Chandler’s large water user rebate programs assist with water efficiency at multi-family, homeowner association and commercial/industrial properties. Chandler customers with an active water account can take advantage of these great programs. Our rebate programs include: up to $75,000 for large landscape grass removal (convert to low-water-use plants), up to $3,000 to install a smart irrigation controller, or 50% of the cost to install new water-efficient technology with real-time data alerts. Funds are limited and rebates will be processed in order of application date until funds are depleted. Please review the rebate policy guidelines before submitting an application.
Large Landscape Grass Removal Rebate Program Policy: $75,000 maximum
The rebate program encourages the installation of low-water-use, drought-tolerant plants (xeriscape) in lieu of grass, thereby creating a permanent reduction in the amount of water applied to landscapes. This program will assist commercial, industrial, HOA and multi-family properties with large landscape conversions. The rebate program reimburses 25% of the total project cost, plus an additional incentive of $3 per square foot to remove nonfunctional turf, as determined by the department.
- A least 5,000 square feet of grass must be removed unless all remaining grass is removed from the property and a waiver is issued by the Public Works & Utilities Water Conservation Office.
- Plant material in the conversion area must be listed on the Phoenix AMA Low-Water-Use/Drought-Tolerant Plant List and, at typical mature size, must provide a minimum plant canopy coverage of 50% or match the existing density, as determined by the Water Conservation Office. Email Water Conservation with plant coverage inquiries.
- Non-pervious materials such as black plastic sheeting are not permitted in the rebated area.
- Installation of artificial turf will be determined on a case-by-case basis, which will be discussed during the Pre-Application meeting. If artificial turf is used, it must be tacked down per the manufacturer’s specifications, cannot include sprinkler irrigation, and must not exceed 1,000 square feet.
- No fountains, pools, or other water-intensive features are permitted in the conversion area.
- Scale drawings with a plant list/legend must be submitted and will be sent to the Planning and Development team for review.
- Non-Functional Grass incentives are issued as determined by the Public Works & Utilities Water Conservation Office. Non-Functional Grass area include the following:
- Any narrow strips of grass, especially areas with any single dimension of ten (10) feet or less.
- Grass areas exceeding a 4:1, or twenty-five percent (25%), slope.
- Grass areas that are not accessible by paved pathways and/or are restricted by physical barriers that prohibit accessibility.>
- Grass areas are installed closer than ten (10) feet to a street and/or in front entryways to residential neighborhoods or subdivisions where other recreational amenities do not exist.
- Grass areas are dedicated to drainage conveyances, storm basins, erosion control, or operational discharge and are not historically utilized for active programmed recreational purposes.
- Any grass area not historically used for recreational purposes and are primarily aesthetic or ornamental
- Please read and understand the Large Landscape Grass Removal Rebate Policy before submitting your application.
The rebate is a two-step process. A “Pre-Conversion Approval Notice to Proceed (NtP)” form must be submitted prior to starting the project. Projects started before the first form has been submitted will be ineligible.
Materials needed to submit the first form:
- Updated W-9
- Scale drawings with a detailed plant list for the conversion area(s)
- “Before” pictures of the grass area(s)
Resources for Getting Started
- Landscape Plants for the Arizona Desert
- Phoenix AMA Low-Water-Use / Drought-Tolerant Plant List
- Example Low Water Use Landscapes
- Xeriscape: Landscaping With Style in the Arizona Desert
- Guide to Hiring a Landscape Professional
- 10 Reasons Why Artificial Turf May Not Be What You’re Looking For
- Good Reasons to Take Out Your Grass
- How to Remove Grass
- How to Protect Established Trees
Apply for a Rebate
Apply for Rebate Notice to Proceed or Final Approval Policy
Email completed applications to Water Conservation, if you have any questions about the rebate process or requirements to qualify.
Applications are generally processed within 10 business days. Rebates will be processed in the order in which they are received. Funds are limited. Rebates will be processed until funds are depleted.
Large User Smart Controller Rebate Program Policy: $3,000 maximum
The Large User Smart Controller Rebate program encourages the installation of WaterSense-approved smart irrigation controllers, that provide a permanent reduction in the amount of water applied to landscapes. These irrigation controllers use current weather data and site conditions, such as slope, soil type, plant type, and more to apply the right amount of water to the landscape.
The rebate program reimburses 50% of the cost (tax & installation not included) to install up to five (5) controllers. Enhancements that improve the controllers’ water efficiency, such as soil moisture sensors and on-site weather stations, may be considered at the discretion of the Water Conservation Office.
To be eligible for a rebate:
- The controller must be listed on the EPA WaterSense Weather-Based Irrigation Controllers List
- Have not received a smart irrigation controller rebate in the past five years
- The controller must be purchased within one year of the application
To process your rebate, we require 3 images with the online application, including:
- An image of the receipt
- An image of the controller installed
- A screenshot of the watering schedule programmed on the mobile app for each controller
Applications are generally processed within 3-5 business days. Funds are limited. Rebates will be processed until funds are depleted.
Water Efficient Technology Rebate Program Policy
This program is intended to incentivize the installation of water-efficient technologies that utilize high-resolution data and real-time monitoring of system operation, providing alert notifications designed to reduce water use. The rebate reimburses up to 50% of the cost of the technology.
Water-efficient technology may qualify if it incorporates the following elements:
- Real-time monitoring of water using equipment
- Online platform to view water consumption and usage alerts
Qualifying Technology
- Remote read cooling tower controllers
- Water usage and leak monitoring and associated technology
- Submeters and associated technology
- Irrigation control system with controller, master valve, and flow sensor
Rebate Process
- Read the program policy and requirements
- Submit the WET Rebate Application, scope of work including cost estimates, and W-9 to the Water Conservation before the technology is installed
- Water Conservation Team will review the application and conduct a pre-inspection. If approved, a Notice to Proceed will be issued to begin your project
- When your project is completed, notify the Water Conservation Team to schedule a final inspection
- When approved, a check will be issued to the address listed on your W-9
Apply for a Rebate
Email completed applications to Water Conservation.
Applications are generally processed within 10 business days. Please note, funds are limited, and rebates will be processed until funds are depleted.
