Austin Water Utility offers a rebate for installing rainwater harvesting barrels on your property. Rebate amounts will be calculated at $0.50 per gallon for non-pressurized systems and $1.00 per gallon for pressurized systems. The maximum rebate amount will be increased to $5000, not to exceed 50 percent of the project cost. Systems of more than 500 gallons will require approval prior to system installation. Participation will be limited to once every 12 months. All rain barrel sizes are eligible.
Additional Program Requirements
For systems with 500 gallons or more of capacity:
Site and system drawings must be included with rebate applications for systems with 500 gallons or more of capacity. View sample site and system drawings
A completed rebate calculation worksheet must be submitted with final receipts for systems with 500 gallons or more of capacity. Download the rebate calculation worksheet.
For pressurized rainwater harvesting systems:
Rainwater harvesting systems utilizing a pump require the installation of a reduced pressure zone backflow prevention assembly (RPZ) at City of Austin water meters to reduce the potential for cross connection between the public water supply and private auxiliary water systems. Please contact the Special Services Division at 972-1060 with questions regarding backflow prevention requirements.