Enjoy a low-maintenance, carefree outdoor living space while helping California save water by replacing your grass with a water-efficient landscape. IRWD’s Turf Replacement Program offers customers various rebates for removing lawns watered with drinking or recycled water.
Please note that artificial turf is not eligible for this rebate. Program terms and conditions are subject to change.
Plan in the summer, plant in the fall!
Those already taking part in the Turf Replacement Program may be eligible to receive $100 per new tree (maximum of five trees) as part of their landscape project. View the terms and conditions for details.
*For a limited time, public agencies may be eligible to receive enhanced funding of an additional $1 per square foot. Email WaterEfficiency@IRWD.com for details.
Not sure what to put in your yard instead of grass? Find inspiration at IRWD.com/landscape/redesign or browse the resources below.
Browse photo galleries of beautiful landscapes, plant lists and design advice.
Check out garden galleries and recommendations for drought-resistant plants.
Find plant recommendations and learn what to avoid when redoing your landscape.
Start the rebate process by filling out the application. Normally, customers receive a response within two to three weeks for an inspection date, though processing times can vary depending on demand.
During the inspection, an employee will come to measure your landscape area and confirm the presence of turf. You will then receive an official Notice to Proceed, after which you can begin replacing your turf. The work must be completed within 60 days, but extensions may be granted if needed.
A post-inspection will be conducted after work is completed. If approved, a rebate check will be mailed out. Allow eight to 10 weeks for delivery of the rebate check.
Rebate funding for your project is not established until you receive your Notice to Proceed. It may take up to five weeks to process and send out your Notice to Proceed.
No. You may allow your grass to brown out while waiting for your inspection, but be sure to leave it in place so it can be measured for your rebate amount.
As long as the presence of grass is still evident, then you still qualify for the rebate. The grass’s condition does not matter. Areas where grass is absent, such as bare soil patches, will not be counted.
AB 2100 prohibits HOAs from imposing fines against homeowners for reducing or eliminating irrigation during drought, while AB 2104 states that any provision of an HOA’s governing documents (CC&Rs, etc) is void and unenforceable if it prohibits the use of low water-using plants or replacement of turf.
If you are still having trouble with your HOA, please email us at WaterEfficiency@IRWD.com or call us at 949-453-5581.
No, IRWD does not rebate artificial turf.
No. All projects will need to follow the Program Terms and Conditions to qualify.
No. Rebate applications must be filled out prior to removing your grass.
There are multiple ways to remove your existing turf. Take a look at the multiple do-it-yourself options Nan Sterman provides in this Bye Bye Grass video.
The rebate is meant as an incentive to replace turf and to subsidize replacement costs, not completely eliminate them. However, with newly-approved IRWD rates calculated based on water-efficient landscape rather than turf, residents can expect savings on their water bill.
Replacing turf is also a great way to help California save water.
Eligible areas are as follows:
Please review our list of local residential landscapers that have completed the IRWD training, or visit our Resource Hub for more help.
IRWD offers free workshops and resources to IRWD customers. Sign up for any upcoming classes to learn more about efficient landscaping and gardening. Review our landscape design resources for plant lists and design examples.
