Austin, Texas Water Conservation Rebates (2025 Guide)
Austin Water offers rebates for turf conversion, irrigation upgrades, and rainwater harvesting. Residents can stack multiple programs. This page covers every active rebate, amounts, and how to apply.
Rebate Summary
| Rebate Program | Amount | Type |
|---|---|---|
| WaterWise Landscaping (turf → native plants) | Up to $5,000/yr | Residential |
| Irrigation System Upgrades | Up to $1,000 | Residential |
| Rainwater Harvesting | Up to $5,000 | Residential |
Austin Water rebates can be combined. Pre-approval required for WaterWise landscaping and rainwater systems over 500 gallons.
Austin WaterWise Landscaping Rebate — Up to $5,000/yr
Austin Water pays for converting turf grass to native or drought-tolerant landscaping. Existing turf must be at least 75% healthy. Pre-approval required before you start. Apply through the online portal. LCRA WaterSmart rebates can stack for many Austin-area residents.
- Must be an Austin Water residential customer
- Existing turf at least 75% healthy
- Pre-approval required
- Apply online through Austin Water rebate portal
Use Pollinator Patch to find Central Texas natives that thrive in Austin's Edwards Plateau and Blackland Prairie soils.
Austin Irrigation System Upgrade Rebate — Up to $1,000
Austin Water rebates irrigation improvements: smart controllers, pressure regulating valves (up to $150), watering timers (50% off, up to $40 for two). Up to $1,000 total for efficiency upgrades. HOAs cannot prohibit water-efficient irrigation under Texas law.
- Must be an Austin Water residential customer
- Submit proof of purchase
- Apply through Austin Water rebate portal
Austin Rainwater Harvesting Rebate — Up to $5,000
Austin pays $0.50 per gallon for non-pressurized systems, $1.00 per gallon for pressurized. Up to 50% of equipment cost, $5,000 per site. Systems over 500 gallons require pre-approval before purchase. Texas Property Code §202.007 protects rainwater harvesting from HOA prohibition.
- Must be an Austin Water customer
- Systems over 500 gallons need pre-approval
- Tank, pad, screens, filters, first-flush eligible
- Apply every 12 months for expansions until $5,000 limit
How to Apply for Austin Water Rebates
- 1
Confirm you're an Austin Water customer
Rebates are for Austin Water residential customers. LCRA customers in the Austin area may have additional options.
- 2
Get pre-approval where required
WaterWise landscaping and rainwater systems over 500 gallons need pre-approval before you start.
- 3
Complete your project and keep receipts
Save itemized receipts and before/after photos.
- 4
Submit via Austin Water online portal
Apply at austintexas.gov. Contact watercon@austintexas.gov or 512-974-2199 for paper or Spanish applications.
Austin Water Rebate FAQs
Can I stack Austin and LCRA rebates?
Does my HOA affect rebate eligibility?
When is the best time to apply?
Related Pages
Planning a Native Yard? Pollinator Patch Can Help.
Pollinator Patch helps you pick the right native plants for your region, design an HOA-conscious layout, and generate documentation that supports rebate applications.