Waterwise Lawn Program

The City of Grand Junction’s Waterwise Lawn Program helps City water customers save money on their water bills and enhance their landscape.  

Register today for the upcoming Waterwise Lawn presentation on February 26 at 5:30 p.m. The class will cover material on how to initiate the conversion of high-water grass to a water-wise landscape. 

What is the Waterwise Lawn Program?

This is also known as a lawn conversion or replacement, which removes grass lawns that require high amounts of water while maintaining existing trees to create a beautiful, water-wise landscape that fits the local climate, making it a Grandscape. Waterwise landscaping, also known as xeriscape landscaping, does not replace plants or lawns with rock. Water-wise landscapes can include native plants that attract pollinators, fire-resistant plants, and existing or new trees, as well as feature low-to moderate-water-loving plants that work well in the Grand Junction area.  It also includes converting from high-water lawns to low-water grasses. 

The most significant portion of residential water is used for landscaping, so why not install low-water-use plants to save water and money? Rebates of $2 per square foot are available for approved applicants who replace high-water grass with low-water plants. 

When converting high-water grass to low-water grass or groundcover species, a $1-per-square-foot rebate is available. These areas are typically seeded or plugs are planted to install a new waterwise groundcover, lawn, or native meadow-like grass area. 

These two rebate programs can be used simultaneously.

Qualifications for the Waterwise Lawn Program

1. Be a City of Grand Junction Water user. Review your address to ensure you are within the city water service area.
2. Have living high water turf areas between 300 - 2,000 square feet (residential) or 300 - 5,000 square feet (commercial or non-residential). Contact us to discuss larger areas. 
3. Water Conservation Specialist  MUST confirm live turf and approve the application prior to turfgrass being changed.

Properties that have already been converted to low-water grasses do not qualify for the program. To protect existing trees during or after conversion, review the Know Your Roots information.

Steps on how to apply for the program (applications remain open until funds are exhausted):  

1. Schedule a consultation with the Water Conservation Specialist .
2. Fill out the  Waterwise Lawn Application. The application requires the submission of multiple documents. Review the checklist to ensure you are fully prepared to apply.
3. Receive approval for the project before abandoning or removing high-water grass.
4. Get inspired by reading the Waterwise Lawn Guidebook.
5. Coordinate and complete a final inspection with our Water Conservation Specialist. 
6. Receive your rebate funds and enjoy your new grass or water-wise landscape! 

Sign up to receive updates on the Waterwise Lawn Program through the City Notify Me list.