How to Apply for Cortez, Colorado Water Rebates
Get City staff approval before starting any work. Up to $2,000 for residential (1,000 sq ft max). Artificial turf, rock-only conversions, and impervious surfaces do not qualify.
Application Steps
- 1
Get approval before you start
Submit your project to City of Cortez staff for approval before doing any work. Projects started or completed before the approval process are not eligible for reimbursement.
Open the Cortez Turf Replacement page - 2
Design to the rules
Plan a landscape that reaches at least 50% plant coverage at maturity using the City of Cortez Plant List or approved sources. Convert irrigation to a low-water drip system. No artificial turf, concrete, water features, or impervious surfaces.
- 3
Install and request inspection
Complete the installation in 2026, then request the required final site visit. Keep before and after photos and itemized receipts.
- 4
Submit and get reimbursed
After the final inspection, submit your receipts for reimbursement up to $2,000 residential (1,000 sq ft) or $4,000 commercial (2,000 sq ft).
Cortez pays after completion and a final inspection, but only if City staff approved the project first. The pre-approval and 50% plant-coverage rules are what trip most people up.
Full Program Details
See amounts, eligibility requirements, qualifying plants, and FAQs on the full program page.
Cortez, Colorado Water Rebates — full guide