Traditional front yards will receive a make-over and homeowners a sizeable rebate thanks to a new water conservation program from the Coachella Valley Water District (CVWD) and desert cities.
Residents in two valley cities who remove their front lawns will be eligible for Water Wise Landscape Rebates from CVWD and their city.
“Desert-friendly landscaping is the norm in many of the valley's newer neighborhoods and many residents already have begun improving their outdoor irrigation systems,” said Steve Robbins, CVWD general manager–chief engineer. “CVWD's newest rebate program is designed to assist homeowners who are ready to take the significant step of removing all or part of their lawn.”
The Water Wise Landscape Rebate will reimburse up to $2,000 to CVWD residential customers who remove up to 1,000 square feet of grass from their front yards, plant desert-friendly landscaping and install weather-based irrigation controllers. Replacing grass with desert-friendly landscaping will reduce customer's water consumption and save on maintenance costs over time.
Residents who wish to be more water-efficient but are not ready to convert their front lawns may be eligible to receive a sprinkler nozzle rebate. Rebates of up to $5 per nozzle will be available to residents who replace older, inefficient spray nozzles with water-saving smart nozzles and install weather-based irrigation controllers.
The City of La Quinta is currently accepting applications for the residential lawn conversion rebate. The City of Palm Desert has approved funding to partner in all rebate programs beginning March 9. Cathedral City, Indian Wells and Rancho Mirage are expected to offer rebates this spring.
“The state's mandate for a 20 percent reduction in urban water use by the year 2020 is a key reason the district is launching this program,” said Robbins. “Nearly 80 percent of the water used by Coachella Valley residents is outdoors. Encouraging residents to take water-saving measures in their yards and gardens is one more way the Coachella Valley can meet the state requirement.”
Homeowner associations and businesses also are eligible for a Water Wise Landscape Rebate. HOAs and businesses can qualify for a rebate up to $5,000 for converting grass to desert landscaping on parkways adjacent to city streets or up to $10,000 for full conversions adjacent to perimeter walls.
“When large landscape users like HOAs install desert landscaping near city streets, it helps tremendously to reduce street run-off and water waste,” said David Koller, CVWD conservation coordinator.
Residents, homeowner associations and businesses in participating cities can apply for a rebate beginning March 9, on a first-come, first-served basis. All costs of the programs are shared between CVWD and participating cities. Program requirements vary by city. Applications will be available in person at a CVWD office or online starting Feb. 24. Complete details can be found at http://www.cvwd.org/conservation/rebates.php or by calling (888) 388-3255.
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