The Palm Springs City Council recently approved a turf rebate program to encourage landscaping that conserves water during an extreme drought.
"We thank the Desert Water Agency (DWA) for partnering with the city to accelerate essential water-wise landscaping as we move forward with necessary conservation efforts," Palm Springs Mayor Lisa Middleton told the City of Palm Springs' website. "The City of Palm Springs is committed to supporting our residents (who) minimize their water usage during this severe drought.”
The city's program calls for matching DWA's current $3-per-square-foot turf removal rebate program, up to $5,000 per project. As approved at the Oct. 27 council meeting, the combined square-foot incentive would climb to $6.
According to the city, the joint initiative will launch on Dec. 1 and be available to residents and homeowners associations for grass removal.
To make rebates possible, the city council approved a total of $250,000 for the program but stipulates that those who receive the city-matched rebate will be required to minimize their use of artificial turf.
DWA Board President Kristin Bloomer expressed gratitude to the city of Palm Springs for joining the project.
“Removing grass is the best thing property owners can do to reduce their water footprint," Bloomer told the City of Palm Springs' website. "These projects help our community become more sustainable.”
According to the city, low-income residents in disadvantaged communities who are interested in the rebate program may be eligible for additional incentives to assist in funding grass removal. This additional incentive would be used to offset the cost of switching from grass to "water-wise" landscaping.
Further information is expected as the December launch date approaches.