The purpose of the Water-wise Landscape Rebate (WWLR) program is to incentivize the conversion of water-guzzling turf lawns to water-wise landscapes. Water-wise landscapes are attractive, lower maintenance yards that save water and withstand drought. The WWLR program:
• Introduces the community to the beauty and benefits of water-wise landscapes.
• Helps customers make informed decisions regarding their outdoor water use and achieve their conservation goals.
• Helps customers in designing and installing a beautiful new yard. With these goals in mind, the WWLR program helps customers plan, prepare and ultimately receive a rebate for their approved landscape conversions.
Program Specifics
Requirements
To maximize its effectiveness, our rebate program targets Aurora’s high-water lawns. Because of this, rebate program participants are held to the following requirements:
1. All projects must be approved by Aurora Water prior to installation.
2. Areas to be converted must be grass that is in good health. See Eligibility section.
3. Only front and side yards that are readily visible to the public are eligible.
4. A 500-square-foot minimum size applies to all projects, unless the project is either the entire front yard or the curbside landscape which is the strip of grass between the sidewalk and the street.
5. A phasing option is available. Each project phase must be a minimum of 500 square feet per year. There is a maximum of one phase permitted per year.
6. To receive a rebate by the end of the year:
Application and photos of the current lawn must be submitted no later than Aug. 1.
Projects must be completed, final inspection passed and paperwork submitted by Oct. 31.
7. All participants are required to enroll in the Know Your Flow (KYF) program, which is applicable to single-family homes only.
Eligibility
The WWLR is available to residents and large property customers, including commercial, HOA, industrial and institutional customers. Conservation staff determines WWLR eligibility based on the following:
• The health of the existing lawn based on historical water consumption and submission of several recent high-quality photos that demonstrate good color, coverage, growth and few weeds.
• The water bill needs to indicate sufficient water usage during summer months for the size of the applicant’s property. This typically guarantees a decrease in water consumption after landscape conversion.
If you recently purchased your home, your property may be eligible for a partial rebate. Contact the Water Conservation office at 303.739.7195 to discuss your eligibility.