Program pays an incentive of $2.00 per square foot of turf removed, up to a maximum of 100,000 square feet

The Coachella Valley Water District (CVWD), in coordination with the Coachella Valley Golf Industry Water Task Force announced that it was offering a turf conversion rebate program for golf courses in the CWVD’s service area. 

The program is for golf course customers who convert green or golden-brown lawns (with full thatch attached) to desert friendly landscaping with a minimum of 25% plant canopy at maturity. Project areas may include golf courses, common areas, parkways, front yards, and other areas watered and maintained by the Golf Course irrigation system.  Only non-domestic water customers (well, recycled, and canal water) are eligible for this program.

The program pays an incentive of $2.00 per square foot of turf removed, up to a maximum of 100,000 square feet, which equates to a maximum of $200,000.00 for new landscape conversion projects. Multiple projects are allowed. Each project requires a separate application. As a condition of this grant, applicants are required to contribute a cost share of 50% of the total cost. To fulfill this obligation, each applicant must submit a Letter of Commitment, affirming their commitment to contributing at least 50% towards the overall expenses associated with their proposed project.

All projects must be pre-approved before work begins. Customers must receive written pre-approval from CVWD before starting project conversion. If the customer begins or completes their project before applying and receiving pre-approval, the project is no longer eligible for a rebate. No retroactive rebates will be approved. Eligible projects are funded on a first-come, first-served basis. There is no guarantee that funds will be available.

The program received its funding through the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation Water and Energy Efficiency Grants (WEEG) Program. Applications for the program as well as more specific regulations can be accessed online at Golf Course Rebate | Coachella Valley Water District - Official Website (cvwd.org) and may be submitted to CVWD in person or by email to outdoorRebates@cvwd.org.

The Coachella Valley Golf Industry Water Conservation Task Force exists to provides a sustainable water supply for future generations, to meet if not exceed the goals of the Coachella Valley Water Management Plan, to pursue all feasible water conservation measures, to promote and expedite the use of non-potable water, and to educate Valley residents regarding the importance of pursuing these goals for the environmental and economic quality of life in the Coachella Valley.