How to Get the Water Quality Grants Rebate

What you get

Rice Creek Watershed District funds 25 to 50% of total project costs up to a maximum of $10,000 depending on benefits to water resources, and up to 75% of eligible materials and contracted labor up to $10,000 for a project that is highly beneficial to water resources. Eligible projects include rain gardens, shoreline restorations, prairie restorations, and stabilizing shoreline erosion. All land and home owners in the district are eligible (Rice Creek Watershed District Water Quality Grants page; last verified July 2026).

• Residential: 25 to 50% of project costs up to $10,000, or 75% up to $10,000 for a highly beneficial project

Are you eligible?

• Be a Rice Creek Watershed District customer
• Property located in: Blaine, Lino Lakes, White Bear Lake, Shoreview, Fridley
• Land or home owner inside the Rice Creek Watershed District
• Free county conservation site visit and a Water Quality Plan design
• Citizen Advisory Committee review and Board funding decision
• Reimbursement on submitted receipts

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 Rice Creek Watershed District 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.