Lawn replacement · California

SSWD Grass to Garden and Irrigation Efficiency Rebate

Run by Sacramento Suburban Water District (SSWD)

OpenLast checked October 17, 2026
What you get
Up to $1.50 per sq ft of grass removed; combined cap with irrigation upgrades $2,250 per customer/meter/property; licensed contractor installation labor up to $150 reimbursable
Maximum
$2,250 per household
Who qualifies
SSWD water customer in good standing at the site receiving SSWD service; irrigable living turf being removed; irrigation upgrades only improve existing in-ground systems (no new installs).
Where
Customers of Sacramento Suburban Water District.
Status
Open. First-come first-served subject to funding; waiting list if cycle funds depleted.
Type of payment
Rebate
Official program page

What you do

Remove irrigated lawn and replace with low-water/native plants, groundcover, gravel or mulch; irrigation upgrades (nozzles, drip, smart controller, rain/soil sensors) are rebated only alongside a turf replacement.

Requirements

  • Pre-inspection survey required before applying
  • Post-inspection required
  • At least 25% low-water/native plant coverage
  • Receipts for all materials; MSRP cap on unit cost
  • Artificial turf and solarization plastic/tarps not reimbursable
  • Self-installation labor not reimbursed; contractor must be CA C27, C36 or applicable CSLB license with itemized invoice
  • One rebate per customer/meter/property
  • Items bought with reward points not eligible
  • W-9 required if rebates reach $600 in a calendar year
  • Qualifying irrigation equipment: stream rotator nozzles, pressure regulation, check valves, SWAT-tested smart controllers, drip equipment, rain shut-off/soil moisture sensors, flow sensors/master valves

How to apply

  1. 1Request a pre-inspection survey via the Water-Wise House Call/Rebate Pre-inspection form
  2. 2Complete the online SSWD Water Conservation Rebate Application with receipts and photos
  3. 3Complete project and schedule post-installation evaluation
  4. 4Rebate issued within 90 days of post-installation evaluation, usually by check mailed to applicant

Estimate your rebate

Uses the published rate per square foot of grass removed and the $2,250 cap. The program sets the final amount after its inspection.

Enter an area to see an estimate

Timing and deadlines

Pre-inspection scheduling up to 3 business days; rebate within 90 days of post-inspection

not published

Combining it with other programs

Irrigation upgrades must be paired with turf replacement and share the $2,250 cap

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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