Fort Collins, Colorado Water Conservation Rebates (2025 Guide)

How to Apply for Fort Collins Water Rebates

1. 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.

   Fort Collins XIP program page and class schedule
2. 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.

   You'll need:

   • Fort Collins Utilities account number
   • Planned conversion square footage
   • Proposed plant list (note percentage of native species)
   • Proof of xeriscape class completion

   Fort Collins XIP application
3. 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.

   You'll need:

   • Before-and-after photographs of the project area
   • Plant receipts with species identification
   • Mulch and irrigation receipts
4. 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.

Fort Collins Xeriscape Incentive Program (XIP): $0.75/sq ft, max $750

The Fort Collins Utilities Xeriscape Incentive Program pays $0.75 per square foot for residential customers who convert lawn to xeriscape. The base rebate is capped at $750. A separate upfront landscape bonus, added in 2025, provides $0.30 per square foot up to $3,000 to cover project costs before the final inspection. Before applying, customers must attend a free xeriscape class offered by Fort Collins Utilities. Pre-approval is required before any lawn removal begins; work started before approval is ineligible.

• Active Fort Collins Utilities water account at the project address
• Attend a free Fort Collins Utilities xeriscape class before applying
• Submit an application and receive pre-approval before removing any lawn
• Replace lawn with approved xeriscape plants, mulch, and permeable materials
• Artificial turf does not qualify as a replacement material

Native Plant Bonus: +$0.25/sq ft

Projects where at least 80% of replacement plants are Colorado native species receive an additional $0.25 per square foot on top of the $0.75 base rate. This brings the effective rebate rate to $1.00 per square foot for qualifying native xeriscape conversions. Fort Collins Utilities maintains a list of pre-approved native plants on the XIP program page. The native plant bonus is calculated on the same converted square footage as the base rebate.