CARTRIDGE POOL FILTER

Program Eligibility & Guidelines

Austin Water’s Cartridge Pool Filter Rebate helps homeowners with the cost of replacing a sand or D.E. (diatomaceous earth) pool filter with a high-efficiency cartridge pool filter.  

Water Savings

• Save between 2,000 and 8,000 gallons of water annually in backwash
• Cartridge-filter technology consumes twelve times less water compared to sand or D.E. pool filters

Rebate Amount

• Up to $250 to replace a sand or D.E. pool filter with a cartridge pool filter
• Limited to one Pool Cartridge Filter Rebate per customer, per service address
• Rebate amount may not exceed total amount of eligible equipment costs
  • Eligible equipment costs: filter only
  • Ineligible equipment costs: any applicable taxes, fees, labor, or reinstallation costs

Program Eligibility 

Applicant:

• Must be a customer or homeowners association (HOA) with water service from Austin Water or a qualifying water provider
• Must be the property owner
• Property must be a single- or multi-family property with an outdoor pool
  • Homeowners associations are eligible
• Have not already received the Pool Cartridge Filter Rebate at this address
• Agree to keep the cartridge pool filter installed in the Austin Water service area

Cartridge Pool Filter:

• Must be new and intended for use as a pool filter; second-hand filters are not eligible
• Must be replacing an existing sand or D.E. pool filter with a cartridge pool filter 

Rebate Checklist

• Meet all eligibility requirements above
• Buy and install the cartridge pool filter
• Submit the application within 90 days of installation and 1 year (365 days) of purchase, and include:
  • Itemized, paid-in-full receipt with vendor contact and payment information
  • IRS Form W-9 (multi-family and HOA applicants only)
• Wait 6-8 weeks for your Austin Water rebate check

Last updated:  2024-04-24

IRRIGATION UPGRADE

Program Eligibility & Guidelines

Austin Water’s Irrigation Upgrade Rebate helps single-family residential customers with costs to improve their existing irrigation system’s water efficiency.

Water Savings

• Reduces water waste by making your irrigation system more efficient

Rebate Amount

• Up to $1000 total rebate per property (lifetime limit)
  • Rain Sensor or Soil Moisture Sensor - up to $50 (limited to once per site for lifetime of property)
  • Irrigation System Pressure Regulating Valve (PRV) - up to $150 (limited to once per site for lifetime of property)
  • Pressure Regulating Components other than PRV (such as heads, station valves, and valve attachments) – 50% of task cost, up to $400
  • Converting station from spray to multi-stream, multi-trajectory rotor nozzles - $4 a nozzle, up to $200 
  • Converting station from 2- or 4-inch pop up heads to 6-inch heads - $3 a head, up to $200
  • Converting a station to drip - up to $50 per station
  • Capping a station (remove station valve and keep for final inspection) - $100 per station
• Rebate amount may not exceed cost of eligible project costs
  • Eligible project costs: materials and labor
  • Ineligible project costs: any applicable taxes, shipping or delivery

Program Eligibility

Applicant:

• Must be a single-family customer of Austin Water or a qualifying water provider
• Must be the property owner or utility accountholder
• May not have applied in the past 12 months or reached the $1,000 lifetime limit for the site
  • Rain Sensor or soil moisture sensor and irrigation system pressure regulating valve rebate task items are limited to once per site for the lifetime of the property
• Agrees to any needed post-installation inspections by Austin Water

Irrigation System:

• Upgrades must be to improve an existing system
  • New systems and/or expansions of existing systems do not qualify
• The homeowner or a licensed irrigator must do the irrigation work (Texas Administrative Code Chapter 344)
• You must convert an entire station if you are:
  • Installing pressure compensating heads
  • Converting from spray to multi-stream, multi-trajectory rotor nozzles
• If converting a station to drip, you must include the pressure regulation and filter method noted on the invoice
• If capping a station, you must remove the station valve and keep it for final inspection
  • Cap must remain visible until final inspection is complete
• Must have an appropriate backflow prevention device

Rebate Checklist

• Meet all eligibility requirements above
• Complete irrigation upgrades
• Submit the application within 90 days of completing upgrades and 1 year (365 days) of project purchases, and include:
  • Itemized, paid-in-full receipts with vendor contact, payment information, line-item detail for each category requested, and charges for taxes separated from material and labor costs
• Wait 6-8 weeks for your Austin Water rebate check

Last updated:  2024-04-24

LANDSCAPE SURVIVAL TOOLS

Program Eligibility & Guidelines

Austin Water’s Landscape Survival Tools Rebate for mulch, compost, and core aeration can help keep your yard healthy while saving water.

Water Savings

• Can lower your irrigation run times by half or reduce your need for hose-end irrigation

Rebate Amount

• Compost - $50 for at least 2 cubic yards (54 cubic feet) of compost (DilloDirt is acceptable)
• Mulch - $40 for at least 2 cubic yards (54 cubic feet) of mulch
• Core aeration - $30 for core aeration service of entire front and/or back lawn
• Rebate amount may not exceed total amount of eligible project costs

Program Eligibility

Applicant:

• Must be a single-family customer of Austin Water or a qualifying water provider
• Must be the property owner or utility account holder
• Materials purchased from fundraising events are not eligible
• May not have already received the Landscape Survival Tools rebate in the past 36 months (3 years)
• Allow Austin Water to monitor yard and future water use for rebate program effectiveness

Rebate Checklist

• Meet all eligibility requirements above
• Agree to reduce irrigation by adjusting your automatic irrigation run times or shortening the time you use your hose-end sprinkler
• Submit the application within 90 days of installation and 1 year (365 days) of purchase of all applicable tools, and include:
  • Itemized and dated paid-in-full receipts/invoices with vendor contact information
  • Photos showing final installation of each applicable Landscape Tool
• Wait 6-8 weeks for your Austin Water rebate check

Resources

• Landscape Survival Tools Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Last updated:  2024-04-24

LAUNDRY-TO-LANDSCAPE

Program Eligibility & Guidelines

Austin Water’s Laundry-to-Landscape Rebate can help you buy equipment to reuse your laundry graywater to water your landscape.

Water Savings

• Using a laundry-to-landscape system can help reduce the amount of paid water you use

Rebate Amount

• 50% of eligible system material costs, up to $150
• Limit one rebate per property address
• Eligible system material costs include: (1) three-way valve, tubing, fittings, clamps, adapters, auto vents, and basin materials such as mulch
  • Ineligible system material costs include: labor, shipping or delivery, applicable taxes, and costs of auxiliary water source requirements

Program Eligibility

Applicant:

• Must be a residential customer of Austin Water or a qualifying water provider
• Must be the property owner or utility account holder
• Agrees to keep the laundry-to-landscape system installed in the Austin Water service area
• Agrees to any needed post-installation inspections by Austin Water
• Willing to let Austin Water reference the project in outreach materials

Graywater System:

• May only use laundry graywater from residential washing machines
• Must be a new system; may not be replacing an existing laundry-to-landscape system
• Must be gravity-fed
• Graywater may not be stored, runoff into streets or waterways, or pond/pool on the soil surface
• System must meet all City of Austin permit requirements, including Cross Connection Protection, Plumbing Code, and Watershed Protection requirements, as well as all other regulations and requirements as applicable (contact Development Assistance Center at 512-978-4000)
• System may not be installed in the Edwards Aquifer Recharge Zone or any other area deemed to be environmentally sensitive (contact Watershed Protection at 512-974-2550)

Rebate Checklist

• Meet all eligibility requirements above
• Buy and install the laundry-to-landscape system
• Submit the application within 90 days of installation and 1 year (365 days) of project purchases, and include:
  • Itemized, dated, paid-in-full receipts with vendor contact and payment information for system material costs
  • System sketch:  showing system design and components
  • Photographs:  showing final installation of system
• Wait 6-8 weeks for your Austin Water rebate check

Resources

• Residential Graywater Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
• TCEQ - Edwards Aquifer Map Viewer

Last updated:  2024-04-24

POOL COVER

Program Eligibility & Guidelines

Austin Water’s Pool Cover Rebate helps homeowners with the cost of buying a pool cover. A properly-fitted pool cover can reduce water lost to evaporation and lower pool maintenance costs. 

Water Savings

• Reduce evaporation by up to 90-95%, or by up to 6,000-8,000 gallons per year
• Prevent up to 80-90% of debris from getting into the pool, reducing the need for chemical application and workload on pool cleaning system
• Keep pool water temperature up to 6-8 degrees warmer in the spring and fall

Rebate Amount

• Manual pool cover - 50% of the purchase price, up to $50
• Permanent mechanical pool cover - 50% of the purchase price, up to $200
• Limited to one Pool Cover Rebate per customer, per service address

Definitions

• Pool cover:  A cover which can be place over the water area of a swimming pool and is intended fro use during the open swim season. Does not include solar rings or liquid suppressants
• Manual pool cover:  A cover which requires it to be placed over the water by hand, including by a hand-cranked reel
• Mechanical pool cover:  A permanently installed cover which can be placed over the water and removed by a motorized mechanism turned-on with a switch, button, or other suitable control mechanism

Program Eligibility

Applicant:

• Must be a residential customer of Austin Water or a qualifying water provider
• Own and live in a single-family home with an outdoor pool
• Have not already received the Pool Cover Rebate at this address
• Agrees to keep the pool cover installed in the Austin Water service area
• Willing to take part in an Austin Water survey about pool cover use

Pool Cover:

• May not be replacing an existing pool cover
• Must be new and intended for use as a pool cover
  • Second-hand and mesh covers are ineligible 

Rebate Checklist

• Meet all eligibility requirements above
• Buy and install the pool cover
• Submit the application within 90 days of installation and 1 year (365 days) of purchase, and include:
  • Itemized, dated, paid-in-full receipts with vendor contact information
• Wait 6-8 weeks for your Austin Water rebate check

Last updated:  2024-04-24

PRESSURE REGULATING VALVE (PRV)

Program Eligibility & Guidelines

Austin Water’s Pressure Regulating Valve (PRV) Rebate helps homeowners with the purchase and installation of a PRV to reduce water pressure in the home. 

Water Savings

• Reduce water waste by lowering water pressure
• Prevent damage to pipes, appliances, and water fixtures from undue wear

Rebate Amount

• Up to $150 per water account for parts and labor (any applicable taxes are not included)
• Limited to one Pressure Regulating Valve Rebate per household for the life of house

Program Eligibility

Applicant:

• Must be a residential customer of Austin Water or a qualifying water provider with no more than four units
  • Properties with five or more units may apply using the Multi-Family PRV Rebate
• Must be the property owner or utility account holder
• Have existing water pressure of 80 pounds per square inch (psi) or higher without a PRV
• Must consider the possible impacts of reducing the water pressure and understand that Austin Water is not responsible for any subsequent problems that may occur
• Must take care of any future repairs or replacement of the PRV

Pressure Regulating Valve:

• Must be installed by a licensed plumber and set between 35-65 psi
• May not be replacing an existing PRV
• Must be an International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO) approved model
• Must meet all applicable permitting requirements prior to rebate approval
• Must be installed in a sleeve or meter box that is easily accessible for maintenance

Rebate Checklist

• Meet all eligibility requirements above
• Confirm the property's water pressure is at least 80 psi (your plumber can take a reading or you can contact Austin Water for an estimate at 512-974-2199 or watercon@austintexas.gov)
• If you have an irrigation system, ask your plumber or licensed irrigator whether the PRV should be installed before or after the irrigation tap
  • If you need a second PRV for your irrigation system, see the Irrigation Upgrade Rebate
• Obtain a plumbing permit(your plumber may do this for you) and have the PRV installed
• Submit the application within 90 days of installation and 1 year (365 days) of purchase, and include:
  • Itemized, dated, paid-in-full receipts showing the make and model of the PRV, plumber's license number, and PRV installation date
• Wait 6-8 weeks for your Austin Water rebate check

Last updated:  2024-04-24

RAINWATER HARVESTING

Program Eligibility & Guidelines

Austin Water's Rainwater Harvesting Rebate* can help you buy equipment for capturing rainwater.

*NOTE:  For tanks greater than 500 gallons in capacity (including combined capacity if multiple tanks are connected) applicants must get pre-approval from Austin Water before buying or installing any equipment.

Water Savings

• Water captured from a rainwater harvesting system can supplement, or even replace, the water you would normally use to irrigate your landscape

Rebate Amount

• Up to $5,000 per site, based on rainwater storage capacity
  • Non-pressurized (no pump): $0.50 per gallon of capacity, up to half of the eligible equipment cost
  • Pressured (has a pump): $1.00 per gallon of capacity, up to half of the eligible equipment cost
  • May apply every 12 months for system expansions until the $5,000 per site limit is reached
• Eligible equipment costs (materials and labor) include tank(s), pad, screens, filters, first-flush, and selected piping installation
  • Ineligible for rebate are costs for gutters, irrigation system, shipping or delivery, and auxiliary water source requirements
• Applicants will receive the lesser of the per-gallon calculation or half of the equipment cost

Program Eligibility

Applicant:

• Must be a customer of Austin Water or a qualifying water provider
• Must be the property owner or utility account holder
• May not have applied in the past 12 months or reached the $5,000 limit for the site
• Must intend to keep a system 500 gallons or less in service for five years and a system greater than 500 gallons in service for ten years
• Agrees to any needed pre- and post-installation inspection by Austin Water
• Agrees to let Austin Water reference the project in outreach materials

Rainwater Harvesting System:

• Must be a new system or an expansion of an existing system
• Must meet City subdivision and zoning requirements, including setback and impervious cover limits (contact Development Assistance Center at 512-978-4000) and any homeowners association regulations
• Systems with a pump and greater than 500 gallons of capacity (including combined capacity if multiple tanks are connected) must meet auxiliary water requirements, including cross connection testing, backflow prevention, and permits prior to rebate approval. (For more information, contact Special Services at 512-972-1060)
• Equipment must be new and intended for rainwater harvesting
• Metal tanks must be lined. Transparent tanks/pipes must be painted or enclosed
• Tanks that are greater than 500 gallons must have a first-flush diversion system and a level base made of gravel, sand, or concrete

Rebate Checklist

For tanks 500 gallons or less

• Meet all eligibility requirements as outlined above
• Install the system
• Submit the application within 90 days of installation and 1 year (365 days) of purchase, and include:
  • Itemized, dated, paid-in-full receipt(s) with vendor contact and payment information
• To comply with IRS tax regulations, applicants who receive more than $600 in water conservation rebates within the same calendar year will need to provide additional information for tax reporting purposes prior to rebate approval. This information includes either the applicant's social security number or a completed and signed IRS W-9 Form. If applicable, an Austin Water Conservation team member will contact the applicant with more information on how to submit this information. 
• Apply for the Stormwater Management Discount
• Wait 6-8 weeks for your Austin Water rebate check

For tanks greater than 500 gallons*

*(including combined capacity if connected)

• Meet all eligibility requirements as outlined above
• Submit application for pre-approval before you buy and install any equipment and include:
  • Site Drawing: show locations of buildings, streets, existing/proposed tank(s), water mater, and piping from the tank to the landscaped areas; identify the size of the catchment area (usually the roof) and the area you will water with rainwater
  • System Drawing: sketch plans for the system, including piping, first-flush diversion system, pump location (if applicable), tank material, dimensions, placement, pad materials (must be gravel, sand, or concrete) and construction
  • Operation & Maintenance Guide: describe how the system will function and how you will maintain it
  • Photographs: show existing area(s) the cistern(s) will be located
  • IRS W-9 form (commercial and multi-family accounts only)
• Receive a pre-approval letter from Austin Water
• Within 90 days after Austin Water issues the pre-approval letter:
  • Buy materials, get any required permits, and install the system
  • Submit the rebate calculation worksheet, photos of the installed tanks, and itemized, dated, paid-in-full receipts with vendor contact and payment information to Austin Water
• Complete a post-installation inspection (if required)
• To comply with IRS tax regulations, applicants who receive more than $600 in water conservation rebates within the same calendar year may need to submit either their social security number or an IRS W-9 form prior to rebate approval and processing (if applicable, the program administrator will contact you with more information on how to complete the process)
• Apply for the Stormwater Management Discount
• Wait 6-8 weeks for your Austin Water rebate check

Other Resources

• Rainwater Harvesting Frequently Asked Questions
• Examples of Site and System Drawings
• Stormwater Management Discount

Last updated:  2024-04-24

WATERING TIMER

Program Eligibility & Guidelines

Austin Water’s Watering Timer Rebate gives residential customers more control over hose-end watering. These timers are easily added to existing hose-end sprinklers.

Water Savings

• Reduces the chance of overwatering
• Allows you to water during early morning hours or while you are away
• Makes it easier to follow the watering schedule

Rebate Amount

• 50% of the purchase price (tax not included), up to $40
• Limited to one rebate (for up to two watering timers) per customer, per service address

Program Eligibility

Applicant:

• Must be a residential customer of Austin Water or a qualifying water provider 
• Have not already received the Watering Timer Rebate at this address
• Agrees to keep the watering timer(s) installed within the Austin Water service area
• Willing to take part in an Austin Water survey about your watering timer use

Watering Timer:

• Any brand or style is eligible
• Hose-end vacuum breakers must be used with watering timers (Local Amendments to the Plumbing Code - Table 603.2)
  • You may buy a timer with built-in vacuum breakers or buy the vacuum breakers separately
  • Since vacuum breakers are required, Austin Water is unable to rebate their cost

Rebate Checklist

• Meet all eligibility requirements above
• Buy and install the watering timer(s) and hose-bibb vacuum breakers
• Submit the application within 90 days of installation and 1 year (365 days) of purchase, and include:
  • Itemized, dated, paid-in-full receipts with vendor contact information for the watering timer(s) and vacuum breakers (if purchased separately)
• Wait 6-8 weeks for your Austin Water rebate check

Rebate Checklist

• Diagram:  Correct placement of hose-bibb vacuum breakers

Last updated:  2024-04-24

WATERWISE LANDSCAPE

Program Eligibility & Guidelines

Austin Water’s WaterWise Landscape Rebate* helps residents convert turf grass to native plant beds.

*NOTE:  Applicants must get pre-approval from Austin Water before buying or installing any project material.

Water Savings

• WaterWise landscape can reduce or end the need for extra watering

Rebate Amount

• Up to $3,000 per property (lifetime limit)
  • $100 per 100 square feet converted (500 sq. ft. minimum)
• Rebate amount may not exceed total amount of eligible project costs

Program Eligibility

Applicant:

• Must be a residential customer of Austin Water or a qualifying water provider 
• Apply for pre-approval prior to purchasing or installing any project materials
  • One application accepted per 12-month period
  • May reapply every 12 months for more areas until the lifetime limit is reached
  • Must have property owner's permission to apply (if not the owner)
• Agree to pre- and post-installation inspections by Austin Water
• Willing to let Austin Water track your water use and refer to the project in outreach materials

Conversion Area:

• Must convert at least 500 square feet of turfgrass to low water-use plant bed(s) topped with hardwood mulch
  • 75% of area must have healthy turf grass at the time of application
• Must use native/adapted plants from the Grow Green Plant Guide (Austin Water may approve any substitutions)
  • Cannot replace turf grass with another type of turf grass
• Must have at least 50% plant cover (at plant maturity)
  • Must install plants between Mar 15 - May 15 and/or Sep 15 - Nov 15
• Plant beds must be top dressed with at least 2-3 inches of organic mulch
• Existing irrigation systems must be capped off or changed to drip or low-use bubblers
• No new permanent irrigation system may be installed in the conversion area
• Gravel paths may not be over 3 feet wide
• Gravel patios may not be over 200 square feet in area
• No gravel between sidewalk and street
• No water features allowed
• It is responsibility of the homeowner to comply with any applicable homeowners association (HOA) requirements. A conflict between these guidelines and HOA requirements may result in the denial of a rebate application.

Rebate Checklist

• Meet all eligibility requirements above
• Submit application for pre-approval before you buy or install any materials and include:
  • Pre-installation photos:  show complete conversion area
  • Site plan:  show property lines, existing plants, locations/dimension of buildings, streets, sidewalks, driveways, and proposed conversion area (must show accurate square footage - see the Conversion Area Measurement Guide for help)
  • Planting plan:  list the types of plants that you want to use, including their mature spread, and sketch their proposed location (does not have to be to scale)
• Complete a pre-inspection (if required)
• Wait to receive a pre-approval letter from Austin Water
• Once you receive the pre-approval letter:
  • Buy materials and convert the area to a WaterWise landscape
  • Wait until the approved dates to install any plants
  • Submit photos showing finished project and itemized, dated, paid-in-full receipts/invoices with vendor contact information to Austin Water
• Complete a post-inspection (if required)
• Wait 6-8 weeks for your Austin Water rebate check

Rebate Checklist

• WaterWise Landscape Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
• Conversion Area Measurement Guide
• Sample Site & Planting Plans
• WaterWise Landscape Yard Samples

Last updated:  2024-04-17

WATERWISE RAINSCAPE

Program Eligibility & Guidelines

Austin Water’s WaterWise Rainscape Rebate* helps residents install landscape features (berms, terraces, swales, rain gardens, porous pavement, etc.) to keep rainwater on the property. 

*NOTE:  Applicants must get pre-approval from Austin Water before buying or installing any project materials.

Water Savings

• Rainscapes can help to prevent runoff and reduce the amount of paid water used for landscape watering

Rebate Amount

• $0.50 for every square foot converted (100 sq. ft. minimum), up to $1,500 per property (lifetime limit)
• Additional $0.50 per square foot for areas where healthy grass is removed
• Rebate amount may not exceed the total amount of eligible project costs

Program Eligibility

Applicant:

• Must be a residential customer of Austin Water or a qualifying water provider 
• Property must already be developed (new construction does not apply)
• Apply for pre-approval prior to purchasing or installing any project materials
  • One application accepted per 12-month period
  • May reapply every 12 months for more areas until the lifetime limit is reached
• Must have property owner's permission to apply (if applicant is not the property owner)
• Agree to pre- and post-installation inspections by Austin Water
• Willing to let Austin Water track your water use and refer to the project in outreach materials

Rainscape:

• Must cover at least 100 square feet
  • Gravel or rock rainscapes may not be more than 3 feet wide
• Must install any plants between Mar 15 - May 15 and/or Sep 15 - Nov 15
• Must meet all homeowners association requirements (if applicable)
• Must not need a site plan submission or other authorization under the City's Land Development Code (schools only)
• If site is within the Edwards Aquifer Recharge or Contributing Zones, contact the Texas Commission for Environmental Quality (TCEQ) at 512-339-2929 for any additional requirements
• For rainwater collection tanks/cisterns, use the Rainwater Harvesting Rebate

Rebate Checklist

• Meet all eligibility requirements
• Submit application for pre-approval before you buy or install any materials and include:
  • Pre-installation photos: show complete area where you plan to install the rainscape
  • Project drawing: show property lines, locations/dimensions of buildings, and proposed rainscape size and features (must show accurate square footage - see the Conversation Area Measuring Guide for help)
• Complete a pre-inspection (if required)
• Wait to receive a pre-approval letter from Austin Water
• After you receive the pre-approval letter:
  • Buy materials and convert the area to a WaterWise Rainscape
  • Wait until the approved dates to install any plants
  • Submit photos showing finished work and itemized, dated, paid-in-full receipts/invoices with vendor contact information to Austin Water
• Complete a post-inspection (if required)
• Apply for the Stormwater Management Discount
• Wait 6-8 weeks for your Austin Water rebate check

Rebate Checklist

• Rain Gardens Keeping Water on the Land
• Benefits of a Rain Garden
• Stormwater Management Discount

Last updated:  2023-10-01