Who is eligible?

Only residential property owners up to 4 units who are customers of LADWP, Pasadena Water & Power, Golden State Water Company in Three Valleys Municipal Water District and participating water agencies located within the  Upper San Gabriel Valley Municipal Water District are eligible for SoCal Water$mart’s Turf Removal Program rebates. Visit theTurf Removal Program page for a full list of participating agencies.

LADWP commercial/multi-family customers may contact LADWP directly at 800-544-4498 to determine eligibility.


Why should I consider removing turf from my landscape?

Turf grass commonly used for home landscapes consumes a large percentage of a home’s water use , and the amount of water it takes to keep your lawn green during Southern California’s hot, dry summers can be very high.

You can save water in your landscape by electing to remove turf grass from irrigation and replacing it with water-saving alternatives. These creative options incorporate California Friendly plants and/or less water-intensive surface coverage to make conservation a viable, attractive option for your landscape (see below for more information).


What are the requirements to participate?

All projects must be pre-approved and must not have started prior to applying for turf removal rebates.

• The project must remove at least 250 square feet of live turf that has been irrigated for at least one year. At this point, there is no maximum square footage requirement, but the incentive is capped per household.
• The converted area must be replaced with permeable plant or surface coverage. Please see the Turf Removal Application package for your water agency's requirements.

How do I participate?

If you are a customer of a participating water agency, download the Turf Removal Application Package located on the Turf Removal page and follow the instructions for the two-part process.


Can I convert turf in my front yard at this time, and receive another incentive for turf removal in my backyard at another time?

No, incentives are limited to one application per household for any type of measure. If you receive a rebate for turf removal, you cannot apply for another rebate, even if you implement an additional turf removal project at a later date.


What documentation do I need to submit?

* Before starting the project, you must reserve your rebate by submitting Part 1 of the Turf Removal Program rebate request form, along with 1) a copy of your recent water bill and 2) four to five photos of each area where you plan to remove the turf.

* After your reservation is confirmed and you have completed your project, sign and submit Part 2 of the rebate request form, along with at least two photos documenting the changes to the irrigation system and the installation of a drip irrigation system (if applicable).


How long do I have to complete the project?

After confirming approval, you have four months (120 days) to complete your project.


What are the approved turf replacement options?

You can replace the turf with any type of plant or surface coverage, California Friendly plants are an attractive option. Mulch is accepted, as long as it allows rainwater to soak through (i.e.- it is permeable to air and water). Invasive plant species, concrete, plastic sheeting or other impermeable surfaces do not qualify.

Synthetic turf is an approved option for certain water agencies; please see your water agency's requirements in the Turf Removal Application. (Not all cities allow synthetic turf installation.)


What are the approved plant types if I choose to replace my turf with vegetation?

Southern California’s unique climate consists of mild winters and warm, dry summers. In order to make the most of your water-saving project and enhance water savings, we recommend that you replace turf with California Friendly plants that have adapted to and thrive in these conditions.


To learn more about native plant options, please visit Metropolitan Water District’s California Friendly Gardening Guide. Invasive plant species to avoid are identified on the “Don’t Plant a Pest” brochure from the California Invasive Plant Council.




Back to Turf Removal Program.