Lawn replacement · California

DWA Grass Removal Rebate

Run by Desert Water Agency

OpenLast checked October 17, 2026
What you get
$2 per sq ft; no size limit stated for residential (city $1 supplement for Palm Springs is exhausted)
Who qualifies
Property owner/manager/landscaper within DWA boundaries; grass must be in place (dormant/brown okay); no recycled-water areas; one rebate check per property per year.
Where
Properties within Desert Water Agency boundaries, including Palm Springs.
Status
Open. First-come, first-served as funds are available; confirm funding by phone.
Type of payment
Rebate
Official program page

What you do

Replace grass (front or back yard) with low-water plants, desertscape or artificial turf.

Requirements

  • Pre-approval and DWA pre-inspection before any removal; no rebate for grass removed in the past
  • 90 days to complete residential projects
  • Irrigation in the area low flow (0.33 gpm or less)
  • Plant coverage per local agency (Palm Springs 50% at maturity)
  • Groundcover (DG, rock, mulch) covering all areas; no bare sand or grass-like groundcovers; no grouted patios or concrete
  • Photos, W-9, keep receipts two years, post-inspection
  • Do not replant grass; area cannot also get nozzle rebate

How to apply

  1. 1Confirm funding: 760-323-4971 or [email protected]
  2. 2Submit application for pre-approval at programs.dwa.org
  3. 3DWA schedules pre-inspection and measures eligible area
  4. 4Receive approval then convert within 90 days
  5. 5Submit photos and W-9
  6. 6DWA post-inspects and approves check

Estimate your rebate

Uses the published rate per square foot of grass removed. The program sets the final amount after its inspection.

Enter an area to see an estimate

Timing and deadlines

Check about 45 days after DWA approves the project

90 days from approval (one one-month extension possible)

Combining it with other programs

Nozzle rebates not allowed on the same area; smart controller rebate separate

Sources

Last checked October 17, 2026. See something out of date? Tell us.

Sow is not affiliated with any of these agencies or utilities. Amounts and rules change, often at the start of a fiscal year, so confirm the details on the official page before you start a project. How we research these programs

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