If you’re researching the possibility of a rainwater system on your property, you’re likely curious about the availability of tax breaks or rainwater rebates in your area. Below find a list, although not comprehensive, of available rainwater rebates in Texas.
//Last updated July 2021//
Texas, State-Wide
Not only is it legal to collect rainwater in Texas, the State also recognizes the importance of rainwater and fully supports rainwater harvesting as a sustainable solution. To encourage rainwater harvesting, all rainwater equipment and supplies are tax-free under Texas Tax Code Section 151.355 (Read More). And yes! This means the installation of your rainwater system, no matter the size, is free from sales tax.
Furthermore, under Texas Tax Code 11.32, property owners “may exempt from taxation part or all of the assessed value of the property on which approved water conservation initiatives [including rainwater harvesting]….have been implemented.”
City of Austin Rainwater Rebates
- Up to $5,000 for equipment to capture rainwater
- $.50/gallon for non-pressurized systems, $1.00 for pressurized systems
- If you are installing a potable rainwater system in the City of Austin, an RPZ valve must also be installed.
- City of Austin Details & Rebate Application Form
- Harvest Rain provides the required system drawing for all City of Austin installations.
City of San Antonio Rainwater Rebates
- Minimum of 500 gallons of storage. The rebate is $1.00 per gallon, maxing out at $2,000.
- San Antonio Water System (SAWS) requires all rain tanks over 1,000 gallons to be registered.
- If you are installing a potable rainwater system in the City of San Antonio, an RPZ valve must also be installed.
- Details about San Antonio’s Rainsaver Custom Rebate
City of San Marcos Rainwater Rebates
- $.50/gallon for non-pressurized systems, $1.00 for pressurized systems (both up to 50% of total system cost).
- Rebates up to $20,000 (based on water meter size) – an excellent opportunity for large-scale or commercial rainwater projects.
- Example: 5/8 x 3/4” water meters (standard residential) – max rebate is $5,000.
- City of San Macros Details & Rebate Application Form
RAIN BARREL REBATES (smaller scale, typically up to 500 gallons)
- The following cities offer rebates in the form of credits back to your utility for rainwater barrels, but not yet for larger systems.
- City of Buda Rebate Details
- City of Georgetown Rainwater Barrel Rebate Details & Application Form
- City of New Braunfels Rainwater Barrel Rebate Details & Application Form
- City of Round Rock
