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Water Conservation Rebate Program

Now Open!

The 2025 Water Conservation Rebate Program is open! Thank you for doing your part to conserve water!

XERISCAPE REBATE PROGRAM FULL - WAITLISTING APPLICATIONS

The Town of Okotoks wants to reward you for your water conservation efforts! Apply for our Water Conservation Rebate Program and you can SAVE money on your utility bill by reducing your water use!

Residents making an effort toward reducing water consumption are positively impacting water use in the community and deserve to be recognized. Our water use peaks during the warm summer months, putting pressure on the Sheep River and water treatment plant to keep up with water use demands.

While the Sheep River provides enough water to sustain our community, we can help avoid overworking the water supply system by using less water and being water wise. This also helps maintain a healthy habitat for other creatures that depend on the river, especially during drier seasons.

By adhering to the outdoor watering schedule, we make working together to care for our community and the environment a priority.

Water Smart Business Grant 

Businesses and institutions are eligible for the Water Smart Business Grant! Check here for more details.

Would you like your rebate application processed quickly and without any hassle?

If your answer is a resounding YES, please ensure you read the program details and qualifying items so that you know exactly what we need to approve your application with success.

Water Conservation Rebate Program Brochure

Water Conservation Rebate Program 

Rebates for rain barrels, mulch, water efficient irrigation supplies, drought tolerant trees and plants, compost, etc.

Apply Now

Xeriscape Rebate Program - CURRENTLY ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS TO WAITLIST

Funding for turf removal and water-wise landscaping is available to 20 households each year.

Apply Now

2000 Litre or Larger Rainwater Collection System Rebate - Pre-application needed.

Funding for a large (2000 Litres or more) rainwater capture system, including a pump and irrigation piping, that can water gardens and even lawns is available on a first-come, first served basis.

Apply Now

Items

Descriptions

Rebate Amounts: Rebates for items in this category are 50% of the cost up to the amount listed under each item. Each item rebate amount is the maximum total that a household can receive from the program annually for that item.

Payment: Rebate funds in the amount of under $1,500 will appear on your utility bill - NO other forms of payment will be issued. Rebate amounts of $1,500 or over will be issued a cheque or electronic fund transfer payment.

Water Conservation Rebate Program Brochure

Drought Tolerant Trees, Plants and Seeds

50% up to $100

Note: Only items on the Plant List are eligible for a rebate. These plants must live in the ground;  plants for pots or containers are NOT eligible.

Eligible Perennials:

  • Alpine Aster - Aster alpinus
  • Bergamot/Purple Bee Balm - Mondara fistulosa
  • Brown-eyed Susan - Rudbeckia triloba
  • Black-eyed Susan - Rudbeckia hirta
  • Buffalo Bean/Golden Bean - Thermopsis rhombifolia
  • Nodding Onion/Prairie Onion - Allium textile
  • Prairie Goldenrod - Solidago missouriensis
  • Sage - Salvia officinalis
  • Sticky Geranium - Geranium viscosissimum
  • Yarrow - Achillea millefolium

Eligible Shrubs:

  • Gooseberry (wild currant) - Ribes oxyacanthoides
  • Juniper - Juniperus spp

Eligible Trees: 

  • Amur Maple - Acer ginnala
  • Aspen (Trembling) - Populus tremuloides
  • Bur Oak - Quercus macrocarpa
  • Douglas Fir - P. Menziesii var. glauca
  • Hawthorn (Snowbird)- Crataegus x mordenensis ‘Snowbird’
  • Hawthorn  (Toba) - Crataegus x mordenensis ‘Toba’
  • Japanese Tree Lilac - Syringa reticulate
  • Ohio Buckeye - Aesculus glabra
  • Pine - Pinus spp.
  • Siberian Larch - Larix siberica
  • Spruce – Picea spp. 
  • Tatarian Maple - Acer tataricum

Would you like your rebate processed quickly? If you answered yes, please note:

  • Take high quality pictures of the plant(s), including the plant label. We need to zoom in close to identify your plant properly. 
  • Take picture(s) of your new plants in their respective garden areas after planting. 
  • To conserve water, your plants need mulch. In the garden photo, we need to see that your plants have been provided with around 2 inches of mulch (trees need around 4 inches). Your plants don't like mulch touching the stem.

Raising the Canopy

The Town will be providing an extra $100, prior to any rebate funding, towards trees on the plant list. Apply for a rebate and get $100 towards the cost of the trees, and 50% up to $100 for the remaining cost. Maxiumum $200 per household. 

For example, a tree costs you $150. Raising the Canopy covers $100, rebate covers 50% of the remaining $50 for a total rebate of $125.

Check out the Planting Guide for how to properly plant and care for your new trees and plants!

Drought Tolerant Turf/Grass

50% up to $500

Drought tolerant turf/grass sod, grass seed, non-turfgrass groundcover seed such as White/Mircro clover and hydro-seed are eligible for the rebate program if they are TWCA-certified and/or composition consists of less than 30% of Kentucky Blue Grass. Rebate includes the cost of installation.

Note: Proof of composition required. Please provide proof of turf/seed mix composition from the bag or provide a product composition list from the supplier/installer.

Compost (Grade A) 

50% up to $200

Compost mixture that is 100% composted animal manure, or plant-based compost. Includes compost used to top-dress lawns and amend garden soil to aid in water retention and soil health (e.g. composted sheep manure, mushroom compost). No Peat moss.

Note: Does NOT include soil mixes or fertilizers.

Did you know? Peat moss develops over thousands of years! Use compost instead.

Irrigation controller - WaterSense® labeled

50% up to $300

Rebate provided for the installation of a WaterSense® labeled irrigation controller. Sensors/controllers purchased for new or existing irrigation systems are eligible.

Note: Installation must be done by a professional irrigation contractor to ensure that your new irrigation controller is working its best. The product spec sheet must be included in your application.

Irrigation Master Valve Installation

50% up to $75

Rebate for the installation of a master valve on an irrigation system. Master valves help prevent leaks.

Note: Installation must be done by a professional irrigation contractor to ensure that master valve is working its best. The product spec sheet must be included in your application.

Mulch (Bark & Rock)

50% up to $100

Rebate includes all forms of mulch (bark and rock) that are used for landscaping/groundcover (e.g. bark shavings, nuggets, wood chip mixes, rock mixes, shale).

Things you will want to know:

  • Please include a photo of the mulched area after mulch is added to your yard.
  • The purpose of the mulch is to provide cover around plants to reduce a need for water or to replace turf/grass.
  • A rebate will not be provided for mulch for areas under structures (decks, etc.), driveways, or dog runs.
  • Mulch must be permeable; non-permeable surfaces such as pavers or patio stones aren't mulch and are not accepted.
  • Rubber mulch is not accepted in the program.
  • Delivery cost is included.

Rain Barrels

50% up to:

$100 for up to 100 gallons

$200 for up to 200 gallons

$300 for up to 300 gallons

$400 for up to 400 gallons

Residential or commercial rain barrel, any type.

Must provide proof of rain barrel capacity (litres or gallons) on the application.

Households are eligible for rebates on up to 4 rain barrels, up to $100 each (or more if a larger barrel).

Rain Barrel Accessories

50% up to $25

Rebate provided for the repair or replacement of a rain barrel spigot, and for the purchase of diverter kits.

Rain Sensor 

50% up to $75

 

Rebate provided for the installation of a rain sensor that suspends the irrigation schedule during a rain event. Sensors purchased for new or existing irrigation systems are eligible.

Note: Installation must be done by a professional irrigation contractor to ensure that your new rain sensor is working its best. The product spec sheet must be included in your application.

Soaker hoses

50% up to $50

Rebate provided for the purchase of a soaker hose for use in a flower or vegetable garden.

Limit of two per household.

For best water efficiency, please use a watering timer with the soaker hose. Alternatively, soaker hoses can be hooked up to a rain barrel!

Toilets (WaterSense® labeled)

50% up to $100/toilet

Rebates will be provided to replace high flow toilets (13 litres or 3 gallons/flush or more) with WaterSense® labeled low flow toilets.

Important!

  • Application requires a photo of proof of each old toilet's water use amount (gallons or litres/flush) or, if that can't be found, the make and model of each toilet being replaced.
  • Photo of proof of WaterSense® label or specification sheet must be submitted for each new toilet.

Limit of 4 per household.

Watering timer

50% up to $75 (each) - limit of 2 per household

 

Rebate includes outdoor water timers that attach to an outdoor garden hose and are programmable to automatically shut off the water flow at end of programmed watering period.

Note: Follow watering schedule when using water timer. Please monitor the time needed to sufficiently water turf as it requires only 1 inch of water per week to thrive.

Apply Now

Specialty Rebate Items (Residential) 

Rainwater Collection System (2000 litres or more)

50% up to $2,000 per household

Apply

Rebate for systems that include larger residential scaled tank systems/cisterns that collect a minimum of 2,000 litres (500 gallons) of rainwater. Collection system expenses such as transport piping, debris traps, filters, pumps and installation costs are eligible for rebate.

NOTE: Pre-approval from the Town required. Contact Sustainability at 403.995.6316, or apply online from March 1 until September 1.
 

Xeriscaping Rebate 

Maximum of $2,500 per property

Apply

CURRENTLY ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS TO WAITLIST

See the Xeriscape tab for all the details.

Rebate provided for pre-approved turf removal and xeriscape landscaping project where minimum 46 m² turf is removed and replaced with drought tolerant landscaping. New single family home build landscapes eligible.

Successful rebate - what you need to know:

  • Program awarded on first come, first served basis.
  • Pre-approval from the Town is required.
  • Project must be completed by October 15.
  • Project area must be conversion of turf or a new-build/un-landscaped yard.
  • Minimum of 40% of new xeriscape landscape area must be plants (mature size of plant is used in the calculation). 
  • All plants must be drought tolerant. 
  • Eligible items for the rebate include drought tolerant plants/deer resistant plants, soil amendment, mulch, equipment rental for turf removal, landscape fabric and basic edging, as well as install/delivery costs.
  • Non-eligible items include all hardscaping (decks, patio stones, etc.).
  • Please apply BEFORE you've started your landscape project if possible. Already started? Apply anyway and we can chat about whether or not your project is eligible.

 

CURRENTLY ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS TO WAITLIST
What is Xeriscaping?

The word ‘xeriscape’ might bring a picture of a desert-like landscape or a rock garden to mind but a xeriscape landscape can be beautiful, lush and green. Xeriscaping means water-wise or water-efficient landscaping. It involves landscaping a large area (see requirements below) with plants that are appropriate to dry climates and providing healthy growing conditions. Xeriscaping creates an environmentally friendly and beautiful landscape that can be maintained with little or no supplementary watering once plants are established.

Xeriscaping does not mean adding drought tolerant plants to existing garden spaces. Xeriscaping includes removing a large area of turf, like a front yard lawn, and replacing it with native and/or drought tolerant plants. It includes amending the soil depth and quality, so that plants will thrive in dry conditions, and adding a thick layer of mulch so that moisture doesn’t evaporate. The goal of a xeriscape landscape is to have a yard space that is self-sufficient, low-maintenance and beautiful.

This rebate is for a pre-approved turf removal and xeriscape landscaping project where a minimum of 46 m² turf is removed and replaced with drought tolerant landscaping. New and existing residential single family home landscapes are eligible.

How much is the rebate? Maximum of $2,500 per property for all eligible expenses.

This sounds great! How do I start?

Note: The Xeriscape Rebate maximum amount is now $2,500 to allow for more applicants! The program has room for 20 yards.

  1. If you (or your landscaper) have an idea for a project and are interested in finding out if it will work. If you have a landscaper, they can learn more about qualifying your yard for the rebate program here.
  2. A Town staff member will give you a call and book a preliminary yard inspection. This will ensure that implementing your idea will meet the program specifications laid out by the Town. 
    • The xeriscaping project must be a minimum of 46 m² in area for a residential property.
    • Please apply BEFORE you've started your landscape project if possible. Already started? Apply anyway and we can chat about whether or not your project is eligible. If your landscaping is underway or complete, you may be asked to make changes to your landscape (to comply with bylaws) in order to qualify. 
    • 40% of the landscaped area needs to consist of drought tolerant plants (mature size taken into account).

    • If the yard area is less than 46 m² , but the intent is to xeriscape the entire area (e.g. whole front yard or whole back yard), the project would still be eligible for the program.

      Check out the list of Recommended Plants for the Okotoks area!
       

  3. Develop a landscape design.
    • The landscaping company or homeowner must provide a landscape plan that calculates the area of the plants at their mature size, ensuring that it meets the 40% criteria. Tree area is calculated at 25% of mature size.
    • Please use the 7 Principles of Xeriscaping to design your landscape. 
       
  4. Submit landscape design plan to the Town for approval.
    • Finalized landscape design must be submitted and approved by Town staff prior to any work taking place.
       
  5. After approval is received, start your project! Applicants have until October 15 to complete the project from the date of the inspection.
     
  6. Once complete, notify Town staff and complete the online xeriscape rebate application (link will be sent via email prior to inspection), and book an inspection time.
     
  7. Got irrigation? You are encouraged to book an irrigation assessment with the Town after completion of the project so that we can help you continue to conserve water. 
     
  8. Upon application approval, patiently wait for your rebate cheque to arrive in the mail in 4-6 week's time or sign up for an electronic funds transfer.
 

Ensuring Success

Like you, we want this process to be as smooth as possible. For a successful xeriscape project process, please keep the following things in mind.

Items eligible for the rebate are:

  • drought tolerant/deer resistant plants 
  • soil amendment
  • mulch, turf removal equipment rental (DIY projects)
  • landscape fabric and basic edging
  • install/delivery costs

Items not eligible for the rebate are:

  • non-drought tolerant plants, or artificial turf
  • hardscaping such as concrete, boulders, pathways, retaining walls, or patio stones
  • arbors, pergolas, or decking.

A few FYI's:

  • If turf is part of your backyard xeriscape plan, it must be a TWCA certified drought tolerant turf and cover less than 1/3 of the total yard area being landscaped.
  • DIY'ers, please keep your receipts for all of these items. Please label and highlight purchased plants (pot-sizes and quantities), mulch, and dirt, etc. on receipts. It works to your benefit if we know exactly what you purchased and at what cost.
  • Ask your landscaper for a fully itemized invoice and receipt to provide clarity on landscaping materials and costs. 
  • We want your plants to survive and thrive as much as you do! Please give plants a mulch depth of 2 inches over the entire xeriscape area, and a depth of 4 inches around tree and root area. Ensure that mulch is not touching the trunk of the tree, but is 3-4 inches away from the trunk.

Why is creating a xeriscape landscape important? 

  1. The Town of Okotoks wants to encourage and reward you for your water conservation efforts!
  2. With growing demands on water supply and potential droughts, it is everyone’s responsibility to rethink appropriate water use. As up to 30% of summer residential water is utilized on lawns and gardens, xeriscaping can play a significant role in reducing potable (treated) water consumption. 

Why should I have an irrigation assessment if I have an irrigation system in place?

A xeriscape landscape needs less water than a traditional landscape. Participating in an irrigation assessment (after May 15) will help to optimize your irrigation system so that it provides water when and where your new landscape needs it. Save water and protect your investment!

Frequently Asked Questions

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