Rain barrels and cisterns · Texas

SAWS Large Cistern Rebate

Run by San Antonio Water System (SAWS)

Status not postedPlan requiredLast checked October 17, 2026
What you get
$1.00 per gallon of storage, $500 minimum, $2,000 maximum (reached at 2,000 gallons)
Maximum
$2,000 per household
Who qualifies
Residential SAWS customer; no in-ground irrigation on site; no potable backup.
Where
Residential SAWS customers without in-ground irrigation on site.
Status
Status not posted. The official page doesn't say whether it's taking applications.
Type of payment
Rebate
Official program page

What you do

Install a rainwater cistern of at least 500 gallons that supplies a rainfall-only landscape.

Requirements

  • At least 500 gallons storage
  • Landscape survives on rain and harvested water only
  • Structural engineer's sealed approval of the cistern base
  • State-licensed Customer Service Inspection at your expense (may need backflow device)
  • Free online cistern registration with SAWS
  • City/HOA permits
  • Attend approved Large Cistern workshop (fees apply)

The plan or design it asks for

Application packet: engineer's sealed base approval, letter of intent and consultant site visit, irrigated area square footage with rain garden size/placement, and basic planting plan.

Native plant lists for the area: San Antonio

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 SAWS's rules for exactly what to submit.

Start a plan in Sow

How to apply

  1. 1Attend a Large Cistern workshop (Alamo Colleges Eco-Centro)
  2. 2Submit application to SAWS Conservation for official offer
  3. 3Install per approved plan
  4. 4Get CSI and submit report
  5. 5Call 210-704-7283 for free final inspection
  6. 6W-9 if over $2,000 in rebates in a year

Timing and deadlines

not published; paid after successful inspection

Combining it with other programs

WaterSaver Landscape coupon can fund the accompanying rain garden

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 See something out of date?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

More programs near the same area

  • Open

    SAWS Residential Irrigation Design Rebate

    San Antonio Water System (SAWS)

    Up to $5,000. Full removal: non-functional $500; functional $1,650 (1-4 zones), $2,150 (5-10), $2,650 (11-15), $3,650 (16-20), $4,150 (21+). Targeted: $350 per zone removed, $100 per zone converted, $200 for a new master valve. 10% bonus if done within 90 days

    Up to $5,000 per household

  • OpenPlan required

    SAWS Outdoor Living Rebate

    San Antonio Water System (SAWS)

    200-300 sq ft: $300; 301-450: $500; 451-600: $750; over 600: $1,000

    Up to $1,000 per household

  • Seasonal

    SAWS WaterSaver Landscape Coupon

    San Antonio Water System (SAWS)

    $125 per spring coupon, $150 per fall coupon; up to 4 coupons per window (each covers 200 sq ft and 15 plants)

    Up to $600 per household

  • Open

    SAWS Swimming Pool Filter Rebate

    San Antonio Water System (SAWS)

    Up to $250 bill credit

    Up to $250 per household

  • Open

    SAWS Shut-Off Valve Rebate

    San Antonio Water System (SAWS)

    Up to $100 bill credit

    Up to $100 per household

  • Open

    SAWS Smart Irrigation Controller Discount (Rachio 3)

    San Antonio Water System (SAWS)

    15% off a Rachio Smart Controller (instant rebate), one per customer