Homeowners in San Antonio can take advantage of an expanded water district rebate program that offers vouchers upfront for the removal of at least 200 square feet of turfgrass. Other Texas cities, including Austin and El Paso, have offered similar cash-for-turf rebates to reduce water consumption, as the Lone Star state continues to face one of the worst droughts in decades.

A voucher program in San Antonio, Texas, is expanding rebate offers to homeowners interested in removing turfgrass and conserving water.

The water district that serves San Antonio said about 2,000 homeowners enrolled in the pilot program over the summer, which offered $100 vouchers in exchange for the removal of at least 200 square feet of lawn. The $100 coupons are good toward the purchase of specific drought-tolerant plants.

The program marks the first time that the utility has provided vouchers upfront, after more than a decade of offering rebates for removing turf. A second round of vouchers was made available on September 15.

The utility followed up with residents who used the program, which ran from June 1 to July 31, and found that most followed the rules. Residents that did not follow through will not qualify for future rebate incentives. The program also provides instructions on how to convert to the new water saving gardens.

More information on San Antonio's rebate offers is available here.