San Antonio River Authority Watershed Wise Rebate

Updated January 2022

NOTE: This rebate program is intended for commercial projects only. If you are a residential customer of the San Antonio Water System, you are eligible for a residential rainwater cistern rebate.

This program rebates construction of on-site stormwater best management practices (BMPs) to either new construction or a retrofit of existing property.

The rebate program is available in the following counties:

• Bexar County
• Wilson County
• Karnes County
• Goliad County

BMPs must be designed using the San Antonio River Authority (River Authority) San Antonio River Basin Low Impact Development Technical Guidance Manual (SARB LID Technical Manual). In order to apply, projects need to have a minimum reimbursement request of $15,000 and a maximum of $100,000. Unit volume rebate amount is dependent on the BMP type.

The rebate program has a dedicated budget amount so applications are accepted during a set time period during the year. Therefore, it is recommended that you meet with San Antonio River Authority stormwater staff to discuss your application before the application is submitted.

Applications will be evaluated based on location, treatment percentage and impact on receiving body. Preference will be given to projects that are in high priority load areas, treat a higher percentage of the target volume and impact receiving bodies. It is the intention of the River Authority to award funds throughout their four county district.

Rebate Details:

• Rebate limits per project: Minimum $15,000, Maximum $100,000
• No limit on number of BMPs per project
• Limit of one application per project
• Rebate only for construction of BMPs according to SARB LID Technical Manual
• BMPs must use design process from SARB LID Technical Manual
• At least 60% of the runoff from all new impervious areas are treated by BMPs
• Rebate is proportional to runoff volume from 1.5” storm (1.18″ storm for redevelopment)
• Rebate is calculated, based on unit rates (refer to Unit Volume Rebate and Unit Area Rebate)
• Rebate funds are issued after two-step verification: Approval in writing of Construction Documents and Project Completion Inspection
• The San Antonio River Authority reserves the right to correct rebate calculation errors if they occur
  All applicants will be contacted to coordinate project timeline and design details
• Projects will be assessed, rebate amounts calculated and awarded at the end of the application period
• Project must be complete by listed deadline
• Rebate is payable to landowner only and owner must sign Rebate Agreement.

Eligible parties include:

• Design Professionals
• Government Entities
• Neighborhood Associations
• Environmental Non-Profits

Ineligible parties include:

• Private residences
• Required permitted BMPs (Edwards Aquifer Recharge Zones)
• Required BMPs (CoSA Rio Districts)

Types of eligible construction include:

• Commercial
• Multi-Use
• Right of way
• Neighborhood common space

Pricing limits:

• Minimum monetary amount of reimbursement: $15,000
• Maximum monetary amount of reimbursement: $100,000

Learn more about SARA’s low impact development efforts in order to determine how the BMPs can fit into your project.

Learn more about SARA’s Watershed Wise rebate.