Chandler's residential rebate programs have helped residents reduce water use for more than three decades. Rebates are available for replacing grass lawns with xeriscape (low water use) landscape plants and smart irrigation controllers; and are available to active utility account holders and property owners.
The average residential grass conversion saves 75,000 gallons each year and smart controllers save about 11,000 gallons after the first year. Rebate funds are limited and will be processed until funds are depleted. Review rebate guidelines and apply.
What is Xeriscape? Xeriscape is a style of landscape design used in arid regions that receive little rainfall. Low-water-use drought-tolerant plants are a main component of designing xeriscape landscapes.
The city’s Grass to Xeriscape Rebate Program incentivizes the replacement of living grass with low-water-use, drought-tolerant plants (xeriscape), thereby creating a permanent reduction in the amount of water applied to landscapes.
Eligibility is based on program requirements and policy. A Notice to Proceed (NTP) is required for all grass removal projects. Once an applicant receives an NTP from the city's Water Conservation staff projects can proceed with the landscape conversion. Grass removed before receiving an NTP will not qualify.
Receive $2 for every square foot of grass converted to xeriscape up to $3000!
Eligibility
Please note requirements may be waived at the water conservation division's discretion, please reach out with questions or concerns.
- A minimum of 500 sf of grass removed.
- Landscape design must include at least 50% ground coverage with low-water-using plants. Measurements are based on the plants' size at full maturity. Plants listed on the ADWR Phoenix Low-Water-Use/Drought-Tolerant Plant List qualify as low-water-use.
- The yard must be landscaped before conversion with established living grass. Bare soil is not acceptable.
- Residents must receive pre-approval from the City of Chandler’s Water Conservation Team before removing grass. Completed projects are not eligible.
Rebate Program Limitations
- Installing pavers, hardscaping, or a pool: Areas including hardscaping, such as pavers, will not be rebated. Fountains, pools, or other water-intensive features are not permitted in the conversion area. Non-pervious materials, such as black plastic sheeting, are not permitted.
- Artificial Turf: Artificial turf can only replace up to 50% of the grass removal area and is limited to 1,000 sf. While artificial turf may provide a water-saving benefit, there are potential negative environmental impacts among other reasons.
Rebate Process
- Read the program policy and requirements.
- Submit the Pre-Approval Application before the grass is removed and include at least two pictures of the existing live grass area.
- Water Conservation will review the application and conduct a pre-inspection. If approved, a Notice to Proceed will be issued to begin your project.
- When your project is completed, submit the Final Approval Application including at least two pictures of the finished conversion and a W-9.
- Water Conservation will review the application and conduct a Final Inspection.
- If approved, a check will be issued to the address listed on your W-9.
Apply for Rebate Notice to Proceed or Final Approval
Reach out to Water Conservation with any questions regarding the rebate process or eligibility. Applications are processed within 10 business days. Funds are limited. Rebates will be processed until funds are depleted.
Resources
Chandler's Water Conservation rebate reimburses 50% of the purchase price (excluding tax and installation) up to $250 for WaterSense-approved smart irrigation controllers and any attachment that improves the controller’s accuracy including onsite weather stations and soil moisture sensors (attachments must be submitted with smart controller application to be eligible).
Smart irrigation controllers use current weather data and specific site conditions, such as rain, wind, soil type, plant type, and more to apply the right amount of water to landscape plants. This can help reduce unnecessary water use and ensure your plants are receiving the proper amount of water.
To be eligible for a rebate:
- The controller must be listed on the EPA WaterSense Weather-Based Irrigation Controllers List
- The controller must be purchased after Oct. 1, 2023
- Have not received a smart irrigation controller rebate in the past five years
To process your rebate, please attach three images to the online application including: an image of the receipt, a picture of the controller installed to the home, and a screenshot of the watering schedule programmed on the mobile app.
Applications are generally processed within 10 business days. Funds are limited. Rebates will be processed until funds are depleted.