Turf Incentives-The Good News About The Drought
What could be good news about the drought?
The California State Water Board and it's water districts have created a variety of incentives for water conservation that will save money now and in the future for homeowners and businesses alike. Beyond even the cost of precious water resources there is money to be saved on the maintenance of our landscapes as well. So the good news is that an economic opportunity has presented itself out of our water crisis that will also help to mitigate the problem. A win win opportunity.
http://www.socalwatersmart.com/index.php/qualifyingproducts/turfremoval
Tips for Your Turf Removal Application
Take good measurements and send them your planting plan. They will take you more seriously with rebate square footage approved numbers.
Take at least 5 good pictures showing green grass. If your grass is brown or dormant they will not be able to see the difference between grass and soil and your final rebate numbers may be disappointing. If they turn you down there are no re-applications. There are specific examples of how the images should be shot on the web site link below. No close up images of grass but more expansive shots of the property with visual markers such as trees and structures are needed in the imagery.
Manage your application time well. After the approval of your application, the property owner has 120 days to complete the new landscape installation. Do not miss the deadline as you will be rejected without the possibility of extension, re-application or reimbursement for your expenses.
Water Rebate Application Footage Declaration
If your water provider is the Department of Water and Power (DWP), the link below are the specific rebate programs. DWP does not list all rebates on their web site such as for Weather-Based Irrigation Controllers or Soil Moisture Sensor Systems so inquire about them.
If your water provider is the California American Water, the link below are the specific rebate programs.
Following is a link for the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California
http://www.mwdh2o.com/index.htm
Following is a link for all state approved water conservation products even if your water company does not list these items on their web site.
Catherine Bosler