To help make better use of our precious resource, water, West Basin Municipal Water District has increased the current “Turfs Up” turf removal rebate from $2 to $3 per square foot for qualifying residents in its service area, thanks to a $300,000 grant from the United States Bureau of Reclamation. 

In addition to the $3 per square foot rebate, the enhanced program provides a free consultation with a landscape surveyor who will assist the applicant in identifying turf that can be removed. The surveyor will also offer information about drought-tolerant plants and drip irrigation. 

Residents who apply can also qualify to receive up to two free rain barrels during the pre-inspection survey. 

West Basin also offers free California Friendly Landscape classes that teach residents how to create water-efficient gardens.

“Programs such as turf removal allow residents to significantly reduce their outdoor water use, which is where the largest amount of water savings potential is for residential communities,” said West Basin Board President Gloria D. Gray. 

“With the addition of rain barrels into this program, West Basin is maximizing the opportunity to conserve water outdoors. If we all work together to do even a small part in this drought, we can make a big difference on the impacts of our future water supply.”

The grant funding will help remove approximately 450,000 square feet (or 10 acres) of water-thirsty lawns to help conserve 20 million gallons of precious drinking water per year, and provide 450 rain barrels to qualifying residents in West Basin’s service area. 

The rebate/instructional program is available for a limited time on a first-come, first-served basis, while funding lasts. A minimum of 250 square feet of turf must be removed. 

Full details are available online. Applications can also be completed online. 

To date, West Basin’s residents and businesses, in partnership with the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, have removed more than 1 million square feet of water-thirsty lawns and landscaping, helping to conserve 44 million gallons of drinking water per year.