How to Apply for BAWSCA Lawn Be Gone! — $1–$4/Sq Ft for Peninsula California

Application Steps

1. 1

   Check which water agency serves your address

   BAWSCA covers San Mateo County Peninsula cities and ACWD in Alameda County (Fremont, Newark, Union City). Santa Clara County residents are not eligible and should visit valleywater.org. Use the dropdown at bawsca.dropletportal.com to confirm your agency.

   Check your agency on the BAWSCA portal
2. 2

   Download the BAWSCA Approved Plant List

   Download the current Approved Plant List (updated January 2025). All plants replacing lawn must come from this list, or receive prior agency approval. Choose at least enough species to cover 50% of the converted area at maturity.

   BAWSCA Approved Plant List (Excel)
3. 3

   Submit your application online — before removing any lawn

   Create an account at bawsca.dropletportal.com using your water account number. Submit the application with a project plan that includes your proposed plant list confirming at least 50% plant cover at maturity, plus photos of the current lawn.

   Apply at BAWSCA Droplet Portal
4. 4

   Complete the Pre-Conversion Site Inspection

   Your water agency will review your application and conduct a pre-conversion inspection — usually virtual via photos. Do not remove any turf until this is done. Once your project is approved, you will receive a Notice to Proceed letter.

5. 5

   Remove lawn and complete the conversion within 4 months

   You have 4 months from the Notice to Proceed to finish the project. Remove turf, install 3+ inches of mulch on all bare soil, plant from the Approved Plant List, and convert or remove existing sprinklers. Keep all receipts for plants and irrigation equipment (labor and equipment rental are not reimbursable).

6. 6

   Schedule the Post-Conversion Inspection and receive your rebate

   Notify your agency that the conversion is complete and schedule a post-conversion inspection. Bring your final plant list and receipts. If the project passes, the rebate is issued as a check or water bill credit. Processing can take up to 10 weeks.