Orange County water retailers offer turf replacement rebates funded by Metropolitan Water District and member agencies, paying property owners per square foot of grass converted to California-friendly landscaping.
MWD and Municipal Water District of Orange County jointly fund the SoCal WaterSmart turf rebate, typically paying $2 to $5 per square foot of removed grass replaced with low-water plants, permeable surfaces, or rock mulch. Programs vary by retailer with caps on residential square footage, often 1,500 to 5,000 square feet. Pre-inspection is required before removal begins. Replacement landscapes must include a minimum percentage of living plant cover, drip or low-flow irrigation, and permeable surface beneath mulch. Artificial turf is generally not eligible. Apply through your retail agency before starting work.
Removing turf without pre-approval voids the rebate. Misrepresenting work or installing ineligible artificial turf can result in rebate clawback.
See how other cities in Orange County handle turf replacement rebates.
See how Costa Mesa's turf replacement rebates rules stack up against other locations.
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