How to Get the Stormwater Management Discount Rebate

What you get

An ongoing discount on the drainage charge (not a one-time rebate), based on the impervious cover you offset, up to a 50% reduction. Rain gardens and rainwater harvesting qualify (a small rain garden saves roughly $0.70 to $1.20 per month). Measures must be voluntary, not required by development regulations (City of Austin Watershed Protection; last verified June 2026).

• Residential: Up to 50% off the drainage charge (impervious offset)

Are you eligible?

• Be a City of Austin Watershed Protection customer
• Property located in: Austin
• Austin drainage-charge customer (residential or commercial)
• Voluntary rain garden / rainwater harvesting (not required by development regs)
• May require documentation, maintenance plan, inspection, self-reporting

What applying usually looks like

A general guide. Always confirm the exact steps on the official program page, since each provider runs its process a little differently.

1. 1

   Apply and get written approval first

   Submit your application to City of Austin Watershed Protection and wait for written approval before you remove any turf or start work. Starting early is the most common reason a rebate is denied.

2. 2

   Do the conversion

   Replace your lawn with the qualifying landscaping, following the eligibility requirements above.

3. 3

   Submit your claim

   After the work is done, submit your claim on the official program page. Confirm the exact forms, receipts, and any photos they require there, since those vary by program.