Turf Rebates in San Diego

Homeowners and businesses seeking to cut outdoor water use can apply for help from the San Diego County Water Authority, which is offering nearly $1 million in incentives to assist with turf removal. The program requires landscape plans to include at least 50 percent live plants, along with decomposed granite and other "hardscape." Artificial turf isn't covered.

Homeowners and businesses seeking to cut outdoor water use can apply for help from the San Diego County Water Authority, which is offering nearly $1 million in incentives to assist with turf removal.

The water authority announced recently that it would reimburse $1.50 per square foot for replacing turf grass with a mix of water-efficient plants that can cut irrigation costs by 70 percent. It has received $943,000 from the federal Bureau of Reclamation and the California Department of Water Resources to make those payments.

On a first-come, first-serve basis, homeowners can receive up to $3,000 and businesses can get up to $9,000. Landscape contractor can use these incentives to encourage their clients to more low-water landscapes, while still building in future maintenance work.

Nearly 10 percent of the 931,000 acres within the water authority's territory are planted with turf, according to a 2007 landscape assessment.

People interested in participating need to submit an application with the water authority, and their projects must be proposed for the future. The program requires landscape plans to include at least 50 percent live plants, along with decomposed granite and other "hardscape." Artificial turf isn't covered.

The incentives are part of the Water Authority's WaterSmart initiative, which encourages a water-efficient lifestyle. For more information or to submit an application, visit turfreplacement.watersmartsd.org or call WaterWise Consulting at (866) 685-2322.