NEW! South Coast Water District Rebate Programs
for California-Friendly Plants and Synthetic Turf

GOALS: Reduce or Eliminate Outdoor Watering
For Single-Family Residences

South Coast Water District has launched two new rebate programs for single-family residences with established, traditional grass lawns. These financial incentives are designed to encourage homeowners to add a little ‘native beauty’ and low water-use options to their yards.

GUIDELINES

• The District has funded $50,000 toward the rebate programs through June 30, 2010.
• The program is for single-family residences with established traditional turf in their yards.
• Homeowners must be pre-approved to participate in the rebate programs and to receive rebates. (see below for pre-approval process for rebates)
• Rebates will be given on a first-come, first-served basis.

CALIFORNIA-FRIENDLY PLANT REBATE PROGRAM

Native Beauty:
California Wild Rose
Fragrant pink flowers. Large orange-red fruit may use for tea, jam.

Homeowners who remove at least 250 square feet of traditional grass turf and replace it with California-friendly plants will be eligible to receive up to $300 in rebates on qualifying plant purchases.

Take time to smell the 'native roses.' There are hundreds of native and drought-tolerant flowers, grasses, groundcovers, shrubs, and trees that are stand-out, sustainable alternatives to the traditional patch of green grass surrounded by a few shrubs.

Click here for the Qualifying Plant List (PDF;784kb) for the rebate program, which consists of more than 30 plants. Local Nurseries participating in the program can also provide information on a number of plant varieties, hybrids, etc. that may qualify for rebates.

Our landscape ‘habits’ don’t necessarily complement our 'habitat.' Removing thirsty turf and seeking California-friendly plants can open up a whole new adventure in landscape design that is authentic to our land’s heritage. These plants need little-to-no water (once established), soil preparation, fertilizer or pesticide. They attract hummingbirds, butterflies and other native wildlife.

SYNTHETIC TURF REBATE PROGRAM

Greener Grass:
Synthetic Turf
Today’s synthetic turf is unlike yesterday’s artificial grass.

Homeowners who remove up to 500 square feet of traditional turf and replace it with synthetic turf will be eligible to receive rebates of $2.30 per square foot installed.

Conventional lawns are not always greener. There are scores of synthetic turf products that are viable, attractive alternatives to traditional turf. They require no water, fertilizer or pesticides to remain green year-round.

Today’s synthetic turf is unlike yesterday’s artificial grass. It looks and feels real and comes in various textures and shades, including UV protection. Like natural grass, synthetic turf allows water and other liquids to drain into the soil.

PRE-APPROVAL PROCESS for Rebates

1. To begin the pre-approval process for rebates, or for more information about the programs, homeowners may contact our Customer Service Department at 949-499-4555 ext. 1 or custserv@scwd.org.
2. The District must approve rebate applications before grass turf is removed and before California-friendly plants or synthetic turf is purchased.
3. The District must inspect the site before the grass turf is removed and after synthetic turf or California-friendly plants are installed.
4. Homeowners must retain purchase receipts/invoices and provide to the District. If purchasing plants, they must retain and provide the containers as well.

For more information about the rebate programs, contact our Customer Service Department at 949-499-4555 ext. 1 or custserv@scwd.org.

Note: In landscape regulations, cities may encourage use of drought-tolerant, non-invasive plants and permeable landscape material, which includes hardscape, rockscape and synthetic turf. For specifications on the minimum areas that cities may require for living plants, you may call their planning or permitting divisions.