Boulder, Colorado Water Conservation Rebates (2025 Guide)

How to Apply for Boulder Water Rebates

1. 1

   Apply online at resourcecentral.org before removing any grass

   Go to resourcecentral.org/lawn/apply/ and select City of Boulder as your water provider. Submit measurements and photos of the project area along with your recent water bill showing your account number. Pre-approval is mandatory — removing turf before receiving written authorization disqualifies your project.

   You'll need:

   • Recent water bill with account number
   • Photos and measurements of project area

   Apply at Resource Central
2. 2

   Get approved and pay the 50% deposit to schedule

   Resource Central reviews applications on a rolling basis starting in spring. Once approved (typically starting May), you receive an invitation to schedule your removal appointment. A 50% deposit is required to reserve your date. The city's subsidy is applied at this stage — you pay $1.00/sqft, not $2.75/sqft.

3. 3

   Crew removes turf and hauls it away

   On your scheduled appointment day, a Resource Central crew arrives with sod-cutting equipment, removes the turf, and hauls it to composting. You do not need to arrange separate equipment or disposal.

4. 4

   Plant at least 50% water-wise plants within 6 months

   Within 6 months of the turf removal, the converted area must be planted with at least 50% water-wise, drought-tolerant plant material appropriate for the Colorado Front Range. Bare soil does not satisfy this requirement. Resource Central can provide plant guidance.

   You'll need:

   • Before-and-after photos of the conversion area

Boulder Water / Resource Central Lawn Replacement Program: Up to $750

City of Boulder Water Utility customers can use the Resource Central Lawn Replacement Program to have a professional crew remove and haul away their lawn at a deeply subsidized rate. The city pays $1.75 per square foot toward the project cost (up to a $750 maximum), and you pay the remaining $1.00 per square foot. For the first 428 square feet of turf removed, your out-of-pocket cost is $1.00/sqft; beyond that threshold, you pay the full rate of $2.75/sqft. The minimum project size is 200 square feet. After removal, you must plant at least 50% water-wise plant material within 6 months. Resource Central handles the crew, equipment, and compostable disposal — there is no need to arrange a separate contractor. Slots are limited each season and typically fill by mid-summer; applying early in the calendar year gives you the best chance of a same-season appointment.

• Active City of Boulder Water Utility residential account at the project address
• Minimum 200 square feet of healthy, maintained lawn to convert
• Pre-approval required before removing any turf
• Must replace removed area with at least 50% water-wise plant material within 6 months
• Project managed through Resource Central (crew and hauling provided)
• Account must be in good standing