Applying for a Desert-Friendly Xeriscape Conversion Rebate:

IMPORTANT NOTICE: If you are interested in participating in the Desert Friendly Conversion Rebate, please do not start your turf removal project until you have applied online to the program using our Conservation Rebate Application Portal and received an official Notice to Proceed. Several conditions must be met in order to qualify for the xeriscape rebate. Projects that have been started or completed are not eligible for the incentive. Other terms and conditions will apply. After submitting your application online an inspection will be scheduled if your project meets minimum requirements. The visit may take up to 3 weeks or more to schedule during the busiest part of the season. Water Authority conservation rebate requirements are subject to change without notice. Rebates are limited to available funds.

TO APPLY: Follow the steps outlined below to determine your eligibility, then submit your application using our Conservation Rebate Application Portal.

Please Note: only the following browsers are compatible with the Conservation Rebate Application Portal: Chrome from Google, for Windows or Mac; FireFox for Windows or Mac; Safari only on the Mac (and iPad); Edge (Microsoft’s replacement for IE)

        • Need help enrolling in the portal? Please contact our Water Conservation office at 505-289-3156

REBATE PROCESS STEPS

DOES YOUR LANDSCAPE MEET THE REQUIREMENTS?

  • Do you have an existing operating SPRAY irrigation system on your site?
  • Do you have grass turf on your site? (Rebates cannot be given to work that is already complete.)
  • If you answered YES to the above questions then Go to Step 1.
  • Got more questions? Call 842-9287 OPTION #4

Step 1: DEVELOP A LANDSCAPE PLAN.

Draw a simple landscape plan, or submit a plan designed by a professional. Use the approved desert friendly plants from our Xeriscaping Guide plant list. List each plant (using the scientific name) and rebate allowance points on the application.

Step 2: START YOUR ONLINE APPLICATION.

Click here to set up your online application.

Step 3: SCHEDULE YOUR INITIAL INSPECTION. (CALL 505-289-3026)

Before calling be sure you have set up and filled out your online application. Then call 505-289-3026 to schedule the initial inspection at your property with our xeriscape inspector. Initial inspections occur between 8am and 2pm Monday through Friday. Please allow one to two weeks for availability.

Step 4: PROCEED WITH YOUR PROJECT.

Once your online application has been approved, you may begin your project. Funding will be reserved for the anticipated amount of your rebate. You have six months after your application is approved to complete your project. If your project takes longer than six months, you may apply for a project extension provided funds are still available.

Step 5: SCHEDULE YOUR FINAL INSPECTION AFTER COMPLETING THE PROJECT. (CALL 505-289-3026)

Have hard copies of material receipts or contractor’s final paid invoice available at time of final inspection. Following final inspection and application approval, the ABCWUA will apply the rebate credit to your water bill. Your rebate should appear on your water bill one to two billing cycles after your form is processed.

Qualifications

  1. Su agua de riego será proporcionada por la Autoridad del Agua del Condado de Albuquerque Bernalillo.
  2. Todo el césped que se elimine deberá ser designado como de alto uso de agua, de acuerdo con nuestra lista de plantas de la Guía de Xeriscaping, y se regará actualmente con riego por aspersión.
  3. There is no minimum amount of turf converted. Large turf conversions projects may be done in phases.

Requirements

  1. Fifty percent of the project rebate area shall be covered by plants, as they appear at maturity. Select qualifying Rainwater, low, and medium water usage plants from our Xeriscaping Guide plant list and claim the mature plant area (referred to as plant points). Existing plants within the area of turf removal may be incorporated into the design and contribute to the minimum plant point total, provided they are on the Xeriscaping Guide plant list.
  2. Spray irrigation is not permitted in the rebate area. Existing sprinklers shall be converted to a drip or bubbler system.
  3. The soil between the plants shall be covered with a minimum of 3 inches of mulch. Common mulches are gravel, crusher fines or woodchips.
  4. Residential and Commercial Customers qualifying landscapes will receive a maximum of $3.00 for every square foot of high water use turf grass that is converted.
  5. Receipts for plant purchase, irrigation equipment, mulch shall be provided at final inspection. If a landscape contractor is used, provide a contractor’s itemized, zero-balance invoice.

Xeriscaping Resources