This week the San Diego County Water Authority launched it’s popular landscape transformation program. In partnership with the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, the program gives people a rebate to remove their lawns.
Residents can get up to $2.75 per square foot of grass they replace with sustainable landscaping. The offer is good for lawns up to 1,500 square feet.
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Joni German, a water resource specialist for the San Diego County Water Authority, said before ripping up lawns — residents first have to apply for the program.
“They have to upload a simple landscape plan, a copy of their water bill, and then five photographs of their turf area," German said.
This year the program has some additional requirements.
“Rain water harvesting and we are asking for irrigation modifications," German said. And another change, "synthetic turf is not allowed."
Other requirements include mulch coverage around plants and a set number of plants per square foot.
If approved residents have six months to finish a replacement project. Only after a project is finished can a reimbursement then be requested. To see how much you qualify for, use this online tool.
