Landscapes that
make an impression.

Funding may offset conversion costs

In the Bay Area, participating BAWSCA water agencies offer Lawn Be Gone! incentives of up to $4 per square foot; Valley Water lists commercial/multifamily project caps up to $100,000 and Alameda County Water District lists $2 per square foot, up to $20,000 per site. Actual programs and rates depend on your water account and project.

• Existing grass generally must be present when you apply.
• Apply and secure written approval before removing turf or starting work.
• Programs may require water-efficient irrigation, approved planting and stormwater features.
• Eligibility, project size, and available funds vary by water utility.

New rules for decorative grass

California is phasing out potable-water irrigation of nonfunctional turf—grass not used for recreation or community activities—at covered properties. It does not necessarily require grass removal.

Exceptions and later deadlines apply in some cases. Functional recreation lawns and certain tree-health irrigation may be treated differently.