How to Get the WaterWise Landscaping Rebate
Austin Water · Central Texas, TX
What you get
Austin Water pays $100 for every 100 sq ft of turf grass converted to mulched plant beds, with a 200 sq ft minimum and a 3,000 sq ft maximum, so up to $3,000 (rate confirmed by Austin Water, October 2026). The lawn must be healthy turf grass: Austin Water's rebate portal says at least 50% of the existing turf area when you apply, and its WaterWise Landscaping Rebate Guide says at least 75% of the conversion area, so confirm which applies at pre-approval. The finished bed needs more than 50% plant cover once plants reach mature size. Work started before Austin Water approves the project does not qualify. Online application available. (Austin Water Rebates, Tools and Programs page, WaterWise Landscaping Rebate Guide and rebate portal Rebate Details page, last verified October 2026.)
- Residential: Up to $3,000
Are you eligible?
- Be a Austin Water customer
- Property located in: Austin
- Must be an Austin Water residential customer
- Healthy turf grass required: 50% of the existing turf area per the rebate portal, 75% of the conversion area per the rebate guide
- Apply online through Austin Water residential rebate portal
Before you start
Do not remove turf or begin work before you have written approval. This program requires pre-approval. Starting early can disqualify the project even if everything else is correct.
Austin also offers a separate HOA-specific WaterWise rebate for multi-family turf conversion, up to $5,000. Contact Austin Water for details.
Full Austin guide
Austin has a complete rebate guide with every local program, qualifying plants, and a step-by-step application walkthrough.
Austin water rebates: full guideThe application checklist
How to apply for the WaterWise Landscaping Rebate
These are the steps this application actually takes.
- 1
Get Pre-Approval
Austin Water requires pre-approval before you start. Confirm you are an Austin Water residential customer (or a customer of a qualifying water provider). Apply through the online portal. Do not start
- 2
Do the Work
Once pre-approved, remove the turf and replace it with native or drought-tolerant plants. Take photos during the work and save all receipts. You will need them for the application.
- 3
Submit Application
Submit your application through the online portal with before/after photos and receipts. Contact Austin Water if you need a paper or PDF application.
The call below also unlocks the ready-to-file packet for this program in the app.
Get help applying
Want a hand with the application?
A 30-minute call with Stephen, the founder. He reads the WaterWise Landscaping Rebate rules with you, tells you what to photograph and file first, and answers anything this page does not cover.
Confirm your project ZIP first. If this program does not serve your address, do not buy; check your city or utility on the rebates page instead.
One-time $29.99. Guidance, not filing: you submit to the program yourself. Not legal or financial advice. Rebate amounts and approval are decided by the program.
Every program listed cites its official source, and each program page shows the date we last verified it against that source. Program details change throughout the year, so always confirm requirements, amounts, and eligibility directly with the program before starting work. Pollinator Patch is not affiliated with any rebate program and does not guarantee approval.
See a problem with a program? Report it
Programs change throughout the year. If something here is out of date or wrong, tell us and we'll check it against the provider.