Lawn replacement · California

MWDOC Residential Turf Replacement (Tree and Design Add-ons)

Run by Municipal Water District of Orange County (MWDOC) with MWD and local water agencies

OpenLast checked October 17, 2026
What you get
Residential base rebate $2 per sq ft (applications approved at $3 but not completed by July 31, 2026 are paid $2); plus $100 per tree (up to 5 trees) and up to $1,000 for professional landscape design. Some local agencies add funds (Moulton Niguel lists up to $3/sq ft).
Who qualifies
Residential customers (properties of 4 units or fewer) of Orange County retail water agencies, except Emerald Bay Service District. Anaheim, Fullerton and Santa Ana customers apply through socalwatersmart.com instead. One application per meter address per fiscal year (July 1-June 30).
Where
Residential customers (4 units or fewer) of Orange County retail water agencies served through MWDOC; Anaheim, Fullerton and Santa Ana apply through socalwatersmart.com.
Status
Open. Funding limited; base rate dropped to $2/sq ft residential in 2026.
Type of payment
Rebate
Official program page

What you do

Replace living turf with climate-appropriate landscape, a sustainability feature and at least 3 plants per 100 sq ft; optionally plant trees and use a professional designer.

Requirements

  • Reserve funds and get approval (Letter to Proceed, after pre-inspection) before removing grass; existing grass must be in place
  • Max 5,000 sq ft per application
  • Sustainability feature (rainwater capture) required
  • At least 3 plants per 100 sq ft of turf converted
  • Replace or modify overhead spray sprinklers
  • No hardscape in transformed area except permeable hardscape
  • Mulch in all project areas with an organic mulch ring around plants
  • No invasive plants (Cal-IPC list)
  • No artificial or synthetic turf
  • Rebate paid on eligible costs verified by receipts, up to the max rate

How to apply

  1. 1Check the MWDOC Turf Replacement page and apply in the new rebate portal (opened June 1, 2026; old Droplet portal closed to new applications May 31, 2026)
  2. 2Pre-inspection and approval; wait for the Letter to Proceed
  3. 3Build the project
  4. 4Submit receipts and invoices for verification
  5. 5Receive rebate

Estimate your rebate

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

Enter an area to see an estimate

Timing and deadlines

not published

not published

Combining it with other programs

Tree rebate and Landscape Design rebate stack on turf; Spray-to-Drip (IRWD only)

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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