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Colorado Water Rebates

Fort Collins, Colorado Water Rebates

Fort Collins Utilities offers the Xeriscape Incentive Program (XIP), which pays $0.75 per square foot for converting lawn to xeriscape. A native plant bonus adds $0.25 per square foot when at least 80% of replacement plants are Colorado native species, bringing the per-square-foot rate to $1.00. The base rebate is capped at $750. A separate upfront landscape bonus, introduced in 2025, offers $0.30 per square foot (up to $3,000) to help offset project costs before work begins. Applicants must attend a free xeriscape class and receive pre-approval before removing any lawn.

Common steps for every program in this guide

  1. Attend a free Fort Collins Utilities xeriscape class. Register for a free xeriscape class through fcgov.com/utilities. Class attendance is required before submitting an XIP application. Classes are offered periodically throughout the year; check the utilities calendar for upcoming sessions.
  2. Apply online at fcgov.com and receive pre-approval. After completing the class, submit the XIP application at fcgov.com/utilities. Include the planned conversion square footage, your utility account number, and your proposed plant list. Wait for written pre-approval before removing any lawn.
  3. Remove lawn and install xeriscape. After receiving pre-approval, remove the qualifying lawn and install drought-tolerant plants and mulch. If pursuing the native plant bonus, ensure at least 80% of plants are from the Fort Collins-approved native species list. Photograph the area before and after installation.
  4. Schedule a post-installation inspection and receive rebate. Contact Fort Collins Utilities to schedule the final inspection. The inspector will measure the converted area, verify plant species and coverage, and confirm the native plant percentage if you are claiming the bonus. After approval, the rebate is issued per the standard program schedule.

Full application guide for Fort Collins: required documents and how to avoid rejection

Rebates available

Fort Collins Water Rebate FAQs

Why is a xeriscape class required before I can apply?
Fort Collins Utilities requires class attendance to ensure participants understand xeriscape design principles, plant selection, and irrigation requirements before applying. This reduces the likelihood of projects that do not meet the qualifying standards and protects the customer from investing in a project that may not pass inspection.
What counts as a native plant for the 80% bonus threshold?
Fort Collins Utilities maintains a list of approved Colorado native species on the XIP program page at fcgov.com/utilities. Plants on that list count toward the 80% native threshold required for the $0.25/sq ft bonus. Plants not on the approved list, even if regionally adapted, may not qualify.
Can I claim the upfront bonus and the base rebate at the same time?
The upfront landscape bonus introduced in 2025 is a separate incentive from the XIP base rebate and native plant bonus. Contact Fort Collins Utilities directly to confirm the current stacking rules and whether both can apply to the same project, as program terms may change between seasons.

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Programs change throughout the year. If something here is out of date or wrong, tell us and we'll check it against the provider.

We compile these programs from utility and city pages, and not every amount here has been independently confirmed. Program details also change throughout the year. Always verify requirements, amounts, and eligibility directly with your water utility before starting work. Pollinator Patch is not affiliated with any rebate program and does not guarantee approval.