Water Conservation Incentive

We want to reward residents who are making efforts to reduce water use. 

The Residential Water Conservation Incentive rebates home and yard upgrades that reduce water consumption like xeriscape materials, sprinkler and irrigation modifications, drought-tolerant ground cover, and low-flow toilets.

Funding

On May 6, 2024, City Council approved a one-time fund of $150,000 to encourage residential water conservation to address the risk of drought in 2024. The program will be further evaluated during the 2025-2026 budget deliberations to determine the future of the program.

We will accept applications on a first-come, first-served basis until the fund is fully depleted.

Eligible items

Xeriscape materials 

50% rebate up to a $500 maximum 

The following xeriscape materials are eligible if they are used for landscaping/groundcover:

  • Landscape fabric
  • Mulch (bark shavings, nuggets, wood chip mixes)
    • Mulch should provide cover around plants to reduce the need for water, or to replace turf/grass. 
    • Mulch must be permeable. Rubber mulch is NOT accepted.
  • Rock (rock mixes, shale)
    • Pavers and patio stones are NOT accepted.

Materials used for driveways, dog runs, or under structures (decks, etc.) are not eligible. 

Note: Photos of xeriscaping must accompany the application. 

Drought tolerant ground cover/turf 

50% rebate up to a $250 maximum 

Drought tolerant turf/grass sod, grass seed, non-turf grass groundcover seed such as white/micro 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.

Low flow exterior sprinklers

50% rebate up to a $200 maximum 

A low flow sprinkler head is designed to apply water at a slower rate, so the water has a chance to properly absorb into the top of slopes or deep into garden soil. These sprinklers use less water, making it more water efficient than fixed-spray sprinkler heads.

Irrigation system controller (WaterSense® label)

50% rebate up to a $250 maximum 

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.

Low flow toilet (WaterSense® label)

50% rebate up to $75 per unit (limit of two) 

Rebates will be provided for WaterSense® labeled low flow toilets.

Application requires a photo of proof of WaterSense® label or specification sheet for each new toilet.

Scratch and Win

Plus!

We've added the following eligible items to our existing Scratch and Win rebate:

  • Low water appliances
  • Drought tolerant plants 
  • Rain barrels
  • Rain barrel accessories
  • Soaker hoses
  • Watering timer

Go to the Scratch and Win page to apply

 

Apply

Apply online

Application deadline

Application deadline is noon on January 9, 2025.

Application terms and conditions

The following Application Terms and Conditions (Terms and Conditions) establish the eligibility requirements and related terms and conditions for an application to the Water Conservation Incentive Program (Program).

The application shall be subject to approval by HAT Smart. A completed application is neither a guarantee of eligibility for a rebate under the Program, nor payment of the rebate itself, and is subject to the following Terms and Conditions:

  1. The Program will be in effect from January 1 to December 31, 2024 (Term), or until a time in which Program funds are fully subscribed.

    The deadline to submit applications is noon on January 9, 2025. In-person applications must be submitted on the last business day before the deadline, should January 9 fall on a non-business day.

    Your application will be declined if it is:
    • incomplete or illegible. A new application will be required and must be received prior to the application deadline.
      late, or received after Program funds are fully subscribed.
    • The Program is for both new and existing residential properties.
  2. To qualify for a rebate under the Program:
    • purchases must appear on the list of eligible items under ‘Eligible items’ on the HAT Smart website (Eligible Product); and
    • items must be bought in Canada between January 1 and December 31, 2024 as evidenced by the date on invoices and/or receipts. Online purchases are only eligible if they are ordered from an online distributor in Canada.
  3. To be eligible for a rebate under the Program:
    • Applicants must receive a City of Medicine Hat residential water utility statement for the Project address in their name; and
    • Eligible Products must be purchased by the property owner as confirmed through the City of Medicine Hat billing system.

      Residential customers living in a condo are not eligible for the Program if utilities are paid for through condo fees or by the condo association since the condo building itself would then be considered a commercial enterprise.
  4. Funds will not be reserved for this Program as applications are processed on a first come, first served basis.
  5. Rebates are applied as a credit to the Applicant’s utility account.
    • HAT Smart rebates are paid based on pre-tax amounts. Therefore, amounts entered on the application form should not include taxes.
    • Omission of Required Documentation will result in an incomplete application which will be declined by HAT Smart.
    • The Applicant should retain a copy of the application form and all required documentation as the Applicant’s original application and documentation will not be returned by HAT Smart.
  6. The Applicant is solely responsible for:
    • researching and ensuring they qualify under applicable eligibility criteria as outlined on the HAT Smart website;
    • meeting all Program requirements and complying with any laws, regulations, or by-laws regarding permits, codes, restrictions, and/or inspections in relation to products or equipment installed; and
    • any direct or indirect taxes, duties, levies, fees, or like charges incurred as a result of participation in the Program.
  7. The Applicant acknowledges and agrees that HAT Smart:
    • is not responsible for, and accepts no liability nor makes any representations with respect to estimated or possible energy savings of qualifying purchases;
    • is not responsible for, nor liable for, the selection, purchase, installation, and ownership/ maintenance of the products included in the submitted rebate application; and
    • makes no representation or warranty, whether expressed, implied, direct or indirect, with respect to the products, services or other measures that the Applicant has purchased.
  8. The Applicant further agrees:
    • the Eligible Project has been completed in the specified dwelling through a service provider and that purchases and installations are of new condition and for non-commercial use only;
    • that HAT Smart is not affiliated in any way with the manufacturer, distributor, dealer, and/or installer of the product(s);
    • that combined incentives from government programs shall not exceed 100% of Eligible Project costs;
    • to disclose rebate amounts received, or to be received, from complementary municipal, provincial, and/or federal government programs; and
    • any other rebate(s), discount(s) and/or incentive(s) offered and/or provided by any government agency, institution, manufacturer, distributor, dealer and/or installer are separate and distinct from the Program and HAT Smart shall not be responsible for the administration or payment of the same nor be responsible for the erroneous submission of other rebate(s), discount(s) and/or incentive(s) to HAT Smart.
  9. In submitting this application, the Applicant consents:
    • to the disclosure of personal information, as well as the rebate amount awarded to the Applicant, to HAT Smart, its contractors, employees, partners and others who have a need to know; and
    • to the collection, use, disclosure and retention of such information for five years, following which such information will be destroyed or made anonymous.
  10. HAT Smart reserves the right to change or terminate the Program at any time without notice or explanation. HAT Smart will use reasonable efforts to process a completed eligible application received prior to changes or Program termination according to Program requirements in effect on the date the application was received.
  11. The Applicant should allow at least one (1) week to process the application. If approved, your rebate will be applied to your City of Medicine Hat utility account.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use receipts for items I purchased a while ago?

Yes, provided that the date on the receipt falls within the current Program year.

I lost my receipt. Can I still apply for the rebate?

In order to process your application, we require proof of payment for each receipt/invoice. Contact the retailer for a copy.

I live in a condo. Can I apply for the Water Conservation rebate?

Yes, if you personally receive a City of Medicine Hat residential water utility statement in your name. If your utilities are paid for through your condo fees or by the condo association, you would not be eligible since the condo building itself would then be considered a commercial enterprise.

I live outside of Medicine Hat. Am I eligible for the Water Conservation rebates?

No, only City of Medicine Hat water customers are eligible.

Am I guaranteed to receive a rebate if I apply?

All applications are subject to approval by HAT Smart. A completed application form is NOT a guarantee of eligibility for a rebate under the program, nor payment of the rebate itself. Rebates are issued on a first come, first served basis and an incomplete application form can result in a delay of payment or no payment if program funds have been exhausted.

Why was my application declined?

If your application was declined, either it did not meet the eligibility criteria, required documentation was missing, it was received after the deadline, or Program funds were fully subscribed.

How can I reduce water usage on my sprinkler system?

  1. Water at night
  2. Mulch your grass clippings
  3. Mow it high
  4. Use a smart controller
  5. Use a rain sensor/moisture sensor
  6. Install check valves
  7. Check for water leaks

 

 

How to participate
 
Determine your eligibility

Before applying, read the Eligibility section below. Don’t forget to check out the FAQs!

Eligibility

To qualify for a rebate:

  • Applicants must receive a City of Medicine Hat residential water utility statement for the Project address in their name.

    If you live in a condo and your utilities are paid for through your condo fees or by the condo association, you would not be eligible for HAT Smart rebates since the condo building itself would be considered a commercial enterprise.
  • Purchases must appear on the list of eligible items (under Purchase a qualifying item) and bought in Canada between January 1 and December 31, 2024 as evidenced by the date on invoices and/or receipts. Online purchases are only eligible if they are ordered from an online distributor in Canada.
Purchase a qualifying item 

Purchase an eligible item from the list above.

Required documentation

Attach all required documentation, as outlined below.

Omission of required documentation, and/or photos will result in an incomplete application, which will be declined by HAT Smart. A new application will be required and processed based on the date it is received by HAT Smart. Payment may not be made if funds are fully subscribed.

Receipts

All receipts and invoices must be dated between January 1 and December 31, 2024 and include a description of the product*.

Proof of payment is required for each receipt/invoice.

* If details are not available on receipts/invoices, you must provide product information that clearly shows the model number, description and Program eligibility. This information can be obtained from either the retailer or the manufacturer’s website.

Photo(s)

All photos must clearly show the water conservation item in its final location. In the case of the WaterSense® items, the model, serial numbers and spec sheet for the qualifying unit(s) must be submitted.
Request your rebate

Once you have everything you need, apply online or visit the Customer Service desk at City Hall.

Water Incentive Application

Payment
Your rebate will be applied to your City of Medicine Hat Utility Account in the next billing period. Please allow two to four weeks for the credit, pending approval of this application.