Dallas, TX Water Use Rules: Turf Replacement Rebates (2026)
Key Facts
- Lead agency
- Dallas Water Utilities
- Eligibility
- Single-family and duplex accounts
- Plant minimum
- Fifty percent SmartScape coverage
- Artificial turf
- Not eligible for rebate
- Inspection
- Pre and post installation required
Summary
Dallas Water Utilities offers a turf reduction rebate that pays single-family customers to replace thirsty St. Augustine and Bermuda turf with drought-tolerant landscaping, mulch, or permeable hardscape under conservation programs.
Sec. 202.007. CERTAIN RESTRICTIVE COVENANTS PROHIBITED. (a) A property owners' association may not include or enforce a provision in a dedicatory instrument that prohibits or restricts a property owner from:(1) implementing measures promoting solid-waste composting of vegetation, including grass clippings, leaves, or brush, or leaving grass clippings uncollected on grass;(2) installing rain barrels or a rainwater harvesting system;(3) implementing efficient irrigation systems, including underground drip or other drip systems; or(4) using drought-resistant landscaping or water-conserving natural turf.(b) A provision that violates Subsection (a) is void.(c) A property owners' association may restrict the type of turf used by a property owner in the planting of new turf to encourage or req...
Full Breakdown
Dallas Water Utilities runs a residential turf buyback program funded through conservation rates. Single-family and duplex customers can earn rebates per square foot of qualifying turf converted to approved water-wise plant material, two- to three-inch mulch, or permeable hardscape. Pre-application inspection verifies existing turf and irrigation; post-installation inspection confirms plant density and drip conversion. At least fifty percent of the new area must be living plants from the Texas SmartScape list. Artificial turf is not eligible. Rebates cap annually per address, and combined area minimums apply. The program complements Chapter 49 watering rules and supports the Dallas Climate Action and Equity Plan goal of reducing potable irrigation.
Violations & Fines
This is a voluntary incentive program, not a regulatory requirement. Customers who fail post-inspection forfeit rebates and may be required to return funds. Replacing turf still requires compliance with HOA rules and any tree-protection or stormwater grading approvals.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does the Dallas turf buyback pay?
Can I count rock or gravel as the replacement?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Dallas
Texas rules heatmap·Compare Dallas to another location·View the Texas water use rules overview
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Turf Replacement Rebates in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Dallas County handle turf replacement rebates.