How to Get the Watershed Erosion and GSI Cost Share Program

What you get

Ciudad SWCD covers 80% of the project cost up to $5,000 for erosion control and green stormwater infrastructure (GSI) projects on properties within the district (most of Bernalillo County and part of southern Sandoval County, including Albuquerque, Rio Rancho, Corrales, Los Ranchos, and East Mountain communities like Tijeras). Eligible GSI work includes rainwater harvesting basins, swales, and rain gardens planted with climate-ready species, and curb cuts. Eligible erosion control work includes berms, swales, check dams, and stormwater culvert or bridge repairs. Applications are accepted year round on a first-come, first-served basis; applicants are contacted within six weeks. A separate Water Utility Authority Xeriscape rebate applies if the project converts lawn to xeriscape (ciudadswcd.org Watershed Erosion and GSI Cost Share Program page, last verified September 2026).

• Residential: 80% of project cost, up to $5,000

Are you eligible?

• Be a Ciudad Soil and Water Conservation District customer
• Property located in: Albuquerque, Rio Rancho, Corrales, Los Ranchos, Tijeras
• Property must be located within Ciudad SWCD boundaries
• Eligible applicants: individuals, schools, nonprofits, and neighborhood associations
• Government agencies and for-profit businesses are not eligible
• Applications reviewed and funded first-come, first-served; applicant contacted within six weeks

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

   Do the conversion

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

2. 2

   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.