How to Get the Rainwater Harvesting Rebate Program
SMTX Utilities (City of San Marcos) · Central Texas, TX
What you get
SMTX Utilities pays $0.50 per gallon of storage capacity for non-pressurized rainwater systems and $1.00 per gallon for pressurized systems, in both cases capped at 50% of the purchase price. The maximum rebate per property is set by water meter size: $5,000 on a standard 5/8 x 3/4 inch residential meter, rising to $20,000 for 2 inch and larger meters. The rebate covers materials and labor for new finished barrels or tanks, tank pads, first-flush diverters, primary filtration, and pumps; gutters, miscellaneous pipe and fittings, advanced treatment, and irrigation components do not qualify. The rebate is issued as a credit on the utility bill (SMTX Utilities Rainwater Harvesting Rebate Program packet, last verified August 2026).
- Residential: $0.50/gallon of storage (non-pressurized) or $1.00/gallon (pressurized), up to 50% of purchase price; max $5,000 on a standard residential meter
Are you eligible?
- Be a SMTX Utilities (City of San Marcos) customer
- Property located in: San Marcos
- Existing SMTXU water utility customer with an account in good standing
- Small systems under 500 gallons: purchase and install first, then submit the application with itemized receipts and photos within 60 days after purchase
- Large systems of 500 gallons or more: submit the application with a site diagram, system drawing, and cost estimates BEFORE purchase, and wait for a Letter of Approval
- System must be installed within the SMTXU water service area and remain in use for the lifetime of the product
- Rebated amount is pre-tax and applies to new equipment and installation only
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.
Rebates are first come, first served and subject to availability of funds.
Full San Marcos guide
San Marcos has a complete rebate guide with every local program, qualifying plants, and a step-by-step application walkthrough.
San Marcos water rebates: full guideThe application checklist
How to apply for the Rainwater Harvesting Rebate Program
These are the steps this application actually takes.
- 1
Check eligibility and pick your track
You must be an existing SMTX Utilities water customer with an account in good standing, and the system must be installed inside the SMTXU service area. Then decide by storage size. Under 500 gallons:
- 2
Large systems only, get your Letter of Approval
For 500 gallons or more: fill in the application fields below, export your packet, and email it with a site diagram, a system drawing, and cost estimates or bids to jdelacruz3@sanmarcostx.gov. Conserv
- 3
Buy and install the system
Buy new finished barrels or tanks, the tank pad or foundation, first-flush diverter, primary filtration, and pump if you use one. Keep every itemized receipt. Install inside the SMTXU service area; th
- 4
Submit receipts and photos
Fill in any remaining fields below and export your packet. Email the completed application, itemized receipts, and photos of the installed system to jdelacruz3@sanmarcostx.gov. Under 500 gallons: with
Get help applying
Want a hand with the application?
A 30-minute call with Stephen, the founder. He reads the Rainwater Harvesting Rebate Program 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.