- Almost every turf rebate in Orange County runs through SoCal Water$mart, the regional program from the Metropolitan Water District. Your local water agency decides whether there's extra money on top.
- Commercial and HOA properties: as of October 2026, the base is $2.00 per square foot, up to 50,000 sq ft per water meter per fiscal year.
- California is phasing out drinking-water irrigation of nonfunctional turf: commercial properties starting January 1, 2028, HOA common areas starting January 1, 2029.
- Apply and get approved before any grass comes out.
The 2028 deadline for commercial properties
California's AB 1572 bans using drinking (potable) water on nonfunctional turf, which the State Water Board defines as mowed grass that isn't in a recreation or community-use area. Think lawns in front of office buildings, parking lot strips, medians and street-side grass. Once the deadline hits, that grass can't be irrigated with drinking water, so in practice most properties will have to replace it with water-wise landscaping.
- January 1, 2027: city, county, special district and other public agency properties
- January 1, 2028: commercial, industrial and institutional properties, like offices, retail, churches and schools
- January 1, 2029: HOA common areas and similar shared spaces
Single-family home yards aren't covered. Functional turf (sports fields, play areas, picnic and event lawns) is exempt, and trees can still be watered. Property owners will also have to certify compliance with the State Water Board. Official details are on the State Water Board's nonfunctional turf page. Not sure which deadline applies to your property? We'll tell you.
Step 1: find your water agency
The name on your water bill is the surest answer, because several Orange County cities are split between more than one agency. This table covers the cities we work in.
| City or area | Water agency (retail) | Regional wholesaler |
|---|---|---|
| Orange | City of Orange Water Division for most of the city. Some areas are served by Serrano Water District, East Orange County Water District or Irvine Ranch Water District. | MWDOC |
| Villa Park | Serrano Water District | MWDOC |
| Tustin | City of Tustin Water Services or Irvine Ranch Water District, depending on the address | MWDOC |
| Irvine | Irvine Ranch Water District | MWDOC |
| Costa Mesa | Mesa Water District for most of the city | MWDOC |
| Yorba Linda | Yorba Linda Water District | MWDOC |
| Placentia | Split between agencies, including Yorba Linda Water District and Golden State Water. Check your bill. | MWDOC |
| Anaheim, including Anaheim Hills | Anaheim Public Utilities | Metropolitan (direct member) |
| Fullerton | City of Fullerton | Metropolitan (direct member) |
| Santa Ana | City of Santa Ana | Metropolitan (direct member) |
MWDOC (Municipal Water District of Orange County) buys water from Metropolitan for every Orange County agency except Anaheim, Fullerton and Santa Ana, which buy directly. All of these areas are inside Metropolitan's service area, so SoCal Water$mart rebates apply. Agency boundaries change and some cities are split, so we confirm your exact agency during your property review.
Step 2: we check what your property can get
We do this part for you. During a property review we confirm your water agency, the current base rebate, any extra your agency adds, and how much of your turf qualifies, before you spend a dollar. Call 657-201-9232 or tap below.
Commercial, HOA and institutional properties
Offices, retail centers, churches, schools, apartment communities and HOA common areas use the Commercial Turf Replacement Program. As of October 2026, Metropolitan's base rate is $2.00 per square foot, up to 50,000 square feet per water meter address per fiscal year, and your agency may add more. Rates depend on funding and can change at any time.
The main program rules:
- Apply first. Reserve funds before any work starts. After approval, you have 180 days to finish and submit.
- Plants: at least 3 plants per 100 square feet of converted area.
- Rain capture: a stormwater retention feature, such as a dry riverbed, swale or rain garden.
- Hardscape: only permeable hardscape in the converted area.
- Irrigation: overhead spray sprinklers must be replaced or modified, usually with drip.
- No artificial turf. Synthetic grass doesn't qualify.
How we help you navigate it
Rebate rules, agency boundaries and state deadlines are a lot to keep track of while you're running a property. We handle it from the first walk-through to the final inspection paperwork.
- One team, start to finish. We're a licensed General Building (B) and C-27 Landscaping contractor, so the same company plans the rebate, designs the site and installs it.
- Rebate-first planning. Nothing gets torn out until the reservation is approved.
- Designs built to the rules. Plant coverage, rain capture, permeable surfaces and drip, planned before the application.
- Paperwork handled. Before and after photos, measurements and the final rebate request.
Homeowners
Residential properties use the residential Turf Replacement Program through the same SoCal Water$mart program, with the same basics: approval first, living plants, rain capture and drip irrigation. Our step-by-step homeowner guide and 5 mistakes to avoid walk through it.
Common questions
How do I find out which water agency serves my property?
Look at the name on your water bill. Some Orange County cities are split between more than one agency, so the bill is the most reliable answer. Or call us at 657-201-9232 and we'll look up your agency and current rebate for you.
Can commercial properties and HOAs get a turf rebate?
Yes. The Commercial Turf Replacement Program covers non-residential properties such as offices, schools, churches and HOA common areas. As of October 2026, the base rate is $2.00 per square foot, up to 50,000 square feet per water meter per fiscal year, and some local agencies add more. Check the program site before you plan around a number.
When does the nonfunctional turf rule start?
Government properties starting January 1, 2027, commercial, industrial and institutional properties starting January 1, 2028, and HOA common areas starting January 1, 2029. Single-family yards aren't covered, and functional turf is exempt.
Does artificial turf qualify?
No. Synthetic turf is not an approved conversion option in the SoCal Water$mart turf programs.
Managing a commercial property or HOA in Orange County?
We're a licensed General Building and C-27 Landscaping contractor based in Orange. We help property managers and HOA boards plan conversions that follow the rebate rules. See our commercial and campus rebate consulting, call 657-201-9232, or send us a message.
This page is general information, not official program rules or legal advice. Rebate amounts, terms and agency boundaries change. Confirm current details with SoCal Water$mart, your water agency, and the State Water Resources Control Board before starting a project.