Southern California businesses, schools, homeowners associations and other institutions that choose to replace grass with more sustainable landscaping will receive additional financial assistance to help with the effort, the Metropolitan Water District announced Thursday.
Beginning Monday, the water agency will more than double its turf replacement rebate for non-residential property owners, increasing it from $3 per square foot to $7 — the highest amount offered regionwide. The increase comes as the agency aims to boost water conservation efforts and adapt to climate change.
Additionally, the agency aims to prepare businesses and institutions for a new state law prohibiting the use of potable water on grass that is not used for recreation other purposes, also known as nonfunctional turf, which will impact non-residential properties beginning in 2027.
“Southern California’s landscape is changing. But looking around, you still see a challenge everywhere — grass that isn’t played on, or picnicked on or even walked on except when it is being mowed. It’s outside large buildings, in business parks and on medians,” Michael Camacho, vice chair of the Metropolitan’s Board of Directors, said in a statement.
“This rebate helps these properties comply with the new state mandates while also switching to an alternative that is water-efficient, beautiful and supports our local ecosystems,” he added.
The new rebate expires at the end of 2026, or sooner if funding runs out. Business owners and institutions are encouraged to apply for the program by March 1, and must complete their projects within 180 days.
To apply or get more information, including design resources, plant lists and a list of certified landscapers, visit bewaterwise.com.
The agency was able to offer an increase to its rebate program as a result of a $30 million grant from California’s Department of Water Resources, and through $96 million in federal funding from the Bureau of Reclamation’s Lower Colorado Basin System Conservation and Efficiency Program.
“DWR is proud to continue its investment and support of programs like regional turf replacement that offer solutions to stretch California’s limited water supplies,” Salomon Miranda, water manager at DWR’s Southern Region Office, said in a statement. “By making turf replacement more affordable through increased rebates, we are improving water supply reliability and ensuring that water is available for residential needs, manufacturing, agriculture and the environment.”
Water officials made the announcement at a news conference in Los Angeles, where they also showcased a new water-efficient garden at the American Legion Post 43. Metropolitan Water District recently awarded Post 43 a “One Water Award” for its water-saving landscape transformation.
About 70% of water usage in Southern California is used on outdoor irrigation, according to the water agency. For more than 15 years, Metropolitan has overseen programs to incentivize residents and business owners to replace their grass lawns with more water-efficient landscaping, which uses up to 80% less water compared to a traditional lawn.
The Turf Replacement Program has resulted in the removal of more than 230 million square feet of grass, and annually saves enough water to meet the demands of more than 83,000 homes.
A recent study found that more homeowners were inspired to convert their lawns to more sustainable landscapes. The research found a so-called “multiplier effect” in which for every 100 homes that changed their lawns with help from the rebate, another 132 nearby homes also swapped out their lawns without financial help for their projects.
Elise Goldman, water efficiency manager for Metropolitan, emphasized that more Southern California are eager to swap out their lawns for low-water landscapes. She added that businesses and other institutions have been slower to make that swap.
“The people who manage these properties need to make a business case for turf replacement,” Goldman said in a statement. “They need to understand how switching to a water-efficient landscape helps their bottom line.”