• Southern Nevada Water Authority offers rebates for replacing grass lawns with desert landscaping.
• Rebates available for residential, business, HOA, and multifamily properties.
• Non-functional grass will be prohibited beginning in 2027.

August 12, 2024 — The Southern Nevada Water Authority encourages residents and businesses to conserve water by offering rebates for replacing grass lawns with desert landscaping. The Water Smart Landscapes program has helped the community save more than 176 billion gallons of water since it began in 1999.

Business, HOA, and Multifamily Properties.

Businesses, HOAs, and multifamily properties can receive a rebate of $3 per square foot of grass removed and replaced with desert landscaping, up to the first 10,000 square feet converted. The rebate is then reduced to $1.50 per square foot thereafter. Beginning in 2025, the rebate will be reduced to $2 per square foot for the first 10,000 square feet and $1 per square foot thereafter.

Converting to a water-smart landscape can save businesses money on water bills, repair costs, and pest control. It can also help reduce the risk of water waste fees and increase opportunities for risk management.

Residential Properties.

Single-family residential properties can receive a rebate of $5 per square foot of grass removed and replaced with desert landscaping, up to the first 10,000 square feet converted. The rebate is then reduced to $3.50 per square foot thereafter. This rebate is only available for projects completed in 2024.

In addition to the rebate, water-smart landscaping can help homeowners save money on their water bills and reduce the amount of time they spend maintaining their lawns.

Tree Enhancement Program.

The Water Smart Landscapes rebate also includes a Tree Enhancement Program, which pays new participants a bonus of $100 for every new tree installed (up to 100 percent canopy coverage).

Non-functional Grass Ban.

Beginning in 2027, using Colorado River water to irrigate non-functional grass around Southern Nevada business complexes, along streets in HOA communities, and in traffic circles and medians will be illegal.

The Southern Nevada Water Authority encourages all customers to do their part to conserve water. Replacing grass lawns with desert landscaping is a great way to save water and money.

The Fine Print.

Visit the Authority’s website for terms, conditions, recommended trees, and other information.

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