Water Conservation Rebate Program

Frequently Asked Questions

• Who qualifies for the residential rebate program?

  • Town of Okotoks water utility customers (residential property owners and renters) who are connected to the Town’s water distribution system.
• How is my application monitored?

  Rebates are offered on a first-come, first-served basis as applications are received. Applications are date stamped and processed by Town staff in the order they were received. Ensuring you have attached all of the correct information to your application will get it processed more quickly.

• How much money will I get back as a rebate?​

  Standard Rebate Items: 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.

  For example, 13 plants are purchased for $250 (50% up to $100 max rebate). The applicant gets $100 back. Drought tolerant grass was also installed at a cost of $1200 (50% up to $500) for which the applicant will get $500 back. The applicant will get a total rebate of $600.

  There are specialty items that have separate applications from the standard rebate items as they need prior approval from the Town. These include rainwater irrigation systems and xeriscape landscape projects.

• How do I get my money? 

  Rebate funds in the amount of under $1500 will appear on your utility bill - NO other forms of payment will be issued.

  Rebate funds in the amount of $1500 or over will be issued as a cheque or Electronic Funds Transfer payment.

• Can I claim installation, delivery or shipping fees and GST on my rebate application?

  Depends on the item! Please make sure you read all the info for the item you are wanting to purchase so that you know how much money to expect as a rebate.

  GST is not part of the rebate calculation.

• What paperwork do I need to supply?

  Paper work...here's what we need from you:

  Proof of purchase in the form of a receipt or paid invoice is required. Several items require additional item specification information or photos with the application form.

  Remember, only fully completed applications will be processed. If you are experiencing any issues, give us a call!

• What if I don’t use up the maximum amount for each item all at once? Can I apply more than once?

  Can I apply again if I want more cool stuff?

  Residents may apply more than once for each standard rebate item until the maximum amount for each item for your household has been reached.

• What is a xeriscape anyways??

  Xeriscaping is not a yard with only rock nor is it adding drought tolerant plants to existing garden spaces. 

  To qualify for the xeriscape rebate, your yard will be evaluated by a Town staff member to ensure xeriscaping measures have been incorporated.

  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.

• What are the goals of this program?

  Our program goals are to:
  
  1) promote landscapes that use less water and

  2) support sustainable landscapes that create healthy soil and support our local environment, provide places to live and food to eat for Okotoks' little critters and pollinators, decrease pollution that runs into the river, and reduce Okotoks' overall water use