Customers start the rebate process by submitting the Turf Replacement application. Normally, customers receive a response within 2-3 weeks for a pre-inspection appointment, where an inspector measures the eligible areas of turf grass.

Following the pre-inspection appointment, the customer receives a Notice to Proceed which they must sign to acknowledge the terms and conditions. The turf replacement project must be completed within 90 days of the Letter to Proceed but extensions may be granted if needed.

Once the turf replacement project is complete, the customer is required to submit photos and upload receipts and invoices. An inspector will schedule a post-inspection appointment with the customer to measure the eligible project areas, subtract ineligible areas, and ensure all program terms are met.

Once the project is confirmed to meet all guidelines, the rebate check will be mailed to the mailing address listed on the application. Please allow 6-8 weeks for residential projects and 8-12 weeks for commercial projects for delivery of the rebate check.

Yes. Dead or dying turf or areas with bare dirt will not qualify for a rebate. Click here to view examples of ineligible vs eligible turf areas for the Turf Replacement Rebate application. If your project has already been started or completed, you are not eligible for a rebate. 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 through their water bill.

Replacing turf is also a great way to help California save water.

Eligible areas are as follows:

• Front yards, back yards, and/or side yards as long as a minimum of 250 square feet is removed.
• If you have less than 250 square feet the entire turf must be removed.

The project area must be a low flow system (drip or high efficiency, low precipitation rotating nozzles). If part of the turf is converted, the sprinkler system must be properly modified to provide adequate coverage to the remaining lawn without spraying the converted area. If the irrigation system is not replaced with a low-flow system, it must be properly capped off or removed and hand-watered.

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.