Water Leaders Vote 'YES' to Synthetic Turf Rebates

According to MWD spokesman Bob Muir, the rebates will equal 30 cents per square foot of turf, or between 2 and 3 percent of the estmated retail cost of $12 per square foot. In Las Vegas, $1 per square foot is offered. Encinitas, CA, Mayor James Bond, who is also a member of the Water Authority and Metropolitan boards, said he thinks this is a better plan than encouraging homeowners to xeriscape. Bond said in the story, “People still like green grass. It's part of the culture. And a culture shift takes time.” Bond said he expects the agencies that buy and deliver Metropolitan's water, including the Water Authority, would probably follow Metropolitan's lead and offer additional synthetic turf rebates. Metropolitan is Southern California's main water supplier, serving nearly 18 million people in six counties, including San Diego County. The rebates cover the agency's entire service area. Muir said people who wanted more information about the turf rebate and other water conservation financial incentives, such as high efficiency sprinklers, washers and other items, should go to www.bewaterwise.com.