How to Get the Waterscape Rebate Program

What you get

County Waterscape enhancement for residents of the unincorporated county (customers of districts like Helix, Otay, Padre Dam, Sweetwater, Vallecitos): enhanced per-square-foot rates plus a $1/sq ft bonus for California native plants, on residential projects up to 5,000 sq ft. City of San Diego residents qualify for the base SoCal Water$mart rebate of $2.00/sq ft through the same portal, without the county enhancement (County of San Diego watershed rebates + SoCal Water$mart pages, last verified June 2026).

• Residential: Up to $5/sq ft with native plants

Are you eligible?

• Be a County of San Diego + SoCal Water$mart customer
• Property located in: San Diego
• Unincorporated-county water district customer for the enhanced rates; City of San Diego customers get the base SoCal Water$mart rebate
• Apply and receive approval before starting; turf must be in place (living or dormant) at application
• Two before photos showing the turf and adjacent pavement
• Project must include a stormwater retention feature and at least 3 plants per 100 sq ft
• Complete within 180 days of the funds reservation; synthetic turf 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 County of San Diego + SoCal Water$mart 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.