The General Rebate Process

Greywater rebate programs follow a similar structure regardless of the state or utility. Understanding the pattern helps you avoid the most common mistakes — particularly the fatal error of installing a system before checking whether pre-installation approval is required.

General sequence:

  1. Check program eligibility (your service area, account standing, system type)
  2. Determine if pre-installation application/approval is required
  3. If required: submit pre-installation application and wait for approval
  4. Purchase materials and install system (keep all receipts)
  5. Document the installation with photos
  6. Submit post-installation application with receipts and photos
  7. Receive rebate (check or account credit, typically 4–12 weeks)
⚠️ Critical: Apply BEFORE You Install in Most Programs

Many rebate programs require pre-approval. Installing first and applying after is the most common reason rebates are denied. When in doubt, contact the utility before purchasing materials.

Arizona — State Income Tax Credit

Arizona's 25% tax credit (A.R.S. §43-1090, up to $1,000) is claimed on your state tax return, not through a utility application.

  1. No pre-approval needed — install your system any time
  2. Keep all receipts for every material and any labor costs
  3. Take installation photos showing the valve, tubing, and completed basins
  4. At tax time: complete Arizona Form 310 ("Credit for Water Conservation Systems")
  5. Enter total system cost on Form 310; the credit is 25% of that amount, up to $1,000
  6. Unused credit carries forward up to 5 years
  7. Tucson Water rebate (up to $200, separate): Register with Tucson Water before installation at tucsonaz.gov/water. They'll send you an application. Submit receipts and photos within 90 days of installation.

California — Water District Rebates

California rebates are administered by individual water districts. The process varies but follows a common pattern:

  1. Identify your water district — it's on your water bill. Common ones: LADWP, East Bay MUD, Marin Municipal Water, Santa Barbara, local Inland Empire districts
  2. Search "[district name] greywater rebate" or call their conservation line
  3. Complete the pre-installation application if required (EBMUD requires this; some smaller districts don't)
  4. Install and document: photos of diverter valve with label visible, tubing run, and completed basins
  5. Submit post-installation application with: receipts for all materials, photos, completed application form
  6. Most CA programs: rebate paid as check mailed to account holder address, 6–10 weeks

Common California rebate amounts: LADWP $100, EBMUD $150–$250, Marin $200, Santa Barbara $250. See the California rebate page for full current list.

Texas — Austin Water Rebate

  1. Must be an Austin Water customer — account in good standing
  2. Register your system before installation: Contact Austin Water Conservation at 512-974-2199 or austintexas.gov/water-conservation
  3. They'll walk you through the program and send you the application form
  4. Install the system — follow Austin's installation guidelines (available on their site)
  5. Submit: completed application, dated receipts, photos (front of house showing address + system photos), and your Austin Water account number
  6. Rebate: up to $500, paid as credit to your water account or check
  7. Processing: 6–8 weeks

Colorado — Denver Water and Others

Colorado rebate programs are utility-specific. Denver Water, Boulder County, and Fort Collins Utilities have each run programs at various times — availability changes, so verify before planning.

  1. Check denverwater.org/conservation, boulderwaterwise.com, or your specific utility's website
  2. If a program is active, follow their specific application process — most require pre-approval
  3. Note: Colorado also requires a greywater permit — the rebate and permit are separate processes that must both be completed

What Photos to Take (For Any Program)

The photos that rebate reviewers actually need:

  • Your home's address number visible (street-facing photo)
  • The diverter valve installed, with "NON-POTABLE / GREYWATER" label clearly visible
  • The valve's sewer overflow connection
  • At least one mulch basin with the outlet buried under mulch
  • Overall shot of the yard showing basin location relative to the house

Take these photos on the day of installation, before putting the machine back against the wall. Much easier to do then than retroactively.

What Causes Rebate Denials

  • Installed before applying (most common reason) — many programs require pre-approval
  • Missing receipts — always get itemized receipts, not just credit card statements
  • Account not in the service area — verify your address is served by that specific utility
  • Account not in good standing — pay any outstanding balance before applying
  • System doesn't meet program specs — verify your system type qualifies (some programs are L2L only; some accept shower systems)
  • Submitted past the deadline — most programs have 60–90 day post-installation windows
Rebate programs change frequently. All information current as of 2025. Verify program availability and requirements directly with your utility before purchasing materials.