Water Conservation Rebate Programs In Arizona

Pre-Approval Processes Per City

Here is the pre-approval roadmap for the major cities in the Maricopa area as of 2026:

Summary of “Must-Haves” for All Cities

Living Grass: If the lawn is already dirt or dead weeds, you are 100% disqualified.

W-9 Form: Because these rebates often exceed $600, the IRS views them as taxable income.

Utility Account: You must be the property owner and the name on the water bill must match the applicant.

Water Conservation Rebate Pre-Approval Process For the City of Phoenix

Here’s the 5-step process from the City of Phoenix Water Services Department.

• Submit a Pre-Removal Application: Apply online with the city before touching any grass. You must provide an aerial map of the removal area and a project description.
• Submit “Before” Photos: Provide at least two clear photos of the existing lawn. The grass must be “living and healthy” (at least 75% density) to qualify.
• Wait for the “Notice to Proceed” (NTP): This is the most critical step. If the grass is removed before you receive this written document, the project is disqualified.
• Complete the Conversion: You typically have 90 to 180 days (depending on the city) to finish the work. Ensure your plan includes the required percentage of low-water-use plants to meet canopy requirements.
• Submit “After” Photos & W-9: Once finished, submit final photos and a completed IRS W-9 form. The city may perform a post-installation inspection before mailing your check.

Find out more about the water conservation rebate in Phoenix: Residential Grass Incentives

• Note: Requires the “myPHX311” portal for application.

Water Conservation Rebate Pre-Approval Process For the City of Scottsdale

Scottsdale has one of the strictest and most lucrative programs.

• Pre-Approval Step: You must apply online and wait for a virtual or in-person consultation with a Water Conservation Specialist.
• Wait Time: Typically 4–6 weeks to receive your “Notice to Proceed.”
• Turf Rule: Artificial turf is allowed but must be combined with low-water-use plants. It cannot be the only material used.
• Key Detail: If you are a commercial or HOA client, you must also obtain Planning & Development Services approval before the water rebate is issued.

Find out more about the water conservation rebate in Scottsdale:Rebates

• Note: You must apply between May and March of the following year.

Water Conservation Rebate Pre-Approval Process For the City of Mesa

Mesa focuses heavily on “Xeriscape” rather than just turf.

• Pre-Approval Step: You must submit a detailed landscape plan (to scale) that includes a plant list. An Environmental Sustainability staff member must inspect the grass while it is still living.
• Turf Rule: Artificial turf alone does not qualify. You must have at least 50% plant canopy coverage in the conversion area at maturity.
• Bonus: Mesa offers a “Tree Bonus” ($50–$100) if you plant a desert-adapted tree as part of the conversion.

Find out more about the water conservation rebate in Mesa: Grass-to-Xeriscape Program

• Note: Offers a “Tree Bonus” if you add desert-adapted trees.

Water Conservation Rebate Pre-Approval Process For the City of Tempe

Tempe’s process is highly educational.

• Pre-Approval Step: You are required to schedule a free consultation with a conservation specialist.
• Education Requirement: For certain plant-related bonuses, you may need to complete a Sustainable Living Workshop (online or in-person) within 90 days of your application.
• Turf Rule: They require 30% plant coverage of the removed grass area. Like others, a “Notice to Proceed” is required before any demolition.

Find out more about the water conservation rebate in Tempe: Water Efficiency & Education Grant

Note: Non-residential only for the large grant; check Residential Rebates for home

Water Conservation Rebate Pre-Approval Process For the City of Chandler

Chandler recently updated its program (effective Jan 1, 2026).

• Pre-Approval Step: Submit a “Pre-Grass Removal Application” including aerial maps (Google Earth is usually fine) and photos of the healthy lawn.
• Turf Rule: Artificial turf is reviewed on a case-by-case basis during the pre-application meeting. It is typically limited to a maximum of 1,000 sq. ft. and requires 50% plant coverage elsewhere in the project.
• Project Window: You must complete the work within 90 days of receiving your Notice to Proceed.

Find out more about the water conservation rebate in Chandler: Single Family Grass Removal Policy

• Note: New rules as of Jan 1, 2026: Rebate is now $1.50 per sq. ft. (max $2,000).

Water Conservation Rebate Pre-Approval Process For the City of Glendale

Glendale is one of the few that offers a specific, though smaller, carve-out for turf.

• Pre-Approval Step: Submit an online application with a W-9 form upfront.
• Turf Rule: Unlike other cities that lump turf into “landscaping,” Glendale offers a specific rate: $0.25 per sq. ft. for artificial grass (capped at $250), whereas full Xeriscape (plants/granite) can get up to $1.00 per sq. ft. (capped at $3,000).

Find out more about the water conservation rebate in Glendale: Rebates

• Note: Offers specific (though lower) amounts specifically for artificial grass.

Xeriscape Conservation Rebate Pre-Approval Process For the City of Peoria

Peoria’s program is strictly for conversion to desert plants. Artificial turf is ineligible and its installation in the removal area will disqualify you from the rebate.

• Verify Eligibility: You must be a City of Peoria water customer.
• Schedule Pre-Consultation: You must call (623) 773-7861 or email conservation@peoriaaz.gov to schedule a consultation before starting.
• Document “Before” State: Take photos of the existing, routinely irrigated, and manicured grass (must have at least 50% coverage).
• Submit Application: Apply via the Peoria Online Portal.
• Wait for Approval: Do not remove grass until you receive official confirmation from city staff.

Find out more about the water conservation rebate in Peoria: Xeriscape Conversion Rebate

Note: Artificial turf is ineligible here; conversion must be to desert plants.

Xeriscape Rebate Pre-Approval Process For the City of Avondale

Avondale offers up to $800 for residential conversions and has specific rules regarding the use of native plants.

• Review Application: Download the specific Xeriscape Rebate Application.
• Schedule Pre-Inspection: You must have a city inspector visit your property to verify the “before” condition of the living grass.
• Submit W-9: A completed IRS W-9 form must be submitted with your initial application.
• Receive “Notice to Proceed”: Wait for written approval before any demolition begins.

Find out more about the water conservation rebate in Avondale: Turf-to-Xeriscape Application

• Note: Requires an inspection before you begin.