Landscape Upgrades Made Easier

The County of San Diego has just launched exciting updates to its Waterscape Rebate Program, including:

• Enhanced rebates for rain-saving features like gutters, gardens, and containers – enabling higher rebates for more rainwater capture.

Stacked Turf Replacement 

Fall is the perfect time to plant California native shrubs, grasses, and flowers. Start planning your landscape upgrade now to take advantage of the best planting season and this new rebate upgrade.

The County of San Diego’s Waterscape Rebate Program now offers an additional $1 per square foot on top of existing turf replacement rebates when you choose California native plants. Native plants help conserve water, support pollinators, and enhance the beauty and functionality of your outdoor space while reducing maintenance needs.

Breakdown of the rebates:

• A new $1/sqft California native plant bonus for SoCal WaterSmart turf replacement participants, up to $2,000 per property.
• Up to $5/sqft for removing grass near pavement that is ineligible for SoCal WaterSmart turf replacement. 
• Check your eligibility and estimate your rebate: sandiegocounty.gov/watershedrebates

New! California Native Plant Rebate

The Waterscape Rebate Program now offers an additional $1 per square foot on top of existing $3 per square foot turf replacement rebates when you choose California native plants. Native plants help save water, support pollinators (bats, bees & butterflies), and enhance the beauty and functionality of your outdoor space while reducing maintenance needs.

Stack Landscape Rebates

$4/Sq Ft Residential Turf Rebate: Transform your lawn with turf removal, irrigation upgrades, and rainwater retention.

Check your eligibility and estimate your rebate: sandiegocounty.gov/watershedrebates

Commerical Turf Replacement with SoCal Water$mart

Non-residential properties in California will be prohibited from using potable water to irrigate non-functional grass. Sites such as schools, parks, homeowner associations, office parks, will no longer be allowed to water grass that is notused for recreation or other purposes. Get a jump start on replacing turf with native California Friendly plants and creative landscape to reduce water waste. Learn more about the application process, estimate your rebate on the SoCal Water$mart website.

• Metropolitan Water District is offering a rebate starting September 1, 2025 with the base rebate for commercial and public agency turf replacement applications will increase to $7 per square foot. 

Personalized Help to Replace Your Lawn

Did you know that 85% of people need expert help to replace their lawns? You are not alone. Get personalized help to plan a turf replacement project with the Waterscape Rebate Program. Access rebates up to $5 per square foot with extra bonuses for native plants and rain-saving features to create a water-efficient yard. Rebates are available for homeowners and businesses in unincorporated San Diego.The program is offered by the County of San Diego Watershed Protection Program (WPP), which is dedicated to protecting our environment by preventing pollutants from entering local waterways. Get a jump start on your new yard and apply online today. For more information on the program please call (619) 777-9071.

• Rainbow Water customers can get support from Water Rebate Program staff to find design and installation resources, complete rebate applications, and more with a simple email or phone call.

Check your eligibility and estimate your rebate: sandiegocounty.gov/watershedrebates

Capture More Rain and Rebates

The rainy season is coming, and now is the perfect time to get your home rain ready. The County of San Diego’s Waterscape Rebate Program now offers enhanced rebates for rain gardens and rain-saving containers for residents and businesses, making it easier than ever to harvest rain where it falls.

An average home can shed nearly 800 gallons during a heavy storm. That water could be nourishing landscapes instead of running to the storm drain. 

Take Advantage of Rain Capture Rebates

$5/Sq Ft: Rain Gutters, up to $500

$1/Sq Ft: Rain Containers, up to $3,000

$1/Sq Ft: Rain Capture Feature, up to $5,000

Explore all the ways you can capture rainwater for your garden at sandiegocounty.gov/watershedrebates, email info@waterscaperebates.com, or call (619) 777-9071.

Videos

Need more help with turf replacement. Watch the videos below for details on identifying turf, replacement options, and reducing water waste.