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Arizona Water Rebates

Tempe, Arizona Water Rebates

The City of Tempe Water Conservation Program pays $0.50 per square foot for converting grass to low-water desert landscaping, up to $2,000 per home per fiscal year. The program is administered directly by the City of Tempe — not SRP (Tempe's wholesale water supplier) and not EPCOR. Pre-approval is required before any grass is removed. A free consultation with a Tempe water conservation specialist is available and recommended before starting. The rebate can be combined with Tempe's Desert Plant Rebate (TreeBate) and high-efficiency irrigation rebates, bringing total potential savings above $2,500.

How to apply

  1. Schedule a free consultation with a Tempe water conservation specialist. Book a Grass Removal & Conversion Rebate Consultation via the City of Tempe's online booking system. Specialists walk through removal best practices, plant selection guides, and rebate terms. Pre-approval is required — this consultation is part of getting that approval.
  2. Receive written pre-approval before removing any grass. Do not remove any turf until you have written authorization from the City of Tempe. Only future grass removal is eligible — work done before pre-approval is disqualified from the rebate.
  3. Complete the conversion to desert landscaping. Remove the grass and install a desert-adapted landscape. At least 30% of the removed area must be planted with desert-adapted plants (measured at plant maturity). Bare rock or mulch covering the entire area does not meet the program requirement.
  4. Submit the rebate application at waterrebates.com/tempe. Apply online at the City of Tempe's rebate portal. If your total City of Tempe rebates for the calendar year will reach $600 or more, include a completed W-9 form with your application or email it to conservation@tempe.gov.

Full application guide for Tempe: required documents and how to avoid rejection

Tempe Water Rebate FAQs

Is this an SRP rebate or a City of Tempe rebate?
This is a City of Tempe rebate. SRP (Salt River Project) is Tempe's wholesale water and electricity supplier, but the retail water utility is operated directly by the City of Tempe. The Grass Removal & Conversion Rebate is a City of Tempe Water Conservation Program — not an SRP program. You apply through the City of Tempe's portal at waterrebates.com/tempe.
Can I combine this with other Tempe rebates?
Yes. The Grass Removal & Conversion Rebate is stackable with Tempe's Desert Plant Rebate (TreeBate) and the High-Efficiency Irrigation Rebate. Combined savings can exceed $2,500 for a typical project. Each rebate has its own application; apply for each separately at waterrebates.com/tempe.
What plants count for the 30% coverage requirement?
The 30% plant coverage is measured at plant maturity and must use desert-adapted species. A free consultation with a Tempe water conservation specialist can help you select qualifying plants. Common choices include native Sonoran Desert plants such as palo verde, desert willow, agave, and brittlebush. Contact conservation@tempe.gov for a plant guidance list.
What happens if I remove grass before getting pre-approval?
Previously removed grass is ineligible for the rebate. If you remove turf before receiving written pre-approval, that area cannot be included in your rebate application. The program explicitly covers only future grass removal — not past work.

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Programs change throughout the year. If something here is out of date or wrong, tell us and we'll check it against the provider.

We compile these programs from utility and city pages, and not every amount here has been independently confirmed. Program details also change throughout the year. Always verify requirements, amounts, and eligibility directly with your water utility before starting work. Pollinator Patch is not affiliated with any rebate program and does not guarantee approval.