Turf replacement residential rebates (Photo – bewaterwise.com)
PASADENA- ColoradoBoulevard.net:
A recently signed state budget includes $2.8 billion for drought response and water resilience, including $175 million for conservation and turf replacement.
By News Desk
California Natural Resources Agency Secretary Wade Crowfoot, the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, and the City of Pasadena joined forces to urge water conservation and to discuss statewide and local turf replacement programs offered to help Californians cut back on outdoor water use.
This event follows Gov. Newsom’s signing of a state budget last week that includes $2.8 billion for near- and long-term drought response actions to build water resilience and promote water conservation, including $175 million for turf replacement and other water-saving strategies.
As the statewide drought intensifies, it is critical that all Californians do their part to save water to ensure we have enough water supply to meet current and future needs, especially in the hottest and driest months of the year. Limiting outdoor watering is one of the best ways Californians can be water smart, as up to 60% of the average Californians’ water use occurs outdoors.
Residential and business rebates
Metropolitan’s Turf Replacement Program provides residents and businesses with a rebate of $2 per square foot of lawn converted to water-efficient landscaping, with additional incentives coming from some local water agencies. Metropolitan’s rebates have helped facilitate the removal of more than 200 million square feet of grass, saving enough water to serve 62,000 Southland homes annually.
> For water-saving tips and information, visit SaveOurWater.com.
Per Royce, the details prevent many do-it-yourself citizens from participating. I replaced all of my front yard and 80% of the backyard over 4 years. There was no way to get the subsidies.
The requirements take an all-or-nothing approach, making the perfect the enemy of the good (or good enough). This effectively subsidizes homeowners who have enough money to meet all the requirements–and probably can afford to do it all without subsidy.