Rebates available for converting turf grass to native landscapes

The Lower Colorado River Authority has expanded its WaterSmart rebates program to help residents and businesses conserve water and save money. The rebates help offset the cost of projects to decrease water use, including upgrading irrigation systems, maintaining landscapes and pools, testing soil, and for the first time, converting turf grass to landscaping that uses less water.

Residents and businesses that receive water from an LCRA water customer and LCRA domestic use customers with contracts to draw water directly from the Highland Lakes are eligible for the rebate program. City of Austin residents and businesses are eligible for rebates from Austin Water.

Rebates for residential properties are available for 50% of the cost, up to $600, for irrigation system evaluations, pressurereducing heads and nozzles, pressure-reducing valves and in-line regulators, soil moisture sensors, rain sensors, WaterSense smart controllers, pool filters and covers, mechanical aeration, compost and mulch, and soil testing. LCRA now also offers rebates for hoseend timers and converting turf grass to native garden beds or drought-tolerant landscapes.

“Outdoor water use increases significantly during the hot summer months,” said John Hofmann, LCRA executive vice president of Water. “The drought has taken a serious toll on our water supplies, which are still far below full. We all have a role to play in extending our supplies, and LCRAis proud to expand our WaterSmart rebates to cover even more projects to help residents and businesses save money while expanding their water conservation efforts.”

Changes in landscaping and swimming pool practices can make a big difference in outdoor water use. For example, replacing about 200 square feet of grass with landscaping that doesn’t need watering can save about 2,000 gallons of water over the summer. The Environmental Protection Agency says covering a pool when it is not in use is the most effective method to reduce water losses from evaporation and can save up to 95% of pool water evaporation.

“We know that homeowners typically use up to 70% of their water outdoors during summers, so it makes sense that’s where the biggest water savings are available,” Hofmann said. “Covering pools, putting a timer on a hose, making sure sprinkler systems are working efficiently, and taking care of the soil all help save water. These rebates can help cover those costs.”