Aurora Water incentivizes the conversion of water-guzzling turf lawns to water-wise landscapes through our Grass Replacement Incentive Program (GRIP). Water-wise landscapes are attractive, lower-maintenance yards that save water, provide wildlife habitat, and withstand drought.
Whether you choose a colorful plant-based landscape or water-wise or native grass, switching to a water-wise landscape through GRIP will conserve water and save money on your water bill.
GRIP Residential Customers:
- Aurora Water must approve all projects before installation. Rebates are not retroactive.
- Areas to be converted must have existing, maintained Kentucky bluegrass. Yards that contain barren soil or significant bare patches of soil and weeds do not qualify.
- Residential projects can include front yards, sides, backyards and curbside landscapes. For size requirements, refer to the GRIP manual.
- A phasing option is available.
- The rebate is issued as a one-time payment via check. Please see the GRIP manual for details on rebate coverage.
- The GRIP rebate is a dollar amount based on the project area's square footage. The amounts are as follows.
- $3 per square foot for a traditional water-wise landscape, which combines low-water shrubs, perennials and ornamental grasses with mulch and landscape features.
- $0.50 per square foot for a water-wise grass landscape using warm-season native or low-water grass.
- Aurora Water conservation staff will finalize the project area's size and the total rebate amount. The size is measured in square feet and rounded up to the nearest square foot.
- Water conservation rebates of $600 or more are considered taxable income by the Internal Revenue Service. Participants must submit a W-9 form in their application and will receive a 1099 form.
- Rebates are subject to denial if requirements outlined in the Grass Replacement Incentive Program (GRIP) Manual are not followed.