Replace your water-thirsty lawn with sustainable, drought tolerant landscaping with our Lawn Conversion Rebate, offered in partnership with Zone 7 Water Agency.

How Much is the Rebate?

This rebate is $1 per square foot of lawn removed, up to a maximum of:

• $2,000 for single-family homes
• $6,000 for multi-family and non-residential properties

This rebate will reimburse the cost of purchasing qualified drought-tolerant plants, mulch, compost, permeable hardscapes, and drip irrigation supplies. This rebate cannot be used towards sales tax or the cost of any deliveries, installation, labor, personal items, equipment rental, or tools.

How to Apply

Step 1: Confirm your Eligibility

• This rebate is only available to Livermore Municipal Water customers. If you are unsure who your water service provider is, use our Address Look Up Map.

• The lawn area that will be removed must currently have sprinkler irrigation to qualify for this rebate. 

• There are no retroactive rebates. Your application must be approved before you begin your project.

Step 2: Create your Landscape Design

The first step of the lawn conversion rebate process is designing your new landscaping. Create a detailed list of your proposed plants and an aerial drawing on grid paper to show the project dimensions. This list and drawing are required to apply for the rebate.

Visit our Water-Wise Landscaping page for resources to help you design your yard and make sure your design meets the following rebate requirements:

• Your project must remove at least 100 square feet of lawn if it is visible from the sidewalk or at least 200 square feet of lawn if it is in the backyard.

• The existing sprinkler system must be capped in place or converted to a low-volume drip system. 

• The lawn area must replaced with plants found on the Tri-Valley Water-Wise website or plants that are listed as "Very Low" or "Low" water use for Region 1: Livermore on the Water Use Classification of Landscape Species (WUCOLS) website. At least 50% of your project area must be covered by qualified plants once they are fully mature.
  
  
• The converted area must be covered with at least three inches of mulch with no exposed soil. 

• Artificial turf, non-biodegradable weed block materials, and non-permeable hardscapes (concrete, bricks, flagstone) that have been mortared into place are not covered by this rebate. 

Step 3: Submit your Application

To apply for the rebate, submit a lawn conversion rebate application to Zone 7 Water Agency. Along with this application, you will need to include:

• a detailed list of proposed plants
• an aerial drawing on grid paper to show the project measurements
• a picture of the lawn area that will be converted
• proof of HOA approval if necessary

Visit the Zone 7 Water Agency website to download the rebate application.

Step 4: Wait for Pre-Approval Before Starting Landscaping Work

Your rebate application must be pre-approved before you begin your lawn conversion project. After you submit your application, Zone 7 Water Agency staff will review the design to ensure it meets the rebate requirements. 

It typically takes Zone 7 one to two weeks to review applications. For an update on the status of your submitted application, contact Zone 7 Water Agency at rebates@zone7water.com.

Step 5: Start Landscaping

Once you have received pre-approval, you may begin your project. Landscaping must be completed within 120 days after your application is pre-approved.

Step 6: Submit Photos and Receipts

After landscaping is complete, email Zone 7 Water Agency the following:

• photocopies of all receipts for plants, mulch, compost, and irrigation supplies
• photos of your completed landscaping project

Zone 7 Water Agency will then confirm through phone or email how much your rebate amount will be.

Step 7: Receive your Rebate

Your rebate will appear as a credit on your Livermore Municipal Water bill. Please allow six to eight weeks for processing. For an update on your rebate processing status, call (925) 960-4320.

Frequently Asked Questions