Rain barrels and cisterns · Texas

San Marcos Rainwater Harvesting Rebate

Run by City of San Marcos

OpenPlan requiredLast checked October 17, 2026
What you get
$0.50 per gallon of storage (non-pressurized) or $1.00 per gallon (pressurized), never more than 50% of purchase price; max $5,000 for standard 5/8 x 3/4 inch meters ($10,000 for 1 inch, $15,000 for 1.5 inch, $20,000 for 2 inch and larger)
Maximum
$5,000 per household
Who qualifies
Existing SMTXU water customers with account in good standing.
Where
City of San Marcos Utilities water customers.
Status
Open. (first come, first served, subject to funds)
Type of payment
Bill credit
Official program page

What you do

Install a new rain barrel or tank system with pad, first-flush diverter, filtration and pump.

Requirements

  • Covers new tanks and barrels, pad or foundation, first-flush diverters, primary filtration and pumps (materials and labor)
  • Not covered: gutters, misc pipes and fittings, advanced treatment, irrigation components, warranties, used equipment
  • Installed and kept in use within the SMTXU service area; city may inspect
  • Applicant responsible for permits and HOA compliance

The plan or design it asks for

Systems of 500 gallons or more: before buying, submit application with site diagram, system drawing and cost estimates or bids; wait for a Letter of Approval. Small systems under 500 gallons need no pre-approval.

Native plant lists for the area: San Marcos

Make the plan in Sow

Draw the layout and build the plant list

Sow places plants on a photo of your yard and keeps a list of everything you add. Check City of San Marcos's rules for exactly what to submit.

Start a plan in Sow

How to apply

  1. 1Small systems (<500 gal): buy and install, then submit application, itemized receipts and photos within 60 days of purchase
  2. 2Large systems (500+ gal): submit application, site diagram, drawing and bids first; get Letter of Approval; install; submit receipts and photos within 90 days of approval
  3. 3Staff may inspect
  4. 4Rebate issued as a credit on the utility bill

Timing and deadlines

not published

60 days after purchase (small); 90 days after Letter of Approval (large)

Combining it with other programs

Texas sales tax exemption on rainwater equipment

Sources

Last checked October 17, 2026. See something out of date? Tell us.

Sow is not affiliated with any of these agencies or utilities. Amounts and rules change, often at the start of a fiscal year, so confirm the details on the official page before you start a project. How we research these programs

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