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New Mexico Water Rebates

Albuquerque, New Mexico Water Rebates

The Albuquerque Bernalillo County Water Utility Authority (ABCWUA) pays $3 per square foot for residential and commercial customers who convert high-water-use turf grass to desert-friendly xeriscape. Replacement landscaping must use plants from the ABCWUA-approved Xeriscaping Guide plant list, with drip or bubbler irrigation and at least 3 inches of mulch between plants. A pre-project inspection and written Notice to Proceed from ABCWUA are required before you begin any work.

Common steps for every program in this guide

  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.
  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. 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. 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.
  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.

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

Rebates available

Albuquerque Water Rebate FAQs

Can I start removing turf before applying?
No. You must submit an online application, schedule a pre-project inspection, and receive a written Notice to Proceed from ABCWUA before removing any turf. Work started without a Notice to Proceed does not qualify for the rebate.
What plants qualify for the ABCWUA xeriscape rebate?
Plants must appear on the ABCWUA Xeriscaping Guide plant list. The list includes native New Mexico plants and desert-adapted species appropriate for the Albuquerque metro area. The current plant list is available at abcwua.org and at the ABCWUA Conservation Office.
Is there a maximum rebate amount?
ABCWUA publishes rebate amounts per square foot but does not publish a stated maximum per property. Rebates are subject to available funding and awarded first come, first served. Contact ABCWUA at 505-842-9287 (option 4) to ask about current funding availability before starting your project.
Does the rebate apply to backyard conversions as well as front yard?
Yes, the ABCWUA Xeriscape Incentive Program applies to any qualifying turf area on the property. Both front and back yard turf converted to approved xeriscape can be included in a single application.

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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.