STPUD Turf Buy Back Program

Requirements

• Apply and get approval before removing any lawn.
• At least 15% of the area in low-water or native plants.
• Mulch the converted area.
• Cap the valve or the sprinkler heads in the converted area, or convert to drip with a pressure regulator and filter; hand watering is fine where there is no system.
• For lawns inside South Tahoe PUD's water boundaries. A tenant needs the owner's written consent; checks go only to the property owner or the owner's appointed representative.
• Apply in the WaterSmart portal (mywater.stpud.us) and wait for the pre-conversion site visit before starting; visits run May through October. The lawn must be established, irrigated and maintained.
• Remove or sheet-mulch the lawn and cover the whole area in permeable mulch (rock, bark, pine needles, decomposed granite); permeable patios and paths at most 25%. Artificial turf, plastic sheeting, concrete and mortared paving don't qualify.
• At least 15% living plant cover at 5-year maturity from native or climate-adapted, low- to moderate-water plants. Keep the conversion at least 5 years while you own the property, or repay the rebate.
• Call Water Conservation staff for the final inspection before the rebate deadline; a W-9 is required, and a 1099 follows for $600 or more.

Steps, in order

1. Apply on South Tahoe Public Utility District’s site and wait for approval. Lawn removed before approval usually does not qualify.
2. Remove the lawn and plant to the requirements above.
3. Send what the program page asks for once the work is done.