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Turf's up! Metropolitan Water District doubles rebate for non-residential properties to replace grass
The rebates will help non-residential properties comply with a new state law banning the use of potable water on non-functional turf.
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Lucy Nicholson
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Reuters
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Topline:
The Metropolitan Water District of Southern California is more than doubling its rebate for businesses, schools and other institutions who want to replace their grass lawn with more sustainable landscaping.
What’s new: The rebate for the agency’s turf replacement program will increase from $3 per square foot to $7 starting Sept. 1.
Why it matters: Up to 70% of the water supply in Southern California is used outdoors, officials said. “Much of it is on grass that is not even played on, and most of the time it's only walked on by the people cutting the grass,” said Michael Camacho, vice chair of Metropolitan’s Board of Directors. “ Climate change is no longer a distant threat. It's happening right now. The last drought showed us just how severe consequences could be to our communities.”
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What’s next: District officials say the rebate will help non-residential properties comply with a new state law banning the use of potable water on “non-functional turf,” which is grass that’s used solely for aesthetic purposes. The law goes into effect in 2027.
Go deeper… on how to swap out your thirsty lawn.
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