Perris, CA (September 28, 2022) — As California’s ongoing drought shows no signs of letting up, Eastern Municipal Water District (EMWD) is encouraging its customers to make lasting changes by taking part in the regional turf removal rebate program.

EMWD customers are eligible for the program, which will pay them up to $3 per square foot for turf removed at their homes. The rebates are available through www.socalwatersmart.com.

Throughout EMWD’s service area, outdoor irrigation is estimated at nearly 60 percent of all water used. Turf grass uses the most water, needing approximately four feet of water per year.

By making the proactive investment to remove turf and replace it with drought-tolerant landscaping and ground covers such as mulch and rocks, customers can significantly reduce their water use, resulting in long-term cost savings and lower maintenance time and costs to maintain.

EMWD’s award-winning Landscapes for Living program also offers a variety of resources that can help customers navigate the turf transformation process, including sample landscape design plans and rebates on weather-based irrigation controllers and other devices.

Customers who wish to participate in the turf removal program must apply for and be approved for their funding commitment prior to beginning work on their property. Funding opportunities are limited and are provided on a first-come, first-serve basis.

“We hope that our customers will take advantage of the available rebate funding and transform their landscapes,” EMWD Board President Phil Paule said. “By making the transformation from grass to drought-tolerant plants, customers can do their part to save water while maintaining a beautiful, low-maintenance landscape.”

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Eastern Municipal Water District is the water, wastewater service and recycled water provider to nearly one million people living and working within a 558-square mile service area in western Riverside County. It is California’s sixth-largest retail water agency, and its mission is “To deliver value to our diverse customers and the communities we serve by providing safe, reliable, economical and environmentally sustainable water, wastewater and recycled water services.”
More information can be found at www.emwd.org.