City of Bend offering turf-removal rebates of up to $3,000, to convert lawns to a low-water use landscape

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- The city of Bend announced Tuesday that its water customers can now receive a Turf Removal Rebate to convert lawns into a low-water use landscape. 

The City Water Conservation program is providing another innovative way to help customers save water and money, officials said.

Beginning this month, city water customers can apply to the new Turf Removal Rebate program and earn $3 per square foot (up to $3,000) to remove currently planted and thriving lawns into low-water xeriscapes. This water-wise type of gardening conserves water and helps protect the environment and valuable resources. 

 “As the water demands continue to grow in Central Oregon, we need to take additional steps to reduce outdoor water use and meet our goals,” said Dan Denning, the city's Water Conservation Program manager. “The City’s Water Conservation program focuses on teaching and implementing best water-use practices to help customers conserve without sacrificing the quality of the High Desert lifestyle they enjoy. Incentivizing the replacement of water-thirsty plants to low-water, drought-tolerant landscapes save our customers on their water bill and greatly reduces the water demand.”  

During peak irrigation season in the summer, Bend's water use can escalate to 26 million gallons per day. Through water-saving programs such as this, and other rebate and educational campaigns, the city says the Water Conservation team has helped slow the daily demand for water despite the growth in population, industry and tourism. 

The Turf Removal Rebate program will continue through 2024, until the $75,000 in allotted funds are used. Participation is on a first-come, first-served basis and an application and approval is required. To learn more about the City of Bend Water Conservation program and the rebates offered, visit bendoregon.gov/conservation.