The Waterwise Landscape rebate program provides incentives for Riverside Public Utilities' 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.
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 percent. That can add up to 1,800 gallons of water per month.
What are the rebate amounts?
Customers can receive incentives of $0.40 per square foot of turf
area that is replaced with waterwise landscaping. Customers can
replace between 1,000 to 6,000 square feet of existing turf for a
maximum rebate of $2,400. Rebate can not exceed 50% of total
documented materials cost.
Rebates are also available for landscaping public parkway areas
less than 1,000 sq. ft. Call for details.
Waterwise Landscaping in Action
How to Measure Turf Areas
Click here for a helpful guide that will show you how to accurately measure existing turf areas to be replaced.
What plants qualify for this rebate?
Only California friendly, drought tolerant plant species qualify for the Waterwise Landscape rebate. Click here to search a catalog of authorized plant species. For additional 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. Landscape fabric that allows water to
penetrate into the ground must also be used. 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 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 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 Riverside Public Utilities’ (RPU) residential water customers.
Application must be submitted and pre-approved by RPU within ninety (90) days of installation date in order to qualify for a rebate.
Residential customers can receive $0.40 per square foot when you replace
your lawn with waterwise landscape. You can replace between 1,000 and 6,000
square feet of existing lawn for a maximum rebate of $2,400. Rebate can not
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 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 percent of the conversion area must be planted.
The landscape conversion must include a minimum of two inches of mulch between and beneath the plants.
Landscape fabric that allows water to penetrate into the ground must be used. Non-permeable materials are not permitted.
Existing irrigation lines must be removed and replaced with 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 subject to fund availability.
