San Antonio Rainwater Collection System and Cistern Rebate

Updated January 2022

Rebates are available to San Antonio Water System (SAWS) residential customers who install at least 500 gallons of storage on their property. The rebate is $1.00 per gallon of storage, up to $2000. You may have a cistern larger than 2,000 gallons but the rebate will max out at $2000. Rebates are issued after successful inspections. Checks are issued in the name of the SAWS account holder.

A Few Key Points Before Proceeding:

• You may not have potable (municipal) water backup into the tanks.
  Rebates are designed for permanent potable water savings. Adjacent landscaping must be able to survive with only natural rainfall and the harvested water stored in the cisterns.
• You may not have an irrigation system in the yard.
• Gallons are calculated as total storage on the property.
• You are responsible for identifying and acquiring any City or HOA permits as required.
• Once the cistern is installed, you will need to register it with SAWS per city code. This is a free online registration. It’s fast and easy, register here.

San Antonio Water System Rainwater Cistern Rebate Process:

Step 1: Attend a Rain Cistern Workshop
SAWS offers the required Cistern workshop for free quarterly. Find any upcoming class here. You may opt to take the online course offered by Alamo Community Colleges Eco-Centro. You will be responsible for any fees associated with this option but can take it at your leisure.

Step 2: Submit the Cistern Packet to SAWS
Complete the Cistern worksheet packet and return to SAWS Conservation Department for approval.

Step 3: Install your Cistern
Install your cistern according to the approved plan.

Step 4: Get a Customer Service Inspection (CSI)
Get a CSI inspection (at your own expense) to check all plumbing on the property.  If you install a pump system on your cistern, then you will need a high-hazard backflow prevention device installed on your property at your water meter.

Step 5: SAWS Rebate Inspection
Once your CSI inspection has been submitted to SAWS, call SAWS at 210-704-SAVE to schedule the SAWS final inspection to receive your rebate.

Step 6: Rebates over $600
Rebates over $600 require IRS tax form W-9 (provided in the SAWS Cistern Packet). Once you have passed inspection, submit the completed form to SAWS for your rebate to be issued.

Learn more about the SAWS Cistern Rebate Program.