Existing living grass
The program pays for qualifying grass removal. WCWCD says visible grass blades must remain for the pre-conversion inspection; removing the lawn first makes the project ineligible.
Independent guide · Sources verified August 24, 2026
Washington County Landscape Rebate Calculator & Turf Checklist
Estimate the maximum potential incentive for removing living grass, then check the Washington County Water Conservancy District (WCWCD) rules that matter before you plan an artificial-turf project.
Independent resource: Artificial Turf St. George is not affiliated with or endorsed by WCWCD. Program funding and terms can change. Confirm current availability on the official WCWCD program page before making project decisions.
Estimate your maximum potential incentive
Enter your grass area to estimate the program's maximum potential payment.
This multiplies the entered area by the advertised maximum of $3 per square foot. It is not an approval or guaranteed payment. WCWCD determines the eligible conversion area and final incentive after reviewing the property and completed project.
How to measure for a planning estimate
Measure only the existing living-grass area you may remove—not the whole lot or the planned turf area. For a rectangular section, multiply length by width. For an irregular lawn, split it into smaller rectangles, calculate each area, and add them together. WCWCD will make the official measurement used for an approved incentive.
The answer in 30 seconds
- WCWCD currently offers property owners up to $3 per square foot of grass replaced with qualifying water-efficient landscaping.
- Artificial turf does not automatically qualify by itself. WCWCD says permeable artificial turf may be used in place of mulch, but all other conditions—including plant cover and drip irrigation—still apply.
- Apply and complete the required pre-conversion visit before removing or killing the grass.
Does an artificial-turf project qualify?
Not automatically. WCWCD's FAQ says permeable artificial turf can be used in lieu of mulch as one component of a qualifying water-efficient landscape. The rest of the project must still meet the program conditions.
Permeable turf
Artificial turf used in place of mulch must be permeable to air and water. Impermeable surfaces are subtracted from the eligible area.
50% mature plant cover
Plants must cover at least 50% of the converted area at maturity. WCWCD estimates mature coverage rather than judging plants only at installation size.
Drip irrigation
The planted portions must meet the program's drip-irrigation requirements, including the required pressure regulation and filtration.
Before-you-start checklist
- Confirm your community is eligible. Utah's current eligible-community list includes St. George, Washington, Santa Clara, Ivins, Hurricane, and unincorporated Washington County.
- Measure the living grass area. Use the calculator for a rough maximum only; WCWCD takes the measurements used for the actual incentive.
- Plan the whole landscape. A turf-only replacement is not enough. Include qualifying plants, drip irrigation, and permeable materials.
- Apply before demolition. Do not remove or kill the grass while you wait.
- Complete the pre-conversion visit and receive approval. Only then should installation begin.
- Keep the long-term restriction in mind. WCWCD records a conservation easement over the incentivized conversion area; it runs with the property and restricts returning that area to irrigated lawn and certain other water-intensive uses.
Example—not a promised rebate
| Measured grass area | Maximum at $3/sq. ft. | What could lower it |
|---|---|---|
| 300 sq. ft. | Up to $900 | WCWCD's measured eligible area, approval, project design, impermeable surfaces, plant coverage, irrigation requirements, and current program terms. |
| 500 sq. ft. | Up to $1,500 | |
| 1,000 sq. ft. | Up to $3,000 |
Official sources
WCWCD program page: current maximum incentive and the required pre-conversion visit. Read the official program page.
WCWCD FAQ: artificial turf, permeable materials, plant coverage, irrigation, cost, payment timing, and conservation easement rules. Read the official FAQ.
Utah Division of Water Resources: participating communities and statewide program context. Check the state eligibility list.
Common questions
Will WCWCD pay $3 per square foot for a turf-only yard?
No. The program offers up to $3 per square foot for qualifying grass converted to water-efficient landscaping. WCWCD says permeable artificial turf may replace mulch within a qualifying design, but the project must still satisfy requirements such as mature plant coverage and drip irrigation.
Can I remove the grass before applying?
No. WCWCD must document the living grass and complete the pre-conversion process before work begins. Removing or killing the lawn first can disqualify the project.
How quickly is the rebate paid?
WCWCD says it issues rebates in less than 60 days after the project is completed and all required paperwork is submitted. Confirm current timing directly with the district.
Can an HOA require grass?
WCWCD says not usually and asks homeowners whose HOA compels grass to contact the district. An HOA may still enforce design standards for a water-efficient landscape, so review the governing documents before work begins.
Ready to plan the turf portion? Request a quote or call (435) 261-2875. We can help organize the project and connect you with a local installer, but WCWCD alone decides program eligibility and payment.