Lincoln Waterwise Lawns Cost Share 2026

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Lincoln, Nebraska Water Rebates

The City of Lincoln Watershed Management runs the Waterwise Lawns and Landscapes Cost Share Program, which reimburses 75% of eligible expenses, up to $4,000, for installing a waterwise lawn or landscape. It targets underserved neighborhoods within the city. Funding is limited and applications are reviewed in the order received, so the program can fill quickly. Applications have to be approved before you begin work.

75% of eligible expenses, up to $4,000 · Verified June 2026

Waterwise Lawns and Landscapes Cost Share

Open the official program site

How to apply

Confirm your property is within Lincoln city limits and in the program target area
Apply during the application window, typically late March through April, or until funding runs out
Wait for your application to be reviewed and approved before doing any work
Install the waterwise landscape with native plants or deep-rooting turfgrass
Submit your receipts to receive 75% of eligible expenses, up to $4,000

What you'll need

Proof of property ownership within Lincoln city limits
Project plan and plant list
Approval confirmation from Watershed Management
Itemized receipts for eligible expenses
Before and after photos of the landscape area

Pollinator Patch can help: It picks Nebraska natives and deep-rooting turfgrass suited to Lincoln, designs an HOA-friendly waterwise layout, and assembles the plant list and before-photo packet you submit with your application.

Avoid these mistakes

Don't begin work before your application is reviewed and approved. Approval is required first.
Don't wait late in the season. Funding is limited and applications are reviewed in the order received.
Don't assume any property qualifies. The cost share targets underserved neighborhoods in a defined area.

Lincoln Water Rebate FAQs

How much does Lincoln pay for a waterwise lawn?

75% of eligible expenses, up to $4,000, to install a waterwise lawn or landscape in the program target area of underserved neighborhoods (City of Lincoln Watershed Management Waterwise Lawns and Landscapes Cost Share, verified June 2026).

Can I start work before I am approved?

No. Your application has to be reviewed and approved before any project work begins.

Does my property qualify?

The cost share targets underserved neighborhoods in a defined area within Lincoln city limits, and the applicant has to own the property. Confirm your address is in the target area before applying.

Is this the same as Rainscaping Lincoln?

No. Waterwise Lawns and Landscapes reimburses 75% up to $4,000, while the separate Rainscaping Lincoln program reimburses 50% up to $2,000. Both run through Lincoln Watershed Management.

Free step-by-step help with every rebate above

Every program above comes with a free guided checklist in the Pollinator Patch app: the steps in order, warnings before the mistakes that disqualify applications, and a photo locker that keeps your before and after photos and receipts together. A few high-value programs also offer an optional ready-to-file application packet for a one-time $29.99.