How to Apply for Oakland, California Water Rebates
Get written approval before you start. Standard rebate is $1 per sq ft, Super Rebate is $2 per sq ft, both capped at $2,000 per 24-month period. Synthetic turf is not eligible.
Application Steps
- 1
Get approval before you remove
Apply through EBMUD with photos of your existing lawn and wait for written approval. Do not remove any grass until you have it. Funding is first-come, first-served each fiscal year, so apply early.
Open the EBMUD Lawn Conversion page - 2
Pick your tier and design to it
For the standard $1 per square foot rate, plant low-water plants at 50% coverage with 3 inches of mulch and permeable hardscape only. For the $2 Super Rebate, also sheet-mulch with cardboard, add a half-inch of compost, use mostly California natives, and plant between September and February.
- 3
Install and document
Remove the lawn, install the garden, and take after photos. Keep itemized receipts.
- 4
Submit and get paid
Send your after photos and receipts to receive $1 or $2 per square foot, capped at $2,000 in any 24-month period.
EBMUD requires written approval before you touch the lawn, and funding runs out as the fiscal year goes on. The approval and before-photo steps are what trip most people up.
Full Program Details
See amounts, eligibility requirements, qualifying plants, and FAQs on the full program page.
Oakland, California Water Rebates — full guide