How the Washington County Water Rebate Works with Artificial Turf
A clear, accurate guide to the Washington County Water Conservancy District's water-efficient landscape program — and the one step homeowners miss that can cost them the entire rebate.
The short version
The Washington County Water Conservancy District (WCWCD) will pay property owners up to $3 per square foot of grass replaced with qualifying water-efficient landscaping. Artificial turf does not automatically qualify on its own: WCWCD says permeable turf may be used in place of mulch, while the complete project must still meet requirements including plant coverage and drip irrigation. You must also apply and complete a pre-conversion site visit before any work begins.
Sources: WCWCD program page and official WCWCD FAQ.
Where turf fits in
WCWCD describes artificial turf as a possible component of the conversion—not a standalone shortcut. It may be accepted in place of mulch when it is permeable to air and water. The plan still needs qualifying living plants covering at least 50% of the converted area at maturity, along with the required drip irrigation.
Why the pre-conversion site visit matters so much
This is the step that surprises people. The WCWCD requires that your application be submitted and a site visit completed before the conversion starts. The official page is explicit: starting your project prior to application approval and the pre-conversion site visit makes the conversion ineligible.
In plain terms, the right order is:
- Check eligibility — confirm your property is in the service area and your conversion (including turf) qualifies.
- Apply first — submit the application and hold off on any work.
- Complete the pre-conversion site visit — the district reviews the site before approval.
- Get approval, then convert — once approved, proceed with the turf installation.
How the rebate affects your cost decision
Artificial turf has an upfront cost, and that's often the sticker shock. At the advertised maximum, 500 square feet of qualifying converted grass would equal up to $1,500. That is a maximum estimate—not a promise that a 500-square-foot turf installation will receive $1,500. WCWCD determines the eligible conversion area and final payment. Use our rebate calculator and checklist before comparing the result with the installation cost guide.
Common questions
Does the rebate pay for exactly $3/sq-ft of turf?
No. WCWCD pays up to $3/sq-ft for qualifying grass converted to water-efficient landscaping. Permeable turf may replace mulch within the design, but all other program conditions still apply.
Can I combine turf with rock or native plants?
A qualifying design may combine permeable turf with plants and other water-efficient materials. WCWCD requires plants to cover at least 50% of the converted area at maturity and requires drip irrigation for the planted area.
What if I already started my project?
Starting work before application approval and the pre-conversion site visit can make the conversion ineligible. If that's happened, contact WCWCD directly to understand your options.
Planning a turf project and want to understand how the rebate applies to your yard? Request a quote or call (435) 261-2875. We'll help you understand the process — and always point you to WCWCD for official confirmation.