Water districts are still paying homeowners and businesses to replace grass with drought-tolerant landscaping. Find out exactly how much your district pays — and how to apply without losing your rebate eligibility.
Enter your ZIP to see your water district's current program, amount, and eligibility requirements.
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Covers all 50 states — federal, state, county, city, water district, and utility programs.
Unlike the federal IRA energy credits that expired December 31, 2025, water district turf replacement programs are funded by local and regional water agencies — not Congress. These programs are active, well-funded in most Western states, and in some cases have increased their rebate amounts heading into 2026 due to ongoing drought pressures.
SoCal Water$mart (Metropolitan Water District of SoCal)
$2–$3/sq ft residential · up to $7/sq ft commercial, schools, HOAs
LADWP (Los Angeles)
$9–$10/sq ft for commercial and multi-family (5+ units)
Orange County MWDOC
Starting at $2/sq ft residential + $100 per shade tree bonus
Utah water districts
$0.40–$1.00/sq ft for xeriscape conversion (varies by district)
Arizona utilities (SRP, EPCOR)
$0.50–$2.00/sq ft depending on provider
Almost every program requires you to submit an application and receive pre-approval before removing existing grass. Starting your project before approval almost always disqualifies you from the rebate. Your contractor should know this — it's a legitimate red flag if they don't.
This is the most common misconception in this category. In most water district programs — especially SoCal Water$mart — artificial turf alone does not qualify. The replacement landscape must include living drought-tolerant plants and permeable hardscape that demonstrably reduces water use.
A well-designed xeriscape conversion using native plants, decomposed granite, drip irrigation, and thoughtful design can absolutely include artificial turf in functional areas and still qualify for the rebate on the living-plant portion of the project.
Water district turf replacement rebates range from $1–$7 per square foot depending on your location and whether the property is residential or commercial. Southern California's SoCal Water$mart program offers residential customers $2–$3 per square foot. Commercial properties in the LADWP service area can receive $9–$10 per square foot. Enter your ZIP code to see what your local water district offers.
In most programs, artificial turf alone does not qualify. The SoCal Water$mart program and most California water district rebates require replacement with living, drought-tolerant landscaping — native plants and permeable hardscape. Some programs allow artificial turf in a portion of the project (such as a play area or pet run) while the majority uses drought-tolerant plants. The key is that overall water reduction must be demonstrable.
Most water district programs require you to apply and receive pre-approval before starting your project. Beginning work before receiving approval typically disqualifies you from the rebate. The SoCal Water$mart program, LADWP, and most district programs require a before photo and pre-approval to establish a baseline. Always apply first.
No. Turf replacement rebates are funded by local and regional water agencies — not Congress. These programs were completely unaffected by the One Big Beautiful Bill that eliminated federal energy credits in July 2025. In fact, many Western water districts have increased their rebate amounts heading into 2026 due to ongoing drought concerns.
Yes, in many cases. You may be able to combine your water district's turf rebate with a shade tree bonus, irrigation upgrade rebates (weathered-based controllers, drip irrigation conversion, rotating nozzles), and native plant bonuses from county programs. Ask your contractor and your specific water district about stackable programs.
We match you with licensed local landscaping contractors who are familiar with your water district's rebate program — and handle the pre-approval paperwork.