How to Get the Turf Removal Rebate Program

What you get

Mission Springs Water District (MSWD) pays $2 per square foot to convert lawn to desert-friendly landscaping, up to $3,000 for residential customers ($10,000 for commercial customers). Half of the conversion area must be covered by plants at maturity, and the area needs a smart irrigation controller, a low-flow irrigation system on its own valve, and a pressure regulator and filter. Synthetic turf and hardscape do not qualify. A pre-conversion inspection, signed project agreement, and approved planting list come before the Notice to Proceed, and the project must be finished within 4 months. Funding is limited (Mission Springs Water District, Turf Rebates, last verified September 2026).

• Residential: $2 per square foot, up to $3,000 for residential customers

Are you eligible?

• Be a Mission Springs Water District customer
• Property located in: Desert Hot Springs
• MSWD water customer; property owner or designee present at the pre-conversion inspection
• Signed Project Agreement and MSWD-approved planting list before the Notice to Proceed; no work before that letter
• Plants must cover 50% of the conversion area at maturity
• Smart irrigation controller, low-flow irrigation on a separate valve from any remaining turf, and a pressure regulator and filter
• Synthetic turf and hardscape are not eligible
• Notify MSWD of completion within 4 months of approval; post-conversion inspection before payment
• Maintain the water-wise landscape with no reintroduced lawn, spray irrigation, or water features, or repay the rebate

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 Mission Springs Water District 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.