How to Get the Water-Efficient Landscape Rebate

What you get

Cal Water offers $2.00–3.50 per square foot for turf removal and replacement with water-efficient or native landscaping. The rate varies by service district. Cal Water operates multiple separate service areas across California including Bakersfield, Chico, Salinas, Stockton, Livermore, Los Altos, and Redwood City. Check your district's specific rate at the Cal Water rebates portal.

• Residential: $2–3.50/sq ft (varies by district)

Are you eligible?

• Be a California Water Service (Cal Water) customer
• Property located in: Bakersfield, Chico, Salinas, Stockton, Livermore, Los Altos, Redwood City
• Must be a Cal Water customer in a participating district
• Pre-approval required before starting work
• Replace with water-efficient or drought-tolerant plants
• Synthetic turf typically not eligible

What applying usually looks like

A general guide. Always confirm the exact steps on the official program page, since each provider runs its process a little differently.

1. 1

   Apply and get written approval first

   Submit your application to California Water Service (Cal Water) and wait for written approval before you remove any turf or start work. Starting early is the most common reason a rebate is denied.

2. 2

   Do the conversion

   Replace your lawn with the qualifying landscaping, following the eligibility requirements above.

3. 3

   Submit your claim

   After the work is done, submit your claim on the official program page. Confirm the exact forms, receipts, and any photos they require there, since those vary by program.