Several Arizona cities pay homeowners to replace grass with water-wise desert landscaping. The most important rule everywhere: get approval before you remove anything. Work started early usually doesn't qualify.
Phoenix
- $2 per square foot of grass removed.
- At least 250 sq ft. Projects over 5,000 sq ft are reviewed case by case.
- You must own the home and be a Phoenix Water customer. The grass must be at least 75% live (dormant grass counts).
- Pre-approval is required (allow up to 3 weeks), and work must be finished within 6 months.
- Landlords of single-family rentals can apply too.
Chandler
- $1.50 per square foot, up to $2,000 per property.
- At least 500 sq ft converted. You need a Notice to Proceed first, and the work must be done within 90 days.
- Artificial turf does not qualify.
Scottsdale
- Grass removal rebate of up to $5,000. The 2026 round closed Oct 31, 2026 and is expected to reopen next season.
- Still open through April 30, 2027: pool removal (up to $1,500), smart irrigation controller (up to $250) and smart home water monitor (up to $100).
Mesa, Gilbert, Glendale, Peoria, Tucson and others
Many Arizona water utilities run similar programs, and amounts change often. Check your city's water conservation page before you start.
Smart irrigation controller rebates
A WaterSense-labeled smart irrigation controller adjusts watering to the weather automatically. Several cities help pay for one. You must be a customer of that city's water utility, and the controller must carry the EPA WaterSense label.
| City | Rebate | Key rules |
|---|---|---|
| Peoria | Up to $250 | Standalone WaterSense controller; Peoria water customers; 1 per household every 7 years; apply within 1 year of buying and installing. |
| Chandler | 50% of cost, up to $250 | Chandler water customers; WaterSense controller; 1 per household per 5 years; installation not covered. |
| Gilbert | Up to $250 per household | Purchases on or after Sep 26, 2022. |
| Scottsdale | Up to $250 | Scottsdale Water customers; bought on or after July 8, 2026; apply by Apr 30, 2027. |
| Surprise | Controller cost, up to $125 | Excludes labor, shipping and tax. Check the city site for the current application window. |
| Phoenix | Up to $75 | WaterSense controller; buy within 60 days of applying; 1 per property per 10 years. Confirm the program is open before you buy. |
| Glendale | Offered; amount not confirmed | Glendale's water conservation rebates cover WaterSense smart irrigation controllers. |
No controller rebate found (Nov 2026): Goodyear (free irrigation check instead), Mesa, Tucson and Flagstaff. Yuma has mentioned a controller program; check with the city.
Want it installed? Find licensed irrigation contractors near you.
Tips before you apply
- Measure your grass area and take "before" photos.
- Ask about artificial turf. Chandler excludes it, and many programs require plants or desert landscaping instead.
- Plan drip irrigation for the new plants. See our watering guide.
Sources
- City of Phoenix: Residential Grass Incentives
- City of Chandler: Grass Removal Rebate Policy
- City of Scottsdale: Residential Rebates
Last checked Nov 5, 2026. Programs and rules change; confirm with the source before you act.