Waterwise Landscape Rebate
The Waterwise Landscape Rebate Program provides incentives for Riverside Public Utilities' non-residential water customers who replace existing lawn areas with water-efficient, California-friendly plants.

Please note: You must call RPU at 951-826-5485 to schedule a pre-installation inspection before removing turf and planting. Funding is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.
 

What are the benefits of installing waterwise landscaping?
By replacing large turf areas with drought-tolerant, California-friendly landscaping and using efficient irrigation, outdoor water use can be cut by 50%.

What are the rebate amounts?
Customers can receive incentives of $0.40 per square foot of turf area that is replaced with waterwise landscaping. Non-residential customers can replace between 1,000 to 25,000 square feet of existing turf for a maximum rebate of $10,000. Rebate cannot exceed 50% of total documented materials cost. (Labor, equipment rentals and decorative fixtures are not considered materials.)

How to measure turf areas:
Use this helpful guide to find out how to accurately measure your existing turf areas.

What plants qualify for this rebate?
Only California-friendly, drought-tolerant plant species qualify for the Waterwise Landscape rebate. You can also search a catalog of authorized plant species.

If you have questions, please call us at 951-826-5485.

Can I get a rebate for installing concrete?
No. Water must be able to seep through (permeate) new landscapes to be eligible for a rebate. While using concrete in your landscape design is not prohibited, the total square feet of concrete or other non-permeable surfaces used will be deducted from your total rebate amount.

What do I need to do to receive a rebate?
First, call RPU at 951-826-5485 to schedule a pre-installation inspection to see if you qualify. Next, complete the Waterwise Landscape Rebate Program application and attach your original, dated sales receipt(s) and mail to:

Riverside Public Utilities Programs & Services
3901 Orange Street, Riverside, CA 92501
Upon receipt, a post-installation inspection will be scheduled before the rebate is issued.

Still have questions? Give us a call at 951-826-5485 or send us an e-mail.

 

Program Guidelines

• Program is subject to fund availability and may be cancelled at any time.

• This program is available to RPU water customers.

• Application and landscape design must be submitted and pre-approved by RPU within ninety (90) days of installation date in order to qualify for a rebate.

• Non-residential customers can receive $0.40 per square foot when you replace your lawn with waterwise landscape. You can replace between 1,000 and 25,000 square feet of existing lawn for a maximum rebate of $10,000. Rebate cannot exceed 50% of total documented materials cost.

• Before and after photos of the project must be submitted with your application to receive your rebate.

• Landscaping is subject to pre-installation and post-installation inspection for program compliance. Failure to comply may forfeit rebate.

• The customer must install low water-use landscaping selected from the approved plant list. A minimum of 25% of the conversion area must be planted.

• The landscape conversion must include a minimum of three inches of mulch between and beneath the plants.

• Non-permeable materials are not permitted.

• Existing irrigation lines must be removed and replaced by a low-volume drip irrigation system. Spray irrigation and plumbing is not permitted.

• Program subject to change without prior notification. Rebates are given on a first-come, first-served basis and are subject to fund availability.
• Customers must submit a landscape design at pre-inspection.

• All General Program Guidelines apply.