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Grass Replacement Incentive Program (GRIP)

UPDATE: Applications for the fall 2024 rebate open on Nov. 5. 

 
  2024 Fall Group  2025 Spring Group 2025 Fall Group
 2026 Spring Group

Application Submission Period 

Nov. 1, 2024 to Jan. 1 2025
March 1, 2025 to July 1, 2025 
 Nov. 1, 2025 to Jan. 1 2026 March 1, 2026 to July 1, 2026

Install Deadline

July 31, 2025 
  Oct. 15, 2025 July 31, 2026
 Oct. 15, 2026

Aurora Water incentivizes the conversion of water-guzzling turf lawns to water-wise landscapes through our Grass Replacement Incentive Program (GRIP), formerly known as the Water-Wise Landscape Rebate. 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 and participants will receive a 1099 form.
  • Rebates are subject to denial if requirements outlined in the Grass Replacement Incentive Program (GRIP) Manual are not followed. 
 


Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a rebate for installing artificial turf? 

No, artificial turf doesn't count for the rebate. You may still install artificial turf per the city code but will not be eligible for the rebate. The program promotes an attractive, lower-maintenance landscape that will withstand drought and save water.

Can I still get a rebate if I have already installed a water-wise landscape?

No, rebates are not retroactive for projects completed outside the program season. Residents must participate in a cohort to get a rebate. Projects must be approved before installation to ensure they are installed correctly per city code. Your project must be started and completed during the 2024 program year. The Grass Replacement Incentive Program rebates are intended for customers with grass front, side, back yards or curbside landscapes. Rebates are not retroactive or intended for projects already completed outside the program. 

Why are there specific plant coverage and landscape feature requirements?

In line with city code, we want to ensure your landscape is aesthetically pleasing throughout the year and uses less water than traditional Kentucky bluegrass. For more information on these requirements, check out our program manual. 

Why is Aurora Water using a group model?

The group model will help facilitate more landscape projects from start to finish, ensuring people receive the education and knowledge needed to install their water-wise landscape by the deadline successfully.

Do I need a contractor to install my landscape?

No, you can do your project yourself or hire a contractor. We have plenty of resources to help with your DIY landscape. To find them, head over to our education page. 

What is the process to submit a landscape design?

If you hire a contractor, they can design your landscape. You can do it yourself, or if you are a single-family homeowner, you can participate in our free landscape design program. Our conservation staff will design a professional, aesthetically pleasing landscape that meets city code.

Grass Replacement Incentive Program (GRIP) HOA/Large Property Manual

If you are a large property customer, contact Water Conservation staff at 303.739.7195 or [email protected] to discuss the project scope.  

Beginning in 2024, large property rebates that reach a certain dollar amount will be required to sign an allocation agreement with Aurora Water. This agreement would create a new, permanent water allocation based on the water needs of the property’s landscape type (non-agreement allocations are based on meter size or average water use). These agreements allow Aurora Water to approve larger rebates while holding the property responsible for meeting water efficiency standards or otherwise gradually reimbursing the rebate funds. Please read through the Allocation Agreement Rebate Program customer guidance document below to learn more about how the program works. All rebate projects need to be approved before installation per program guidelines.

Grass Replacement Incentive Program (GRIP) Resources
To learn more about installing a water-wise landscape, go to our education page.
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