• Adding compost and/or mulch to keep soil moist and prevent water loss from evaporation
• Changing irrigation heads to drip or low-flow nozzles
• Planting native or adaptive plants with lower water needs such as Texas sage, lantana, salvia, mountain laurel and agave plants

Austin Water offers rebates for each of these tools through the WaterWise Landscape Rebate Program to decrease outdoor irrigation. Residents can fill out an online application form and send site plan measurements and photos of their current grass conditions. After removing the existing grass and planting new ones, final photos and receipts can be submitted to Austin Water. Residents will be reimbursed $1 per square foot up to $3,000.

“This is a win-win opportunity for everyone to do their part to conserve water.” Kevin Kluge, Water Conservation Division Manager for Austin Water, says. “Austin remains in a drought and has had watering restrictions in effect since last August. Hot weather is just around the corner, and using drought-tolerant landscape principles helps the effort and extends our water supply.”

In addition to receiving a rebate for the cost of switching to WaterWise Landscape, customers can also save on their monthly water bills. Typically, turf grass needs 1 inch of water weekly in summer, while mature native beds may require only ½ to ¾ inch every other week. For instance, converting a 500-square-foot turf area, which requires 1,240 gallons monthly, to a WaterWise landscape could save up to 930 gallons monthly, leading to significant savings.

“Research conducted by the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service shows that native plants use a fraction of what people are putting on their lawns or their turf grass.” Charles said.

Austin Water has published an online comprehensive Residential Conservation Rebates guide, in English and Spanish. This guide highlights the WaterWise Landscape program, and other initiatives that support water conservation efforts in our community. The Watershed Protection Department's Grow Green materials, which provide valuable information about native, drought-tolerant plants and the maintenance of sustainable landscapes, are also accessible online.

For more information about Austin Water’s rebates and applications, please email watercon@austintexas.gov or call 512-972-2199, option 4.

About Austin Water

Austin Water provides safe, reliable, high quality, sustainable and affordable water services that have met the community’s needs for over 100 years. Austin Water serves over 1 million people in the Austin metropolitan area across more than 548 square miles.