The Turf Replacement Incentive Rebate Program supports water conservation by replacing lawn with Tahoefriendly native and adaptive vegetation that supports soil conservation, water quality, defensible space, and wildlife habitat. Applicants must work in good faith with the District in meeting these program goals.

All rebates are subject to availability of funds. For a limited time, the District is offering the Turf Buy Back rebate program to Tahoe Keys POA, Lukins Brothers, and Lakeside Park Water Customers. See details below for rebate amounts. 

South Tahoe Public Utility District Water Customers

Residential: $1.50/sq. ft. up to a maximum of 2,000 sq. ft. or $3,000.00

Commercial: $1.50/sq. ft. up to a maximum of 3,000 sq. ft. or $5,000.00

Tahoe Keys POA Water Customers

Rebates are available to Single Family Residences within the Tahoe Keys POA.

Rebate amount: $1.50 per sq. ft. up to a maximum of 300 sq. ft. or $450.00

Lakeside Park Water Customers

Residential: $1.50/sq. ft. up to a maximum of 2,000 sq. ft. or $3,000.00

Commercial: $1.50/sq. ft. up to a maximum of 3,000 sq. ft. or $5,000.00

Lukins Brothers Water Customers

Residential: $1.50/sq. ft. up to a maximum of 2,000 sq. ft. or $3,000.00

Commercial: $1.50/sq. ft. up to a maximum of 3,000 sq. ft. or $5,000.00

1. To be eligible for the Turf Buy Back rebate, your lawn must be within the South Tahoe Public Utility District (District) boundaries.
   • Tahoe Keys POA, Lakeside Park, and Lukins Water customers are eligible for the rebate while grant funding last or through December 2025.
2. If you are not the property owner or account holder, the property owner needs to provide the District written consent to issue you the rebate. 
3. Lawn must be established, irrigated and maintained turf. Lawn can be dying in place when emergency drought regulations are in effect
4. Before beginning your turf conversion, the following actions need to take place:
   • Apply for the program through your WaterSmart Customer Portal at stpud.watersmart.com.
   • Must have a lawn verification site visit to be accepted into the program.
5. You commit to maintain the turf conversion while you own the property for a minimum of 5 years. If lawn is reinstalled at that time, the entire or partial rebate amount must be refunded to the District.
6. You agree to participate in an irrigation efficiency evaluation for remaining turf areas when applicable.

1. Complete and submit application mywater.stpud.us.
2. District staff will contact you to schedule a pre-conversion site visit to confirm eligibility. Site visits conducted May through October.
3. Project requirements:
   • Lawn may be physically removed or covered by sheet mulching (in some cases herbicide may be used but is not recommended).
   • Lawn must not be reinstalled or relocated elsewhere on the property. 
   • Only mulched permeable landscapes are allowed in the rebated area (mulch, rock, decomposed granite, flagstone, etc.)
     • The converted area must be completely covered by a layer of mulch permeable to air and water. Common mulching materials include rock, gravel, bark, pine needles, wood chips, and small areas of contained coarsely textured compost or decomposed granite.
     • The use of permeable landscape fabric is only recommended under rocked landscape areas and paths, not in planting bed areas.
     • Patios or walkways constructed of materials such as sand or soil set pavers, stones, bricks, flagstones, and/or decomposed granite (DG) should not exceed 25% of the rebate area.
     • Areas landscaped with solid plastic sheeting, artificial turf, concrete/asphalt, mortared patios and paths do not qualify for the rebate.
   • At completion, converted areas must contain 15% living plant cover at 5-year plant maturity.
     • What plants count toward the 15% living plant cover requirement? 2023 Turf Buy Back Rebate Program Native or climate adapted plants with low to moderate water use requirements.
     • What plants do not count? Annual plants that do not survive the winter, seeded areas that are not grown in yet, existing plants, federally and locally listed invasive plants, and potted plants.
     • Make sure that the plants you choose are appropriate for the site, for example, they receive enough light and water.
   • If you have an existing irrigation system in the project area, you must choose one of the following options:
     • Cut off irrigation valve, remove it and cap the pipes.
     • Remove and cap all sprinkler heads.
     • Remove and cap all but select sprinkler heads and convert remaining heads to a drip system which include pressure regulation and a filter that meet manufacture specifications.
     • Cut the output side of the irrigation valve and convert to a drip system with a pressure regulator and filter at the source.
   • If you do not have an existing irrigation system, you may do the following:
     • Install a new irrigation valve with backflow prevention, a pressure regulator, filter and drip irrigation system.
     • Install a new above ground irrigation system at the hose bib with anti-syphon valve, a pressure regulator, filter and drip irrigation system. 
     • Hand water.
4. Once project is finished based on above requirements and before the rebate deadline date, contact Water Conservation Program staff to set up a turf conversion inspection.
   • District staff will meet with you at the site to verify that program requirements have been met. Upon rebate approval:
     • District staff collects a plant list with number of each plant indicated and verifies plant cover requirement.
     • District staff collects completed W-9 tax form.
   • If the turf conversion is not approved, you will be informed of what modifications need to be made.
5. Please allow 30-60 days after District staff approves conversion and all paperwork has been submitted to receive the rebate check. Checks are issued only to the property owner or owner’s appointed representative

Tax Notice: All rebates require submittal of a W-9 form to the District prior to payment. All personal information provided within the W-9 are kept confidential in accordance with the Privacy Act. If your total rebate amount is $600 or more, you will receive a 1099 form to comply with Internal Revenue Service requirements.

1. The District only verifies that the requirements of the Turf Buy Back Program are met. You are responsible for complying with all laws, policies, codes, and covenants that may apply.
2. Always consider defensible space, erosion control practices and land coverage allowances in your conversion as we live in an environmentally sensitive and extremely high-risk fire zone.
   • For information on the Best Management Practices Retrofit Ordinance, please visit Tahoe BMPs or call 775-589-5282. Visit TRPA Land Coverage to learn more about land coverage.
   • For information on California Defensible Space law, please visit Tahoe Living with Fire.
   • Request and schedule a free defensible space inspection: City of South Lake Tahoe – South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue or Unincorporated El Dorado County - Lake Valley Fire Protection District