Water Conservation Rebates in Austin, TX: What Homeowners Need to Know

Austin Water and LCRA offer rebates for replacing turf with water-efficient landscaping, including native plants. If you're an Austin homeowner thinking about converting your lawn, here's what you need to know about eligibility, how to apply, and how much you can get back.

Austin Water WaterWise Landscaping Rebate

Austin Water's WaterWise program pays $2 per square foot of turf removed, up to $1,600 for residential customers. That covers 800 square feet of lawn conversion. The program has been around for years and is one of the most straightforward rebates in Texas.

Qualifying replacements include native plants, mulched beds, permeable hardscape (gravel, flagstone), and drought-tolerant ground covers. You can't just kill the grass and leave bare soil. The city wants to see intentional landscaping in place. Check the Austin native plants page for species that qualify and local nursery options.

LCRA WaterSmart: Stack Your Rebates

If you're in LCRA's service territory (most of the Austin metro area, including Cedar Park, Round Rock, and surrounding communities), you can apply for LCRA WaterSmart in addition to Austin WaterWise. LCRA offers $500 to $2,000 depending on conversion size and your specific utility.

How to Apply (Step by Step)

The process is straightforward, but order matters. Skipping a step is the most common reason applications get denied.

• 1. Check eligibility. You need to be an Austin Water customer with an active account. The area you're converting must be existing, irrigated turf grass.
• 2. Submit your application with before photos. Take clear photos of the lawn you're removing. Include a full-area shot and a close-up. The online portal walks you through it.
• 3. Wait for pre-approval. Typically 2 to 4 weeks. Don't start work until you get the green light. Starting before pre-approval disqualifies you.
• 4. Do the work. Remove the turf and install your new landscaping. You have 90 days from pre-approval to finish.
• 5. Submit after photos. Same angles as your before shots. Show completed conversion with plants, mulch, or hardscape in place.
• 6. Get your rebate. Once verified, the rebate appears as a credit on your water bill. Usually 4 to 6 weeks after final photos.

Documentation You'll Need

Keep it organized from the start. You'll need before and after photos (dated), pre-approval confirmation, receipts for plants and materials, and a simple sketch or plan showing what went where. A hand-drawn diagram with plant names works. If you're replacing your lawn step by step, the plan doesn't need to be fancy.

Common Mistakes That Get Applications Denied

• Starting work before getting pre-approval (the most common reason for denial)
• Converting areas that weren't irrigated turf to begin with
• Not taking clear enough before photos
• Missing the 90-day completion window
• Leaving bare soil without mulch, plants, or hardscape

Where to Buy Native Plants in Austin

Barton Springs Nursery and The Natural Gardener are the go-to spots for native plants in Austin. Both carry species adapted to Central Texas conditions, which means faster establishment and less water from day one. See the Texas native plant nurseries page for more options.

The cost comparison between native landscaping and lawn breaks down what you'll spend. With rebates covering a big chunk, most people come out ahead within the first year when you factor in water savings. Our getting started guide can help you plan the whole project.