Rebates
The District partners with Metropolitan Water District and surrounding agencies to offer customers a variety of rebates. Below are a list of the most recent rebate programs available for the servie area.
For Residential Water-Use Efficiency Incentives, Programs, and Classes please visit the water use efficiency page.
Additional tips and resources can found at Save Our Water.
Rebate Programs Available for Rainbow Water Customers
Turf Replacement Program
Are you looking to improve your yard and water bill? SoCal WaterSmart's Turf Replacement program is designed to assist commercial and residential customers with the process of replacing high water use turf with a low water use California friendly landscape. The Turf Replacement program aims to combine turf removal, irrigation modification and rainwater retention or filtration to support reuse or soil absorption of rainwater. For more information and project requirements visit SoCal WaterSmart's website.
Landscape Optimization Service
Get comprehensive, personalized start-to-finish assistance on how to reduce your water bills and maintenance costs by replacing your turf with drought-tolerant landscaping.
The Landscape Optimization Program is provided through the County of San Diego Waterscape Rebate Program's personal landscape optimization experts who work alongside customers to tailor the best combination of landscaping improvements and rebate options available.
Get expert help obtaining additional rebates for devices including smart controllers, drip irrigation and flow sensors. Replacement with artificial turf is not permitted.
The County of San Diego Waterscape Rebate Program is currently accepting applications through the website. Read more about the Landscape Optimization Program and apply online.
Large Landscape Optimization Service
Do you have a commercial or multifamily account with Rainbow Water? You can receive personalized technical assistance and exclusive incentives to complete turf replacement projects through the Landscape Optimization Service.
The Waterscape Rebate Program's Landscape Optimization Service gives property owners of large landscapes personalized, start-to-finish assistance to reduce water bills by removing unused turf and replacing it with beautiful, drought tolerant landscaping. Your personal landscape optimization experts will work with you to tailor the best combination of landscaping improvements and rebate options available, helping you to cover a large portion of the cost of upgrades.
Take advantage of all the ways to improve your landscape
Learn more and connect with the Waterscape Rebate Program team today!
- Visit the County's Landscape Optimization Service website: sandiegocounty.gov
- Email: info@waterscaperebates.com
- Call: (619) 777-9071
California Native Plant Rebates
The Waterscape Rebate Program now offers an additional $1 per square foot on top of existing turf replacement rebates when you choose California native plants. Native plants help conserve water, support pollinators, and enhance the beauty and functionality of your outdoor space while reducing maintenance needs.
Visit sandiegocounty.gov/WatershedRebates, email info@waterscaperebates.com, or call (619) 777-9071.
Available to residents and businesses in the unincorporated areas of San Diego County.
Grow with the Flow
Rainbow Water District is excited to debut a new plant program, Grow with the Flow. The program is designed to improve water efficiency by giving away an assortment of succulents for customers to plant in their yard. Succulent plants will thrive in low water flow environments, attract pollinators like butterflies and hummingbirds, add color and visual appeal to your garden.
The program is exclusive to Rainbow Water customers and is funded through a Metropolitan Water District grant. Space is limited for plant registration and customer applications are open from February through March. For more information and to apply online visit the Plant Program webpage.
Regional CropSWAP Program for Agricultural Customers
Rainbow Water is proud to partner with Rancho Water, to bring customers the Regional CropSWAP Program. Since the program launched in spring 2024, over 100 customers have applied and received grant funding totaling over $1,140,000. Projects approved for funding aim to sustain agriculture through crop upgrades or rejuvenation, improve irrigation, and other best management practices.
The CropSWAP Program is designed to address significant challenges in agricultural sustainability within the service areas of the Regional Partners. Its primary mission is to mitigate the adverse effects of water resource constraints and the escalating costs that impact agricultural sustainability. To fulfill these objectives, the program is committed to assisting farmers in overcoming both technical and financial obstacles, empowering them to invest in efficiency improvements. This approach aims to enhance the sustainability of agriculture, promote responsible resource stewardship, and build resilience within the farming community.
Space is limited. Read more about the program to identify a rebate that best fits your needs and submit an online application at regionalcropswap.com
Tree Rebate Program
Thinking about starting a turf replacement project? You can now receive a $100 rebate per tree for up to five trees planted while you replace your grass with a beautiful California friendly landscape. Tree rebate program requirements and tree list are available at: socalwatersmart.com/en/tree-rebate
Invest in Your Landscape
For more information download the SoCal WaterSmart's Turf and Tree replacement program.
Yard Upgrades Made Easier
Struggling with your turf replacement project? Don't know which plants to grow in your garden? Get one-on-one support to remove unused turf, create a water-efficient yard, and access rebates up to $5 per square foot through the County of San Diego Waterscape Rebate Program.
Drought-tolerant landscaping and California native plants are adapted to our Mediterranean climate and use up to 85% less water than traditional lawns. Plant a native garden that will attract pollinators like bees and butterflies.
The Waterscape Rebate Program unlocks rebates for upgrading your outdoor space with water-wise features, helping you collect water, save money & beautify your home.
Ready to minimize your bills and maximize your landscape? Visit sandiegocounty.gov/WatershedRebates. Contact at info@waterscaperebates.com or (619) 777-9071.
Rebates are available for residents, businesses, and agricultural producers living in the unincorporated areas of San Diego County.
Metropolitan’s Water Savings Incentive Program (WISP) is exclusively available to non-residential customers in our service area to increase water-use efficiency through funding high-efficiency equipment upgrades, installation of irrigation systems, and water management services.
The program encourages the submittal of custom projects designed for water-saving needs that assist agricultural customers in achieving their water efficiency goals. Explore the program and project examples on Metropolitan's website.
