Gilbert has launched a residential grass removal rebate program to reduce the community’s outdoor water usage. 

Residents may be eligible to receive up to $800 for replacing their lawns with low-water-use landscaping. 

Replacing grass with desert-friendly landscapes can reduce a household’s outdoor water use by 50 percent or more. This can lead to significant savings on water bills, too. 

Gilbert’s new residential grass removal rebate program has a limited amount of funds and is currently available on a first-come, first-served basis.  However, based on the program’s success, this offer may be renewed in the future.

Most of Gilbert’s water is used outdoors, according to the town.

Because of the Colorado River water shortage, town officials said it is critical to find more ways to conserve water and use it more efficiently. 

For residents looking for other ways to  conserve, the town offers an additional $250 in rebates for those installing a  smart irrigation controller.
 
Smart irrigation controllers automatically adjust watering schedules based on the weather, which can reduce watering inefficiencies and save customers time and money. 

Those people interested in learning more about all the rebate programs available can visit gilbertaz.gov/WaterRebates. 

Since activating the first stage of Gilbert’s Water Supply Reduction Management Plan in June 2022, Gilbert has launched four rebate programs to incentivize residential and non-residential customers to use water more efficiently. 

The town is taking steps to reduce its municipal usage by removing non-essential grass near buildings and other locations, investing in critical infrastructure projects that strengthen its water portfolio and prioritizing responsible growth in planning.  

Earlier this month, Gilbert signed a federal water agreement to reduce its consumption of Colorado River water through 2025.  

Gilbert has a diverse and resilient water supply portfolio and an action plan in place to sustain periods of reduced supply, according to town officials.

Officials said the drought and water shortage has made no immediate impact to Gilbert’s ability to meet the needs of our community, but they urge residents to begin conservation efforts now.

Residents interested in more information on how the shortage on the Colorado River impacts Gilbert can visit gilbertaz.gov/WaterShortage.