District (MWD) has approved a measure to give homeowners in
drought-plagued Southern California a rebate for using synthetic turf.
Lawn watering makes up 50 to 70 percent of the water used by
homeowners. Las Vegas started offering rebates in 2002 and still
continues to do so.
According to MWD spokesman Bob Muir, the rebates will equal 30 cents
per square foot of turf, or between 2 and 3 percent of the estmated
retail cost of $12 per square foot. In Las Vegas, $1 per square foot
is offered. Encinitas, CA, Mayor James Bond, who is also a member of
the Water Authority and Metropolitan boards, said he thinks this is a
better plan than encouraging homeowners to xeriscape. Bond said in the
story, "People still like green grass. It's part of the culture. And a
culture shift takes time." Bond said he expects the agencies that buy
and deliver Metropolitan's water, including the Water Authority, would
probably follow Metropolitan's lead and offer additional synthetic
turf rebates. Metropolitan is Southern California's main water
supplier, serving nearly 18 million people in six counties, including
San Diego County. The rebates cover the agency's entire service area.
Muir said people who wanted more information about the turf rebate and
other water conservation financial incentives, such as high efficiency
sprinklers, washers and other items, should go to www.bewaterwise.com.
[Posted by grassestimate.com the Bay Area synthetic grass installer.]