05/08/2019
Metropolitan Water District Doubles Turf Rebate
Southern Californians can now get $2 for every square foot of thirsty grass they replace with more water efficient sustainable landscaping, up to $10,000.
Metropolitan Water District of Southern California launched its new turf replacement program in April, doubling its rebate and approving other changes to make it easier to participate.
“Increasing conservation in the region is a key pillar of ensuring the Southland has a reliable water supply for decades to come,” Metropolitan General Manager Jeffrey Kightlinger said. “More than half of all household water use occurs outside, so swapping out grass for more water-efficient landscapes and native plants can go a long way to reaching our conservation goals.”
Some of Metropolitan’s member agencies are offering additional cash incentives. Residents and business owners should visit bewaterwise.com or check with their local water agencies to learn their total rebate. Metropolitan will accept up to $50 million in applications annually.
During the peak of California’s drought in 2014 and 2015, Metropolitan offered a similar rebate as part of the nation’s largest water conservation program. The program spurred removal of 160 million square feet of grass across Southern California – expected to annually save enough to serve about 64,000 households. The revived program is expected to help Metropolitan meet its goal to conserve an additional 180,000 acre-feet of water by 2040, enough for about 540,000 Southern California homes.
Other program details:
• The maximum square footage is 5,000 for residential projects and 50,000 for commercial projects.
• Participants can remove grass in their front yards and/or back yards.
• Participants must plant at least three plants per 100 square feet in areas where grass has been removed.
• A landscape plan, a watershed approach, efficient irrigation and mulch coverage are required. Synthetic turf is not eligible.
For more information and to apply, visit bewaterwise.com.
Metropolitan Water District of Southern California turf replacement rebate program has been upgraded with the dollar amount doubled to $2/square foot.
Metropolitan Water District Doubles Turf Rebate
Southern Californians can now get $2 for every square foot of thirsty grass they replace with more water efficient sustainable landscaping, up to $10,000.
Metropolitan Water District of Southern California launched its new turf replacement program in April, doubling its rebate and approving other changes to make it easier to participate.
“Increasing conservation in the region is a key pillar of ensuring the Southland has a reliable water supply for decades to come,” Metropolitan General Manager Jeffrey Kightlinger said. “More than half of all household water use occurs outside, so swapping out grass for more water-efficient landscapes and native plants can go a long way to reaching our conservation goals.”
Some of Metropolitan’s member agencies are offering additional cash incentives. Residents and business owners should visit bewaterwise.com or check with their local water agencies to learn their total rebate. Metropolitan will accept up to $50 million in applications annually.
During the peak of California’s drought in 2014 and 2015, Metropolitan offered a similar rebate as part of the nation’s largest water conservation program. The program spurred removal of 160 million square feet of grass across Southern California – expected to annually save enough to serve about 64,000 households. The revived program is expected to help Metropolitan meet its goal to conserve an additional 180,000 acre-feet of water by 2040, enough for about 540,000 Southern California homes.
Other program details:
• The maximum square footage is 5,000 for residential projects and 50,000 for commercial projects.
• Participants can remove grass in their front yards and/or back yards.
• Participants must plant at least three plants per 100 square feet in areas where grass has been removed.
• A landscape plan, a watershed approach, efficient irrigation and mulch coverage are required. Synthetic turf is not eligible.
For more information and to apply, visit bewaterwise.com.
