Albuquerque, New Mexico Water Conservation Rebates (2025 Guide)

How to Apply for Albuquerque Water Rebates

1. 1

   Apply online at abcwua.org to start the rebate process

   Submit the xeriscape rebate application at abcwua.org. Include the property address, estimated square footage to convert, and your proposed plant list from the Xeriscaping Guide. Your application date establishes your place in the funding queue.

   You'll need:

   • ABCWUA account number
   • Property address
   • Estimated square footage of turf to convert
   • Proposed plant selections from the ABCWUA Xeriscaping Guide

   ABCWUA xeriscape rebate application
2. 2

   Call 505-289-3026 to schedule your pre-project inspection

   After submitting the online application, call the ABCWUA xeriscape inspector line at 505-289-3026 to schedule the pre-project site visit. The inspector will confirm the area, verify turf coverage, and discuss the conversion plan.

3. 3

   Receive your Notice to Proceed — do not start before this

   ABCWUA will issue a written Notice to Proceed after the pre-project inspection. Do not remove any turf or purchase plants until you have this notice in hand. Work started before the Notice to Proceed is issued does not qualify for the rebate.

4. 4

   Complete the xeriscape conversion according to the approved plan

   Remove turf, install drip or bubbler irrigation, plant approved species at the planned spacing, and apply at least 3 inches of mulch between plants. Keep receipts for all materials and photograph the project before and after.

   You'll need:

   • Receipts for plants, mulch, drip irrigation parts
   • Before-and-after photographs
5. 5

   Schedule post-project inspection and receive rebate payment

   Contact ABCWUA to schedule the post-installation inspection. The inspector will measure the converted area and verify the plant list, irrigation, and mulch coverage. Rebate payment is calculated at $3 per verified square foot.

ABCWUA Xeriscape Incentive Program: $3/sq ft

ABCWUA offers $3 per square foot of high-water-use turf converted to approved xeriscape landscaping. The program is open to both residential and commercial ABCWUA customers. Rebates are limited to available funds and awarded on a first-come, first-served basis from the date of application. Do not start any turf removal before receiving a written Notice to Proceed from ABCWUA — work begun before this notice does not qualify.

• Active ABCWUA water account at the conversion address
• Residential or commercial property
• Apply online and schedule a pre-project inspection before starting
• Receive written Notice to Proceed from ABCWUA
• Replace with ABCWUA-approved desert-friendly plants (Xeriscaping Guide list)
• At least 50% of the project area covered by plants at maturity
• Convert spray irrigation to drip, bubbler, or hand-watered system
• Minimum 3 inches of mulch between plants

Approved Plants and Materials

Replacement plants must appear on the ABCWUA Xeriscaping Guide plant list, which is available on the ABCWUA website and at the Conservation Office. At least 50% of the rebate area must be covered by plants as they appear at maturity. The space between plants must be covered with a minimum of 3 inches of organic mulch or rock mulch. Existing spray sprinklers in the conversion area must be removed or converted to drip, bubbler, or hand-watered irrigation.