How to Get the WaterSmart Rebates

What you get

LCRA's WaterSmart Rebates pay 50% of your cost, up to $3,000 per residential property each year, across four rebate types. Turf conversion (pre-approval required): $0.50 per square foot up to $2,000 for converting at least 200 square feet of healthy turf to native beds or drought-tolerant landscape, with no turf grass or automatic irrigation in the replacement. Other landscape rebates: compost and mulch 50% up to $1,000 (no Dillo Dirt, rock, or rubber), mechanical aeration 50% up to $200, and a soil test up to $50 through Texas A&M AgriLife Extension or 50% up to $125 through the Texas Plant and Soil Lab. Irrigation: a free system evaluation through a participating provider, or up to $100 toward one with a licensed irrigator, plus equipment rebates (WaterSense smart controllers up to $100, soil moisture sensors up to $250, rain sensors up to $20, pressure-regulating heads and nozzles up to $5 each, valves and in-line regulators up to $100, hose-end timers up to $40). Pool: filters up to $250 per high-efficiency cartridge, and covers 50% up to $50 per manual or solar ring or up to $200 for a permanent mechanical cover. Rebates cover material costs, not labor or tax. (LCRA WaterSmart Rebates program page, last verified July 2026.)

• Residential: Up to $3,000/yr
• Commercial: Up to $5,000 per system

Are you eligible?

• Be a Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA) customer
• Property located in: Cedar Park, Pflugerville, Round Rock, Leander, Lakeway, Bee Cave, Dripping Springs
• Must have a water account with LCRA or one of LCRA's firm water customers
• Turf conversion requires pre-approval from LCRA before you start (email WaterSmart@lcra.org)
• Submit the online application within 90 calendar days of completing the work
• Itemized receipts required; rebates cover material costs, not labor or tax, unless specified
• W-9 required if you apply for $600 or more in total rebates in a calendar year (LCRA issues a 1099)
• First-come, first-served; funding is not guaranteed
• Irrigation work must be done by the system owner or a Texas-licensed irrigator

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 Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA) 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.