Water Conservation Incentive

 

 

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The 2025 HAT Smart program is now closed.

Thank you to everyone who participated. The 2026 HAT Smart rebate program will be announced soon. Please check this page regularly for updates or subscribe to e-notifications to have City news delivered right to your inbox.

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

Rebates are available for residential water utility customers of the City of Medicine Hat on home and yard upgrades that save water.

Customers are eligible for up to a maximum of $1,000 per household for the lifetime of the incentive program. Applications can be submitted for multiple eligible items to the maximum amount and are accepted on a first come, first served basis until funds are fully depleted. 

Requests for Rebate must be received by HAT Smart before December 15, 2026, or before all Water Conservation Incentive program funds are disbursed.

Eligible items

Rain barrels and downspout convertor kits

  • Capture roof run off for lawn and ornamental plant watering

Required documentation to request a rebate

Rain barrels and downspout diverter kits require a photograph of the rain barrel unpacked and in place, with the downspout diverter kit installed (if using), as well as a copy of the itemized receipt clearly describing the purchase.

Rebate value

Up to $200 per unit; two units maximum allowed per home, per homeowner


Rain cisterns

  • Larger closed systems, both above ground and below ground qualify for the incentive program.
  • Rain cisterns must be installed by a landscaping professional and/or building contractor.

Required documentation to request a rebate

Rain cisterns require a copy of the contractors detailed quote, photos of the unit(s) being installed/installed, and a paid receipt/invoice which references the original quote.

Rebate value

$250 per unit; one unit allowed per home/per homeowner

Organic mulches (bark shavings, nuggets, and wood chips)

Required documentation to request a rebate

  • itemized receipt
  • photographs showing the final project with materials installed

Rebate value

50% of the original purchase price, up to $500


Landscape rock mixes

Required documentation to request a rebate

  • itemized receipt
  • photographs showing the final project with materials installed

Rebate value

50% of the original purchase price, up to $500


Eco-friendly artificial turf made from renewable/recyclable materials

Required documentation to request a rebate

  • itemized receipt
  • evidence (such as a spec sheet) that this is eco-friendly and not traditional/synthetic artificial turf
  • a picture of the eco-friendly turf grass installed

Rebate value

50% of the original purchase price, up to $500


Trees and shrubs native to southeast Alberta

Required documentation to request a rebate

  • itemized receipt clearly describing the purchase and identifying the tree/shrub species as native to southeast Alberta in a manner that is verifiable by HAT Smart and the Water Conservation Incentive Program

Rebate value

50% of the original purchase price, up to $250


Native grass seed mixes

  • TWCA certified grass seed mixes or a composition which consists of less than 30% of Kentucky blue grass

Required documentation to request a rebate

  • itemized receipt
  • photograph or other evidence of the seed mix composition

Rebate value

50% of the original purchase price, up to $250


Non-turf grass ground-cover (such as white/micro clover)

Required documentation to request a rebate

  • itemized receipt

Rebate value

50% of the original purchase price, up to $100


Landscape fabric for weed barriers

Required documentation to request a rebate

  • itemized receipt

Rebate value

50% of the original purchase price, up to $100

 

For more information on native plant species, check out the Alberta Native Plant Council's website for information on sourcing and growing trees, shrubs, and wildflowers, native to southeast Alberta and Medicine Hat.

The following items are not eligible for a rebate under the Water Conservation Incentive Program:

  • Traditional/synthetic artificial turf
  • Concrete pavers and patio stones
  • Materials used for driveways, dog runs, or under structures (decks etc.)

Boost the health of the soil in your garden and reduce the volume of organic waste sent to the landfill!

Countertop composters, electronic composter systems, or their accessories are not eligible for the incentive program.

Required documentation to request a rebate

  • itemized receipt

Rebate value

Up to $150 per unit; one unit maximum allowed per home, per homeowner

Drip irrigation systems

  • These can significantly reduce water use when compared to traditional sprinkler systems.
  • Includes low flow/drip irrigation heads for your existing underground sprinkler systems and drip irrigation hoses.

Required documentation to request a rebate

  • itemized receipt

Rebate value

Up to $100


Smart irrigation controllers

  • Includes systems that use soil moisture sensors or weather data to prevent over-watering

Home irrigation system controllers and timers are not eligible for the incentive program.

Required documentation to request a rebate

  • itemized receipt
  • specification sheet

Rebate value

Up to $150

Program term and submission deadlines

Application deadline is December 15, 2026.

How to participate

 

1. Determine your eligibility

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

To qualify for a rebate:

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

    Condominiums are considered a commercial enterprise, and condominium associations do not qualify for HAT Smart residential rebates.
  • Purchases must appear on the list of eligible items (under Purchase a qualifying item) and bought in Canada between January 1 and December 15, 2026 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.

2. Purchase a qualifying item 

Purchase an eligible item from the list above, or a combination – you can mix and match your items to achieve the maximum rebate allowed ($1,000 per home, per homeowner).

3. Required documentation

Attach all required documentation.

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.

4. Request your rebate

Once you have everything you need, apply online.

Payment

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

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