Now is the time to put some green in your pocket for letting your lawn go brown. And for a little extra cash, throw in your old toilet.
The California Department of Water Resources this week launched a “turf and toilet” program that will pay residents to replace their lawns with drought-tolerant landscaping and replace older, water-wasting toilets with new more efficient ones. The program is open to all Californians and Redding Water Utility officials encourage City of Redding customers to take advantage of the programs.
Up to $24 million has been earmarked for the turf rebates, which will pay $2 per square foot of lawn (up to $2,000 per residence) removed and replaced with low-water plants, mulch, rocks and drip-type irrigation. Lawns, dead or alive, qualify for the turf-removal rebates, however, bare dirt areas are not eligible. Applicants must add or retain at least one tree in the new landscape.
Customers interested in the rebates may apply by mail or online at www.SaveOurWaterRebates.com. The online process requires the following steps:
- Set up an account at the website with an email address and password.
- Complete the online application. You will be required to upload five photos of the lawn to be removed, along with a copy of a recent water utility bill. You also must provide the size in square feet of the lawn to be replaced. Note that the City of Redding is not among the listed water agencies, requiring City residents to select “water agency not listed” in the drop-down menu.
- Once the application has been accepted (within two weeks), customers have 120 days to complete the landscaping project and request the rebate. Five “after” pictures of the landscape must be provided.
The rebates are offered by the state on a first-come, first-served basis. The Redding Water Utility is not directly involved in the program and customers should contact the state through the SaveOurWaterRebates.com website for questions.
The toilet rebate program allows customers to purchase a qualifying, high-efficiency toilet (1.28 gallons per flush or less) from the list at the SaveOurWaterRebates.com website, then apply and receive a rebate of up to $100 for purchase and installation. Rebates also are given on a first-come, first-served basis.
The City of Redding is under state mandates to reduce water use by 36 percent compared to the same month in 2013. So far in August, it is conserving by 33 percent.
Current restrictions in effect include:
- Even-numbered addresses may water on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday only.
- Odd-numbered addresses may water on Wednesday, Friday and Sunday only.
- No one is permitted to water outdoor landscapes on any Monday.
- Permitted time to water is between 9:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. only.
- Overwatering to the point of run-off is prohibited.
- Conspicuous watering of streets and sidewalks is prohibited.
For more information contact:
John Wendele, Water Utility Manager, 224-6068
Pam Clackler, Public Works Supervisor, 224-6068
Jon McClain, Assistant Public Works Director, 224-6068
