How to Stack Texas Water Rebates: $3,000 or More for a Standard Conversion

Most Texas homeowners have heard of Austin's landscape rebate. Almost none know that multiple programs can apply to the same project at the same address. A 300-square-foot native conversion in Round Rock can pull from two separate programs simultaneously. A similar conversion in Georgetown can pull from three. The math adds up fast, but only if you apply in the right order.

Austin WaterWise Landscape Rebate

Austin Water's WaterWise Landscape Rebate pays $1 per square foot of turf replaced with water-efficient landscaping, up to $2,500 per residential customer. The minimum project size is 200 square feet. You must submit a pre-application and receive approval before starting any work. Projects that start before pre-approval are disqualified, no exceptions.

After the project is complete, you submit documentation (before and after photos, a planting list, and a water budget worksheet) to receive payment. Austin Water reviews applications and payments can take several weeks. Budget accordingly if you are planning around seasonal planting windows.

LCRA WaterSmart: the stacking layer most people miss

The Lower Colorado River Authority runs a separate rebate program called WaterSmart that covers customers in several cities within its service territory. Importantly, LCRA WaterSmart stacks with Austin Water's program. You can apply to both on the same project.

Cities currently covered by LCRA WaterSmart include Cedar Park, Pflugerville, Round Rock, Leander, Lakeway, and Austin. If your address falls within LCRA's service area, you can submit a separate LCRA application alongside your Austin Water application. Both require pre-approval before work begins. Submit both before you start.

Georgetown Love Your Local Lawn

Georgetown's program pays up to $5,000 per year for qualifying landscape conversions. Applications go through gtx.conservationrebates.com. Georgetown Electric and Georgetown Water customers should check the current program page for eligibility details, as the program has been updated in recent years.

Georgetown customers within LCRA's service area may also qualify for LCRA WaterSmart in addition to the Georgetown program. If you are in Georgetown, check both before you start any work. Three programs on one project is possible in this area.

North Texas: Tarrant County Save Tarrant Water

The "Go N Grow" rebate through Save Tarrant Water covers Fort Worth, Arlington, and other Tarrant County cities. The rebate amount is smaller ($85 for qualifying projects) but it is documented, real, and worth the application time if you are doing a conversion anyway. Check the current program page for species requirements and documentation steps before you start.

North Texas does not currently have a stacking option equivalent to the LCRA situation in central Texas, but this changes as programs are updated. Check with your municipal utility directly before assuming nothing is available.

The one rule that trips everyone up

Every program on this list disqualifies retroactive applications. That means if you plant first and apply second, you get nothing. The correct sequence is:

• •Identify every program you qualify for at your address.
• •Submit all pre-applications before breaking ground.
• •Wait for written confirmation from each program.
• •Complete the work and document it according to each program's requirements (they differ).
• •Submit completion documentation to each program separately.

Some programs also have funding caps that can be exhausted mid-year. Spring is the most competitive application period in Texas because homeowners are planning their May planting window. Apply early in the year to avoid finding a program closed when you are ready to start.

For a full breakdown of Texas rebate programs by city and utility, see our Texas Water Rebates page.