUALLY WORKS?
I’ve been through this dance with solar panels and pool covers, and honestly, the direct install route felt a bit like having someone else pick out your shoes. Sure, it was efficient—guys showed up, did their thing, but I ended up with a system that didn’t quite fit the quirks of my place. On the flip side, a neighbor got a voucher for his landscaping and went with the “budget” crew. Let’s just say his drip system lasted about as long as a carton of milk in July.
I get the appeal of letting people choose, but when you’re talking about something as critical as water use, cutting corners can backfire. Pre-approved contractor lists seem like a decent compromise—at least you know everyone’s met some kind of standard. Still, I’d want to see some real oversight. Too many times I’ve seen “approved” contractors who barely meet the minimum.
If cities are footing the bill, they should care about long-term results, not just quick installs. Otherwise, we’ll be right back where we started in a few years... just with shinier pipes or fancier sprinklers.
